THE FIRST DISCIPLES

JOHN 1:35–42

The two disciples heard him speak, and they followed Jesus

(John 1:37)

Today’s passage shows us how Christ began to build His church—slowly and with few disciples. The two disciples who first followed Jesus were Andrew and John. As soon as the disciples heard the proclamation that Jesus was the “Lamb of God,” they turned from their previous teacher (John the Baptist) and followed Jesus.

Notice that they walked behind Him. They did not run ahead and wait for Him in the square, but they dutifully and humbly followed Him. Like Andrew and John, all true disciples of Christ recognize that He is the only way to salvation, and therefore the only One to follow.

Jesus immediately noticed them and asked, “What do you seek?” He did not ask them who they sought but what. Those who truly follow Christ follow Him for “something.” That something is eternal life, which the Lamb of God can alone deliver.

The disciples called Him “Rabbi” asked Him where He was lodging. By this response, the disciples showed that they considered Jesus their teacher. They wanted to learn from Him and learn about Him. They wanted to meet Him at His lodging and spend time with Him. As the apostle John later declared in the book of Revelation, the Lamb of God alone is worthy to take the book and open it. He alone is the Rabbi, the teacher of truth. All who truly want eternal life will look to Him for all knowledge and understanding.

Once Andrew and John had spent time with Jesus, their understanding of His Messianic role increased. In response, Andrew called His brother to come and see the Messiah. All true believers, once they recognize the truth of who Christ is, cannot help but tell others about Him. This is exactly what Andrew did. He called his brother, Simon. And when Simon came into Christ’s presence, Jesus gave him a new name, one that signified his steadfast role as an apostle of Christ’s church. Likewise, Christ gives His followers new names. No longer are we children of the devil, but we are children of God, adopted into His family, and transformed into His likeness.

CORAM DEO

Exodus 19–21

Matthew 20:1–16

Read Matthew 16:24; Luke 14:26, 33; John 8:31, 15:8. What do these verses say about following Christ? Keeping these texts before you, are you really following Christ? Jesus promises that if you are seeking Him, you will find Him. Go to Him. Ask Him for the grace to be His disciple and to live as His follower.

For further study: Hos. 6:1–3 • John 8:12; 10:22–30 • 1 Peter 2:21

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