Anchor My Faith

Jesus Calls the First Disciples

Scripture Reference: John 1:35-42  

Context:

This passage takes place immediately after John the Baptist’s public identification of Jesus as “the Lamb of God,” marking a pivotal transition from preparation to personal discipleship. The scene unfolds in the region around the Jordan River, where John has been baptizing and gathering followers who are anticipating the Messiah. Two of John’s own disciples, one of whom is identified as Andrew, hear John repeat his testimony about Jesus and respond by leaving John to follow Christ. This moment highlights John the Baptist’s intended role: not to retain followers, but to direct them to the One greater than himself. As the two men begin to follow Jesus, He turns and asks them a penetrating question, “What do you seek?”; an invitation that probes their motives and initiates a relational journey rather than merely an intellectual agreement. Their response, “Rabbi, where are you staying?” reflects a desire not just for information, but for ongoing fellowship. Jesus’ reply, “Come and see,” establishes a pattern of experiential discipleship that will characterize His ministry. Andrew, after spending time with Jesus, becomes the first recorded witness among the disciples, eagerly finding his brother Simon and declaring, “We have found the Messiah,” demonstrating how genuine encounter leads to immediate testimony. When Simon is brought to Jesus, Christ gives him a new name, Cephas (Peter), signifying both insight into his character and a future transformation that aligns with God’s redemptive purposes. Overall, this passage bridges public proclamation and personal commitment, showing how testimony about Christ leads individuals into direct relationship with Him, and how that relationship begins to reshape identity and mission from the very first encounter.

Bible Lessons for this event:

H092  Following Jesus (John 1:35-38)
H093  The First Three Disciples of Jesus (John 1:39-42)

Event Summary:

This event describes how the first disciples begin to follow Jesus, sparked by John the Baptist’s testimony about him. This passage highlights the initial calling of Jesus’ followers and their recognition of him as the Messiah.

Key points of this event are:

(1) Andrew’s statement, “We have found the Messiah,” marks one of the earliest declarations of Jesus’ identity by his followers and it shows the disciples’ excitement and eagerness to share the news with others, reflecting the contagious nature of discovering Jesus,

(2) Jesus’ invitation, “Come, and you will see,” symbolizes his openness and willingness to reveal himself to those who seek him. It signifies a personal call to relationship and discipleship,

(3) Jesus’ renaming of Simon to Peter (Rock) foreshadows Peter’s pivotal role in the establishment of the church and indicates that Jesus sees people’s potential and destiny from the beginning, and

(4) The event emphasizes the importance of personal testimony, as Andrew’s encounter with Jesus leads him to bring his brother to Christ. It shows the ripple effect of genuine witness.

This event emphasizes the transformative power of encountering Jesus. It shows that recognizing him as the Lamb of God is the first step in discipleship. Jesus’ invitation to “come and see” reflects the openness of his call, while Andrew’s witness highlights the importance of sharing the Gospel with others. Jesus’ renaming of Simon to Peter symbolizes the personal transformation and purpose that come with following him. The passage encourages believers to seek Jesus, share him with others, and embrace the new identity and mission he gives them.

Understanding and Application:

Questions of Understanding with Extended Answers

1. Who are the key individuals in this passage, and what roles do they play?

Answer:
The passage centers on several key individuals: John the Baptist, Jesus, Andrew, another unnamed disciple (likely John, the author of the Gospel), and Simon Peter. John the Baptist functions as the witness who directs others to Jesus, declaring Him to be “the Lamb of God.” Andrew and the unnamed disciple are seekers who respond to John’s testimony by following Jesus. Andrew then becomes a witness himself by bringing his brother Simon to Jesus. Simon, later called Peter, is introduced as one who will have a significant future role. This progression highlights a chain of testimony—John points to Jesus, the disciples follow, and then they bring others.

2. What is the significance of John the Baptist calling Jesus “the Lamb of God”?

Answer:
When John calls Jesus “the Lamb of God,” he is identifying Him as the one who will take away sin through sacrifice. This title connects to Old Testament imagery, especially the Passover lamb (Exodus 12) and sacrificial system (Leviticus), where lambs were offered as atonement. It also anticipates the suffering servant imagery of Isaiah 53. By using this title, John is not merely identifying Jesus as a teacher or prophet, but as the divine provision for redemption. This declaration becomes the turning point that causes the disciples to shift their allegiance from John to Jesus.

