Bible Passage Reading - John 1 : 35-39

Lesson 2 Focus

Hearing begins with following Jesus when He calls, not when we fully understanding.

Jesus’ first recorded words in John’s Gospel are a question: “What are you seeking?”

This reveals the personal nature of discipleship - it begins not with abstract teaching, but with a desire of the heart.

Their reply, “Rabbi, where are You staying?” reflects not curiosity about His lodging, but a desire to spend time in His presence.

His response, “Come and see,” is both invitation and challenge: discipleship cannot be understood from a distance; it must be experienced in close-up relationship.

The Encounter Explained

John and Andrew (early disciples) had seen Jesus of Nazareth be baptized and now 40 days later their teacher, John the Baptist, is making a dramatic claim about Him.

In Jewish rabbinic culture, disciples (talmidim) would carefully choose a rabbi to follow, desiring to learn his interpretation of the Law.

John the Baptist prepared the way, but he now pointed beyond himself to the Messiah. When John declared, “Behold, the Lamb of God,” he redirected his disciples to Jesus - an act of humility rare among teachers.

Spiritual Application

Discipleship begins with a step of trust. Like John’s disciples, we may not fully understand at first, but we are called to respond.

Hearing God means responding to His invitation to “come and see” daily - walking with Him, learning His ways, and discovering His presence in ordinary life.

Lesson Summary

Discipleship does not begin with knowledge, but with hearing Jesus’ call. The invitation to “Come and see” is a daily practice of drawing near to Him and allowing Him to shape our lives.

first century Jewish home

Notes To Dig Deeper: Lesson 2

  • Lamb of God

    The concept of the “Lamb of God” carried echoes of the Passover lamb (Exodus 12), the daily temple sacrifices, and Isaiah’s prophecy of the Suffering Servant (Isaiah 53:7)

    Discipleship

    The relationship of Rabbi and disciple (Talmid) was as close as parent and child. Disciples did not just want to learn from their Rabbi, but to become just like them.

    A call to follow a Rabbi was a distinct honor and implied hard work and sacrifice.

  • Jordan River Valley

    This encounter occurred in the Jordan Valley, at Bethany beyond the Jordan (John 1:28).

    This area was historically significant - it was near where Israel crossed into the Promised Land (Joshua 3), and where Elijah had been taken up (2 Kings 2:8-11).

    Pilgrims visiting today can see baptismal sites recalling these events, reinforcing the continuity of God’s plan.

  • • John 1:29 – Jesus as the Lamb of God.

    • Exodus 12:1–14 – The Passover lamb.

    • Isaiah 53:7 – The lamb led to slaughter.

    • Matthew 11:28–30 – Jesus’ invitation to come and rest.

    • Revelation 5:12 – The Lamb who is worthy.

  • • Journal: If Jesus turned to you today and asked, “What are you seeking?”, how would you answer?

    • Practice: Take a 15-minute walk today in silence, asking the Spirit to show you where Jesus is inviting you to “stay” with Him in your life.

    • Prayer: Thank Jesus for inviting you into His presence, even before you fully understand Him.

“Head To Heart Questions

If Jesus turned to you today and asked, “What are you seeking?”, how would you answer?

What are your daily habits that lead you into deeper discipleship with Jesus?

Who in your life, like John the Baptist, point you to Christ?”