A naive person will believe anything, but the shrewd person discerns his steps. Proverbs 14:15
“Do you believe in me,” asked Jesus, “because I told you that I saw you under the fig tree? You will see greater things than those! In truth I tell you,” he added, “you will all see heaven open, and the angels of God ascending and descending on the Son of Man.” John 1:50-51
Was Nathanael naïve? Jesus only said he saw Nathanael under the fig tree. Anyone could have seen him under the fig tree, right? If your brother claimed to have met a prophet, would you believe if the guy just complemented you, and related some afternoon occurance to you? How much more if your brother claimed this was THE Messiah. Maybe Nathanael believed there was something special about his time under the fig tree. We don't know, but we do know that Christ also questioned Nathanael's faith.
Jesus follows up His rhetorical question by promising more amazing signs. Luke 24:51 records the ascension: He was 'carried up into heaven.' But even greater will be the day we rise with Christ. The dead in Christ will rise; He will descend from the sky with the new Jerusalem. What an amazing sight that will be!
But until then, is it foolish to follow Him? Christ was raised! Hundreds saw Him alive firsthand. God gave us the scriptures so we may read the testimony; He gave us His Spirit so we can walk in His ways.
God, help me to discern my steps, and walk according to the truth. Thank you for the power to overcome the world through Your Son.