Summer In John: Come Follow Me

Summer In John: Day Two

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Jesus the Lamb of God and The First Disciples

🌞Today, let's reflect on our own calling by Jesus. Have we responded to his invitation to follow him? Are we actively engaged in the journey of discipleship, seeking to grow in our relationship with him? And are we sharing the good news with others, inviting them to encounter Jesus?

👉🏻 Verse 26: "John answered them, 'I baptize with water, but among you stands one you do not know.'"

In this verse, John the Baptist acknowledges his role as a baptizer with water. He humbly states that there is someone among the people who they do not recognize. This highlights the contrast between John's baptism and the greater baptism that Jesus brings.

👉🏻 Verse 27: "He is the one who comes after me, the straps of whose sandals I am not worthy to untie."

John humbly acknowledges that Jesus is the one who comes after him, indicating Jesus' superiority and significance. John recognizes his unworthiness even to perform the humble task of untying Jesus' sandals. This demonstrates John's deep respect and reverence for Jesus.

👉🏻 Verse 29: "The next day he saw Jesus coming toward him, and said, 'Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!'"

John the Baptist identifies Jesus as the Lamb of God, alluding to Jesus' sacrificial role in taking away the sins of humanity. This declaration reveals the redemptive purpose of Jesus' mission and emphasizes the significance of his death on the cross.

👉🏻 Verse 35: "The next day again John was standing with two of his disciples."

John the Baptist is present with two of his disciples. This sets the stage for an encounter between these disciples and Jesus.

👉🏻 Verses 36-37: "He looked at Jesus as he walked by and said, 'Behold, the Lamb of God!' The two disciples heard him say this, and they followed Jesus."

Upon hearing John's proclamation, the two disciples start following Jesus. They are drawn to Jesus as the Lamb of God, recognizing his divine authority and desire to learn from him.

👉🏻 Verses 38-39: "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?' He said to them, 'Come and you will see.'"

Jesus notices the disciples following him and engages in a conversation with them. When he asks what they are seeking, they address him as "Rabbi" and express their desire to know where he is staying. Jesus invites them to join him and see for themselves, demonstrating his openness and willingness to teach and mentor them.

👉🏻 Verses 40-42: "One of the two who heard John speak and followed Jesus was Andrew, Simon Peter's brother. He first found his own brother Simon and said to him, 'We have found the Messiah' (which means Christ). He brought him to Jesus. Jesus looked at him and said, 'You are Simon the son of John. You shall be called Cephas' (which means Peter)."

Andrew, one of the disciples who followed Jesus, excitedly shares the news with his brother Simon (later known as Peter). Andrew recognizes Jesus as the Messiah and brings Peter to meet Jesus. Jesus, in turn, gives Simon the name Cephas (Peter), signifying his future role as a foundational leader in the Christian community.

👉🏻 Verses 43-51:  The next day Jesus decided to go to Galilee. He found Philip and said to him, “Come, follow me.”(43)

This section describes Jesus calling Philip and Nathanael to follow him. Philip, after being called by Jesus, tells Nathanael about finding the one Moses and the prophets wrote about, Jesus of Nazareth. Nathanael initially expresses doubt, but upon meeting Jesus, he recognizes Jesus as the Son of God and the King of Israel.