“When Jesus saw Nathanael coming towards him, he said of him, ‘Here is truly an Israelite in whom there is no deceit!’ Nathanael asked him, ‘Where did you come to know me?’ Jesus answered, ‘I saw you under the fig tree before Philip called you.’ Nathanael replied, ‘Rabbi, you are the Son of God! You are the King of Israel!’ Jesus answered, ‘Do you believe because I told you that I saw you under the fig tree? You will see greater things than these.’ And he said to him, ‘Very truly, I tell you, you will see heaven opened and the angels of God ascending and descending upon the Son of Man.’” (John 1:47-51) This week’s Gospel lesson continues with the glory sightings we associate with the season of Epiphany.  The first chapter of John begins in eternity (in the beginning…) and ends here with the witness of Nathaniel.  Chapter 2 immediately following this week’s text brings us down to earth as we follow Jesus and see him perform the signs that are the indicators of his true identity.  However, our verses this week are a very important connector and reference a familiar Old Testament story: Jacob’s ladder (Genesis 28).  Nathaniel will be the new Jacob although he will not have the deceitfulness of the original one.  In addition, there is no longer a need for a ladder because now Jesus himself is the connector from earth to heaven.  He alone is the way for us to be in the very presence of God.  But, what does this have to do with our lives?  A couple of things, I believe.  First, are we willing to share with others in our troubled time that Jesus is the connecting point.  He is the safe way between here and there.  Second, and just as important, if we go in Jesus’ name are we willing to do so with his character of gracious humility?  We cannot convince others of the truth of Jesus if our words and actions do not really point to him.  This continues to be a life project for me: living into his reality.  How about you?  Have a great week.