Sir Isaac Newton was sitting under a tree, saw an apple falling, which inspired him to discover the principle of gravity. It is said that one seeker of truth, while sitting under a tree, got enlightenment.
Nathaniel: As a religious person, Nathaniel was meditating on the Scripture. He was anticipating the coming of the Messiah like all the devout Jews. It was a practice for the Rabbis to sit under a fig tree to read the Old Testament. The Lord Jesus Christ saw him in His diligent search. (John 1:48) Later, the Lord called Him to be a disciple. God saw his desire, search, and diligence to reveal Himself as the Messiah.
Zacchaeus: In contrast, Zacchaeus was not a religious, pious person or a rabbi. He was a contractor to collect taxes on behalf of the Roman Empire. Hence, he was hated by the Jews, who treated him as a traitor and excommunicated him from the religious community. However, he was a seeker and wanted to see and meet the Lord Jesus Christ. The people were not friendly to him. He could be humiliated or even become a victim of bullying and violence. Being short in stature, he could not see from behind the huge crowd. However, he was proactive, and he got an idea of the route the Lord would take. He went ahead on that road, climbed a sycamore tree, and sat there. The Lord stopped right under the tree, sought him, and he was saved. (Luke 19:1-10)
Elijah: Discouraged by the threat of Jezebel, Elijah runs for his life after a magnificent miracle of God answering by fire. He rests under a broom tree, requesting the Lord to take away his life. (I Kings 19: 1-18) Rejecting his resignation, the Lord recommissioned him for service.
Jonah: God allowed a plant to grow outside Nineveh, and Jonah got shade. But God sent a worm to destroy it. God taught Jonah the importance of compassion, not just reputation as a prophet, seeing people perish according to his prophecy.
Do I experience showers of his mercy?