What does John 1:50 teach about the rewards of faith and belief? Setting the Scene Jesus has just revealed His supernatural knowledge to Nathanael by describing what happened while Nathanael sat beneath a fig tree. Shocked, Nathanael confesses, “Rabbi, You are the Son of God; You are the King of Israel.” Immediately Jesus responds: “Jesus answered, ‘Do you believe because I told you I saw you under the fig tree? You will see greater things than these.’” (John 1:50) Faith Recognized and Affirmed • Nathanael’s instant belief is commended; Jesus speaks directly to that budding faith • The Lord’s knowledge of Nathanael’s private moment demonstrates divine omniscience, confirming Scripture’s literal truth that “nothing in all creation is hidden from God’s sight” (Hebrews 4:13) Greater Things Promised • Reward involves experiential revelation: Nathanael will witness “greater things,” a continual unveiling of Christ’s glory • Verse 51 enlarges the promise: “You will see heaven opened, and the angels of God ascending and descending on the Son of Man” (John 1:51), echoing Jacob’s ladder in Genesis 28:12—an assurance that Jesus Himself is the bridge between heaven and earth • The blessing is not abstract; it is concrete, literal, and future-oriented Scriptural Pattern of Rewards for Faith • John 11:40: “Did I not tell you that if you believed, you would see the glory of God?”—faith precedes visible glory • John 14:12: “Whoever believes in Me will also do the works that I am doing. He will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father.”—belief opens the door to participating in Christ’s works • Hebrews 11:6: “Without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who approaches Him must believe that He exists and that He rewards those who earnestly seek Him.” Rewards of Faith Today • Deeper revelation of Christ’s character through Scripture and the Spirit • Participation in kingdom work—answered prayers, transformed lives, spiritual gifts in action • Assurance and joy: faith-based confidence produces peace beyond circumstance (Philippians 4:4–7) • Future glory: eternal life and an inheritance “that can never perish, spoil, or fade” (1 Peter 1:4) Key Takeaways • Jesus notices genuine faith immediately and responds with promise • Faith is rewarded with greater sight, deeper experience, and wider participation in God’s redemptive plan • The rewards are both present (ongoing revelation) and future (eternal glory) • Belief never ends with a single moment; it opens an ever-expanding journey of seeing “greater things” as the Lord faithfully fulfills His Word |
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