John 1:35-39 is about the calling of the first disciples by Jesus, highlighting the significance of following Christ and the importance of personal encounters with Him.
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?”
39 He said to them, “Come and you will see.” So they came and saw where he was staying, and they stayed with him that day, for it was about the tenth hour.
Setting the Scene for John 1:35-39
As the sun began to set over the Judean wilderness, two disciples of John the Baptist stood by the banks of the Jordan River, deep in conversation. One of them was Andrew, the brother of Simon Peter, and the other was likely John, the author of the Gospel. They had been followers of John the Baptist, but their attention was soon drawn to a figure walking towards them. It was Jesus of Nazareth, a man they had heard about but had not yet met.
Sensing a divine presence, John the Baptist pointed towards Jesus and declared, “Behold, the Lamb of God!” Intrigued, Andrew and John decided to follow Jesus. As they walked behind Him, Jesus turned and asked, “What do you seek?” They responded by asking where He was staying. Jesus simply replied, “Come and see.” And so, they spent the rest of the day with Him, getting to know the one who would change their lives forever. The scene was serene, with the sound of the flowing river and the warm glow of the setting sun creating a peaceful atmosphere for this momentous meeting.
What is John 1:35-39 about?
Jesus is extending a personal and intimate invitation to His first disciples in this verse. He is not just offering them a physical journey but also a spiritual one by inviting them to follow Him and see where He stays. It is an invitation to a deeper relationship with Him, to get to know Him more intimately, and to dwell in His presence.
Imagine being one of those disciples and receiving such a profound invitation from Jesus himself. It is a call to leave behind the familiar and comfortable and step into the unknown, trusting in Him to lead the way. Jesus is showing that He values spending time with His disciples, sharing His life with them, and inviting them to be a part of His mission.
Reflect on this invitation from Jesus in your own life. Are you willing to follow Him wherever He leads, to spend time in His presence, and to be a part of His work in the world? Just like the first disciples, we are all called to respond to Jesus’ invitation with faith, trust, and a willingness to follow Him wholeheartedly.
Understanding what John 1:35-39 really means
In John 1:35-39, we witness a pivotal moment where John the Baptist points out Jesus as the “Lamb of God,” setting in motion a series of events that lead two of John’s disciples to follow Jesus. The title “Lamb of God” carries profound significance, symbolizing Jesus as the sacrificial lamb who would take away the sins of the world, echoing Old Testament imagery of sacrificial offerings and the Passover lamb. This designation foreshadows Jesus’ ultimate act of atonement and redemption, emphasizing His role in fulfilling God’s plan for salvation.
As Jesus encounters the disciples following Him, His question, “What do you want?” goes beyond mere curiosity. It prompts introspection, urging individuals to examine their motives and desires in seeking Him. This inquiry challenges us to consider the sincerity of our pursuit of Jesus and the depth of our commitment to Him. It beckons us to approach Him with honesty and openness, laying bare our true intentions before Him.
The invitation Jesus extends, “Come and you will see,” encapsulates both a literal call to physically follow Him and a metaphorical journey of faith and discovery. It implies that understanding and experiencing Jesus require active participation and personal engagement. This invitation beckons us to embark on a transformative journey of encountering Jesus, where faith is not merely theoretical but lived out in daily experiences and relationships.
Drawing parallels to other biblical passages such as Isaiah 53:7 and Exodus 12:3-14, we see the continuity of God’s redemptive plan throughout Scripture. These passages underscore the sacrificial nature of Jesus’ mission and the foreshadowing of His ultimate sacrifice for humanity’s salvation. Additionally, in Matthew 4:19, Jesus’ call to His disciples to follow Him and become fishers of men emphasizes the transformative power of discipleship and the invitation to participate in His mission.
The relevance of this passage to contemporary audiences is profound. In a world where many are searching for purpose and meaning, Jesus’ question challenges us to reflect on our deepest desires and motivations. His invitation to “come and see” remains a beckoning call to experience faith personally, amidst a sea of information and opinions. Just as the disciples’ lives were transformed by following Jesus, individuals today can also undergo profound change by committing to a journey of faith and discipleship.
Consider a scenario where a young professional, feeling unfulfilled despite career success, embarks on a journey of volunteering and encounters Jesus through acts of service and community. This narrative mirrors the disciples’ experience of following Jesus and discovering a deeper purpose, illustrating the transformative power of encountering Christ in everyday life. In conclusion, John 1:35-39 challenges us to embark on a personal spiritual journey, to respond to Jesus’ invitation with sincerity, and to embrace the transformative power of following Him. This timeless message continues to resonate, offering hope and direction in our contemporary lives.
Who are you seeking and following?
The disciples were seeking Jesus, as John pointed him out as the Lamb of God. When Jesus noticed them following him, he asked them what they were seeking, indicating that he knew they were seeking more than just a physical presence. They asked where he was staying in response to Jesus’ question, showing their desire to spend time with him and learn from him. Jesus then invited them to come and see where he was staying, initiating a closer relationship with them. We, as followers of Christ, are called to seek Jesus with a sincere heart, desiring to know him more deeply and spend time in his presence. Jesus invites us to follow him and learn from him, just as he invited the disciples to spend time with him. We demonstrate our commitment to learning from Christ, growing closer to him, and ultimately becoming more like him in our lives by seeking and following him.
Application
Think about John and Andrew’s eager pursuit of Jesus. They didn’t wait; they followed right away after hearing John the Baptist. In our busy lives filled with work and family, we often wait for life to bring us meaning. Instead, why don’t we actively chase it, just like they did? Are you ready to chase your faith with that same passion?
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.