– “The next day John was there again with two of his disciples. When he saw Jesus passing by, he said, ‘Look, the Lamb of God!’ When the two disciples heard him say this, they followed Jesus. Turning around, Jesus saw them following and asked, ‘What do you want?’ They said, ‘Rabbi’ (which means ‘Teacher’), ‘where are you staying?’ ‘Come,’ He replied, ‘and you will see.’
So they went and saw where He was staying, and they spent that day with Him. It was about four in the afternoon. Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother, was one of the two who heard what John had said and who had followed Jesus. The first thing Andrew did was to find his brother Simon and tell him, ‘We have found the Messiah’ (that is, the Christ). And he brought him to Jesus.
Jesus looked at him and said, ‘You are Simon son of John. You will be called Cephas’ (which, when translated, is Peter).” (John 1:35-42, NIV)
This passage marks the beginning of a life-changing journey for the first disciples. It illustrates the simplicity and depth of the call to follow Christ, beginning with an invitation and leading to transformation.
Recognizing Jesus
John the Baptist’s declaration, “Look, the Lamb of God!” reveals his deep understanding of Jesus’ mission as the sacrificial Lamb who takes away sin. This recognition prompts two of his disciples to leave John and follow Jesus. Similarly, our spiritual journey begins when we recognize who Jesus truly is and respond to Him.
The Invitation: Come and See
Jesus’ question, “What do you want?” invites personal reflection. It’s a question for every seeker: What are we truly seeking in life? The disciples’ response, “Where are You staying?” expresses a desire for closeness, to know Jesus personally. Jesus’ invitation, “Come, and you will see,” offers more than a place—it offers relationship and discovery. Following Jesus means spending time with Him, learning from Him, and allowing Him to reveal Himself to us.
Sharing the Good News
Andrew’s first action after meeting Jesus is to find his brother Simon and tell him, “We have found the Messiah.” Encountering Christ compels us to share the good news. True discipleship naturally leads to bringing others to Jesus.
Transformation through Encounter
When Jesus meets Simon, He immediately gives him a new name: “You will be called Cephas” (Peter). This renaming signifies transformation—Jesus sees not only who Simon is but who he will become. When we follow Christ, He changes our identity and purpose, shaping us into who we are meant to be.
Application
1. Seek closeness with Jesus – Spend time in His presence through prayer and His Word, accepting His invitation to “come and see.”
2. Recognize your calling – Jesus calls us to follow Him personally, but also to bring others into relationship with Him.
3. Embrace transformation – Trust that Jesus sees beyond who you are today and is shaping you into His likeness.
Prayer
Lord, thank You for calling me to follow You. Help me to seek You daily, to draw closer, and to grow in relationship with You. May I share Your love with others, and trust in the transforming work You are doing in my life. Amen.
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