John 1:35-38 is about the initial encounter between Jesus and two of John the Baptist’s disciples, where they begin to follow Jesus after John testifies that He is the Lamb of God.
35 The next day again John was standing with two of his disciples,
36 and he looked at Jesus as he walked by and said, “Behold, the Lamb of God!”
37 The two disciples heard him say this, and they followed Jesus.
38 Jesus turned and saw them following and said to them, “What are you seeking?” And they said to him, “Rabbi” (which means Teacher), “where are you staying?”
Setting the Scene for John 1:35-38
As the sun began to set over the Judean wilderness, two of John the Baptist’s disciples stood by the Jordan River, watching their teacher as he spoke to a crowd of people who had come to hear his message of repentance and baptism. Among the disciples was Andrew, a fisherman from Bethsaida, and the other disciple, who would later be revealed as John, the author of the Gospel.
As John the Baptist continued to preach, he suddenly paused and looked towards Jesus, who was approaching the river. “Behold, the Lamb of God!” John exclaimed, his voice filled with awe and reverence. Andrew and the other disciple turned to see Jesus, and their hearts were stirred with curiosity and wonder. Sensing their interest, John the Baptist encouraged them to follow Jesus, and so they left their teacher and began to walk after the one whom John had called the Lamb of God.
The scene was one of anticipation and expectation, as Andrew and the other disciple followed Jesus, eager to learn more about this man who had been identified as the long-awaited Messiah. The air was filled with a sense of divine purpose and destiny as they walked behind Jesus, their hearts open to the possibility of a life-changing encounter with the Son of God.
What is John 1:35-38 about?
This verse captures the essence of unwavering faith and commitment to following the teachings of Jesus. The immediate response of the first disciples signifies their trust and belief in Jesus as their leader and the willingness to leave behind their old way of life to embark on a new journey with Him. It demonstrates the power of conviction and the transformative impact of encountering a higher calling.
What does it mean for us in our own lives? How willing are we to set aside our comfort zone and respond to the call of faith with such promptness and dedication? This verse challenges us to reflect on our own relationship with Jesus and our readiness to follow Him wholeheartedly. It encourages us to examine the level of trust we have in His guidance and our willingness to step out in faith, just like the first disciples did. May we find inspiration in their immediate response and strive to deepen our own commitment to following Jesus with unwavering faith.
Understanding what John 1:35-38 really means
In John 1:35-38, we witness a pivotal moment as John the Baptist recognizes Jesus as the “Lamb of God” to his disciples, setting in motion the beginning of Jesus’ public ministry and the calling of His first followers. The significance of this passage lies in the profound symbolism of Jesus as the sacrificial lamb who would ultimately take away the sins of the world, echoing the imagery of the Passover lamb in Exodus 12 and the prophetic portrayal in Isaiah 53:7. The title “Lamb of God” encapsulates the essence of Jesus’ mission to offer Himself as the ultimate atonement for humanity’s transgressions, foreshadowing the redemptive work He would accomplish through His death and resurrection.
As Jesus encounters the disciples for the first time, His simple yet profound question, “What do you want?” cuts to the core of their desires and intentions, prompting introspection and inviting them to articulate their deepest longings. This question serves as a timeless invitation for all individuals to examine their own hearts and motivations, urging them to seek a genuine relationship with Christ based on authentic desires and aspirations. Just as the disciples were prompted to consider their purpose and follow Jesus, this question resonates with people today who are navigating the complexities of life and searching for meaning amidst the noise of the world.
Drawing parallels to other biblical passages such as Exodus 12:3-13, which recounts the saving power of the Passover lamb’s blood, and Isaiah 53:7, which foretells the suffering servant led like a lamb to the slaughter, we see a tapestry of divine foreshadowing culminating in Jesus’ sacrificial act of love on the cross. The imagery of the Lamb in Revelation 5:6-14 further reinforces Jesus’ ultimate victory and authority, portraying Him as the central figure worthy of all honor and praise in heaven and on earth. These interconnected threads weave a narrative of redemption and restoration, pointing towards the transformative power of Christ’s sacrifice for all who believe in Him.
In a contemporary context, the question posed by Jesus, “What do you want?” resonates with individuals grappling with questions of purpose and fulfillment in a fast-paced and often superficial world. Consider a scenario where a disillusioned young professional, despite outward success, finds themselves yearning for deeper meaning. Attending a church service where the pastor expounds on Jesus’ probing question, they are stirred to reassess their priorities and embark on a spiritual journey towards a more profound relationship with God. This anecdote illustrates the timeless relevance of Jesus’ inquiry, challenging each person to confront their innermost desires and align them with God’s purpose for their lives.
In conclusion, John 1:35-38 beckons us to follow Jesus, just as the first disciples did, and to engage in a soul-searching reflection on our true desires and aspirations. Through the lens of this passage, we are invited to embark on a journey of discovery, seeking to understand our purpose and find fulfillment in a personal relationship with Christ. As we ponder the question, “What do you want?” may we be drawn closer to the heart of God, uncovering the depths of His love and the richness of His plan for our lives.
Who are we following and what are we seeking?
We are following Jesus as the “Lamb of God,” who takes away the sin of the world. We are seeking to know more about Him and to understand His teachings. Jesus invited the disciples to come and see where he was staying in this passage. Jesus’s invitation to the disciples to “come and see” is an invitation for all of us to seek Him, to spend time with Him, and to learn from Him. We, as followers of Jesus, seek a deeper relationship with Him and a greater understanding of His message. We are called to seek out Jesus, spend time in His presence, and study His teachings, just as the disciples did with Him. We can grow in our faith and understanding of God’s will for our lives by following Jesus and seeking to know Him better. We are positioning ourselves to be transformed by Him as we follow Jesus and seek to know Him better. Like the disciples who were forever changed by their encounter with Jesus, we too can experience transformation as we draw closer to Him. We open ourselves up to His work in our lives by following Jesus and seeking Him with all our hearts, allowing Him to shape us into the person He has called us to be.
Application
Reflect on John 1:35-38, where John the Baptist directs his disciples to Jesus. Like Andrew and the other disciple, we are urged to seek and follow Him. Let us not only acknowledge Jesus as the Son of God but commit to walking in His path and gaining wisdom from Him. Will you embrace this invitation to follow Jesus with all your heart and let Him guide your journey?
Reverend Michael Johnson is an experienced Church Minister with a profound expertise in spirituality and guidance. With a serene presence and a compassionate heart, he has faithfully served his congregation for over 20 years, leading them on a spiritual journey towards inner peace and enlightenment. Reverend Johnson’s extensive knowledge of religious philosophies and profound understanding of human nature have made him a trusted confidant and mentor to many, as he seamlessly weaves his profound wisdom into life teachings. Reverend Johnson’s calming demeanor and empathetic nature continue to uplift and heal souls, nurturing a sense of unity and tranquility within his community.