John 1:35-51
Jan/08/12 14:30
The call of the first disciples in John has some interesting twists. The first two, Andrew and an unnamed disciple, are followers of John the Baptist. They hear what the Baptist has to say about Jesus and follow Jesus.
Jesus’ first words are a question that might be addressed to all who follow, “What are you looking for?” They respond by asking where Jesus will remain. The first two disciples are seeking something of permanence, something that remains. “Come and see” is the invitation. Again John calls us to be eyewitnesses of the truth. The truth is about seeing more than physical eyes. Seeing includes understanding what God has revealed.
In this call narrative, all the titles for Jesus are being used:
Lamb of God (verse 36)
Rabbi (verse 38)
Messiah (verse 41)
him about whom Moses in the law and also the prophets wrote (verse 45)
Son of God! You are the King of Israel! (verse 49)
Son of Man (verse 51)
These titles have been revealed by God not assigned by humans. This is the truth we are invited to “see.” Actually we are invited to witness even greater things than this as we follow Jesus. All the titles that can possible be assigned are not enough to capture all that Jesus does for us.
Jesus’ first words are a question that might be addressed to all who follow, “What are you looking for?” They respond by asking where Jesus will remain. The first two disciples are seeking something of permanence, something that remains. “Come and see” is the invitation. Again John calls us to be eyewitnesses of the truth. The truth is about seeing more than physical eyes. Seeing includes understanding what God has revealed.
In this call narrative, all the titles for Jesus are being used:
Lamb of God (verse 36)
Rabbi (verse 38)
Messiah (verse 41)
him about whom Moses in the law and also the prophets wrote (verse 45)
Son of God! You are the King of Israel! (verse 49)
Son of Man (verse 51)
These titles have been revealed by God not assigned by humans. This is the truth we are invited to “see.” Actually we are invited to witness even greater things than this as we follow Jesus. All the titles that can possible be assigned are not enough to capture all that Jesus does for us.