3. Why do the two disciples follow Jesus after hearing John’s testimony?

Answer:
The disciples follow Jesus because they trust John the Baptist’s testimony and recognize that he is pointing them to someone greater than himself. Their willingness to leave John and follow Jesus demonstrates humility and spiritual discernment. It also shows that true discipleship begins with responding to truth when it is revealed. Their action reflects a transition from preparation (John’s ministry) to fulfillment (Jesus’ ministry), indicating that they are ready to move from anticipation to reality.

4. What does Jesus’ question, “What do you seek?” reveal about discipleship?

Answer:
Jesus’ question, “What do you seek?” is deeply probing and reveals that discipleship begins with examining one’s motives. He is not merely asking for information but inviting self-reflection. This question forces the disciples, and all readers, to consider their true desires: Are they seeking truth, relationship, salvation, or something else? It emphasizes that following Jesus is not superficial; it requires intentional pursuit and a genuine desire to know Him. This question remains foundational for all who would follow Christ.

5. What is the meaning behind the disciples asking, “Where are You staying?”

Answer:
The disciples’ question, “Where are You staying?” goes beyond a request for a physical location. It expresses a desire for deeper fellowship and continued relationship. In that culture, staying with someone implied extended time, conversation, and learning. Their question reveals that they are not merely curious observers, they want to abide with Jesus, to learn from Him personally. This reflects the essence of discipleship: not just hearing about Jesus, but spending time with Him.

6. What is the significance of Jesus’ invitation, “Come and see”?

Answer:
Jesus’ invitation, “Come and see,” is an open call to experience Him personally. Rather than giving a detailed explanation, Jesus invites the disciples into relationship and discovery. This shows that faith is not built solely on information but on encounter. The phrase also becomes a model for evangelism, inviting others to experience Christ rather than merely explaining Him. It emphasizes that understanding Jesus grows through time spent with Him.

7. What does Andrew’s response teach about sharing faith with others?

Answer:
After spending time with Jesus, Andrew immediately seeks out his brother Simon and tells him, “We have found the Messiah.” This demonstrates that genuine encounters with Christ naturally lead to sharing Him with others. Andrew’s response shows urgency, conviction, and personal investment, he begins with someone close to him. This teaches that effective witness often starts within our immediate relationships and flows from personal experience rather than obligation.

8. What is the significance of Andrew calling Jesus “the Messiah”?

Answer:
By calling Jesus “the Messiah,” Andrew recognizes Him as the long-awaited anointed one promised in the Old Testament. This title carries expectations of deliverance, kingship, and divine purpose. Andrew’s declaration shows that even at this early stage, he understands that Jesus is more than a teacher, He is the fulfillment of God’s promises. This acknowledgment marks a key moment of recognition and belief.

9. What happens when Simon meets Jesus, and why is it important?

Answer:
When Simon meets Jesus, Jesus immediately identifies him and gives him a new name: Cephas (Peter), meaning “stone.” This is significant because it shows Jesus’ authority and foreknowledge; He knows who Simon is and who he will become. The name change symbolizes transformation and purpose. Though Simon is not yet the “rock” he will become, Jesus speaks to his future role in God’s plan. This moment highlights that Jesus calls people not only as they are, but for what they will become.

10. What overall pattern of discipleship is revealed in this passage?

Answer:
The passage reveals a clear pattern of discipleship: witness → encounter → following → sharing → transformation. First, someone testifies about Jesus (John the Baptist). Then individuals encounter Jesus personally (“Come and see”). This leads to following Him, which results in sharing Him with others (Andrew bringing Simon). Finally, Jesus transforms those who come to Him (Simon becoming Peter). This pattern continues throughout the New Testament and remains the model for how people come to faith and grow in Christ.

11. How does this passage emphasize the importance of personal testimony?

Answer:
Personal testimony is central to this passage. John the Baptist testifies about Jesus, which leads the disciples to follow Him. Andrew then testifies to Simon, bringing him to Jesus. This shows that God often uses individuals to point others to Christ. The power of testimony lies not in eloquence but in truth and authenticity. Each person simply shares what they have seen and experienced, and God uses that to draw others.

12. What does this passage teach about the nature of knowing Jesus?

Answer:
Knowing Jesus is presented as relational rather than purely intellectual. The disciples do not merely learn facts about Him, they spend time with Him, follow Him, and experience His presence. This passage shows that true knowledge of Christ comes through relationship, trust, and continued engagement. It is a growing understanding that begins with seeking and deepens through abiding.