1/14/11 John 1:35- 39 Come and See

35 The next day John was there again with two of his disciples. 36 When he saw Jesus passing by, he said, “Look, the Lamb of God!”  37 When the two disciples heard him say this, they followed Jesus. 38 Turning around, Jesus saw them following and asked, “What do you want?” They said, “Rabbi” (which means “Teacher”), “where are you staying?” 39 “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.

(John points to the Lamb- Jusepe de Ribera 1591-1652, NC Museum of Art)

Thoughts: This is the equivalent of Matthew 4:18,19 when Jesus told his new disciples to drop their nets and follow him. Again John says, "Behold the Lamb of God" (referring to Christ as our Passover Lamb- cf. 1:29).  There were two disciples mentioned here.  Andrew, Simon Peter's brother, and another unnamed (most think the Apostle John).  When Jesus saw them following him, he wanted to make sure of their calling so he asked them a question that we need to answer as well.  What do we want?  Do we want to half follow Christ, or fully follow Him?  Do we want just a little bit of seasoning of Christ in our lives, or do we want Christ to be the main ingredient in our lives?  If we want Him, then we must come to Him and taste and see that He is good.  John would never forget his first day with Christ- even to the hour.  It is memorable to begin the journey of eternity.  Some must decide to take the first step.  Others need to get back on the right path.  Some need to be reminded to remain firmly on the way, despite the many calls to leave the path of Christ.  All of us need to come and see. 

Prayer: Where you go, Lord, I will go.  Where you stay, I will stay.  Your people will be my people, and your God my God.  Help me to get on and stay on your path, for you are my teacher and my sacrifice.

John Calvin Abridged:  John earnestly and on successive days gave his testimony to Christ as he knew his day was coming to an end.  We see too, how small and fragile the beginning of the church was.  Christ does not wait for them to say something, but begins to ask what they seek.  When we may wonder if Christ will accept us or leave us, He extends His hand to us and asks us to come.  There are many who smell the gospel at a distance and allow Christ to pass away.  We ought not to be satisfied with a mere passing look at Christ, but should seek to dwell with Him.  It is apparent that these two disciples were not concerned so much with convenience as with seeking to be with Christ, for they stayed with him late in the afternoon not caring for their physical lodging. 

 



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KkObnNQCMtM (Agnus Dei soundtrack by Samuel Barber- Trinity College Choir)