Calling His Disciples

John 1:35–51 – Come and See

This passage records the calling of the first disciples of Jesus. John the Baptist had been preparing the way for the Lord, faithfully pointing others away from himself and toward Christ. When he sees Jesus passing by, he says again, “Behold, the Lamb of God!” (v. 36). That declaration is powerful. John does not seek to hold onto followers for himself but directs them to the Savior. This is the heart of true ministry: leading people to Christ, not to self.

Two of John’s disciples hear this and follow Jesus. When Jesus turns and asks them, “What are you seeking?” (v. 38), it is a question that reaches deeper than curiosity. It cuts to the core of human longing. What are we seeking? Many seek peace, fulfillment, or truth. But all those desires are found in Christ alone. The disciples respond by asking where He is staying, and Jesus gives a gracious invitation: “Come and you will see.”

This invitation echoes throughout the Gospel. Jesus does not simply give abstract teaching but invites us into personal fellowship with Him. Andrew, one of the two, immediately finds his brother Simon and declares, “We have found the Messiah” (v. 41). Notice the pattern: encounter Christ, then testify of Him to others. True discipleship naturally overflows into witness.

When Jesus meets Simon, He gives him a new name: Cephas (Peter). This shows Christ’s sovereign authority to transform lives. Peter would one day be a pillar of the church, though he was far from perfect. Christ not only calls us as we are but also makes us into what He intends us to be.

The next day, Jesus calls Philip, who then brings Nathanael. At first Nathanael is skeptical, saying, “Can anything good come out of Nazareth?” (v. 46). Yet Philip does not argue; he simply says, “Come and see.” This shows us the best way to point others to Christ: invite them to see Him for themselves.

When Nathanael comes, Jesus reveals His omniscience by saying, “Before Philip called you, when you were under the fig tree, I saw you” (v. 48). Nathanael is astonished and confesses, “Rabbi, You are the Son of God! You are the King of Israel!” (v. 49). Jesus assures him that he will see even greater things, including heaven opened and angels ascending and descending on the Son of Man (v. 51). This vision connects to Jacob’s ladder in Genesis 28, revealing that Jesus Himself is the true bridge between heaven and earth.

This passage reminds us of several key truths. First, Jesus calls His disciples personally and purposefully. He knows them intimately and transforms their lives. Second, those who truly meet Christ cannot help but tell others. The gospel spreads through ordinary testimony—brothers telling brothers, friends inviting friends. Third, Christ Himself is the only way to God. He is the ladder between heaven and earth, the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world.

As believers, we are called to follow the same pattern: hear the testimony, come and see Christ for ourselves, and then go and tell others. We are not called to be clever persuaders but faithful witnesses. Our confidence is in the power of Christ to draw His own sheep. He said, “My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me” (John 10:27). That sovereign call is on display here in John 1, as Jesus begins gathering the men who would turn the world upside down with the gospel.

Let us take heart in this: the same Christ who called Andrew, Peter, Philip, and Nathanael is still calling sinners today. And just as He transformed them, He will transform all who come to Him in faith.

We always encourage everyone to check everything through the lens of the Scriptures. Be like the noble Bereans of Paul's day. Please visit us here for much more, and remember, Christ is enough.

Until we meet again, lets go serve our King!

FRF Family