Why Fig Tree?

Some may be wondering why I chose to call my blog from Israel the Fig Tree Chronicles. Israel, as you may know, is covered with fig trees and their sweet fruit is a popular offering at meal time. I love figs and look forward to enjoying them in Israel for the summer. But, there is much deeper meaning and symbolism to the fig tree.

In the first century, disciples (called talmidim) would follow their rabbi and learn from him as they journeyed through the land. They literaly sought to be "covered in the dust" of their rabbi, following so closely as to hang on every word, which meant they would be covered by the dust kicked up by his feet. In addition to walking and learning from their rabbi, disciples would also sit at their rabbi's feet under a fig tree, where they would enjoy refreshing shade from the searing sun and nourishment from the sweet fruit. Under the fig tree was a place of physical rest and provision, as well as a place where disciples would learn the deeper truths of scripture from their beloved teachers. Ultimately, "under the fig tree" became an idiom for one who sits under the shade of a rabbi's teaching and feasts on the fruit of his discipleship.



Do you remember what Jesus said to Nathanael when Nathanael asked the Lord how He knew him. Jesus said, "When you were under the fig tree, I saw you" (John 1:48). Evidently, Nathanaeal had been sitting at his rabbi's feet under a fig tree, seeking God's instruction and wisdom. Jesus was nowhere near Nathanael, so the only way that He could have seen him under the fig tree was through supernatural vision. Jesus, Son of God, God Himself, sees all and saw Nathanael under the fig tree, earnestly seeking the knowledge of God. In that moment, Nathanael realized who Jesus truly was, believed in Him as His Lord, and began to follow Him as His teacher...His Rabbi.



My earnest desire while I am in Israel and for the rest of my journey here on earth is to sit at my Rabbi's feet, "under the fig tree." I want to know Him, seek His Wisdom, find comfort and rest in His shade, and nourishing fruit in His Word. This is my heart's desire... my life journey. It didn't begin in Israel and, Lord willing, won't end here. But, oh what an incredible privilege and joy it is to draw nearer to Him, rest in Him, and seek His wisdom under the fig trees of His Land.