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Welcome to Day 4 of our 14-day journey through the Gospel of John! Today, we will explore the calling of the first disciples. This passage provides a beautiful picture of how Jesus invites us to follow Him and the transformative impact of that invitation. Let’s delve into John 1:35-51 and discover the responses of Andrew, Peter, Philip, and Nathanael to Jesus’ call.
The First Disciples
In John 1:35-37, John the Baptist again identifies Jesus as the Lamb of God, this time in the presence of two of his own disciples. Hearing this, the two disciples follow Jesus. When Jesus sees them, He asks, “What do you want?” They respond by asking where He is staying, and Jesus invites them to “Come and see.”
This simple yet profound invitation marks the beginning of their journey with Jesus. One of the two disciples is Andrew, who immediately goes to find his brother Simon (Peter) and tells him, “We have found the Messiah.” Andrew brings Peter to Jesus, who gives him a new name, Cephas (Peter), meaning “rock.”
Philip and Nathanael
The next day, Jesus calls Philip, who is from the same town as Andrew and Peter. Philip, in turn, finds Nathanael and tells him about Jesus, describing Him as the one Moses and the prophets wrote about. Nathanael is initially skeptical, asking, “Can anything good come from Nazareth?” Philip’s response is simple: “Come and see.”
When Jesus sees Nathanael approaching, He declares him to be “an Israelite in whom there is no deceit.” Nathanael is surprised that Jesus knows him, to which Jesus responds, “I saw you while you were still under the fig tree before Philip called you.” This revelation leads Nathanael to proclaim, “Rabbi, you are the Son of God; you are the king of Israel.”
The Power of Invitation
The calling of the first disciples in John 1:35-51 highlights the power of personal invitation and testimony. Each disciple’s journey begins with an invitation—whether from Jesus directly or through a friend or relative. This pattern emphasizes the importance of relational evangelism, where our personal experiences and testimonies lead others to Jesus.
Jesus’ invitation to “come and see” is not just about physical location but about entering into a relationship with Him and discovering who He is. It is an invitation to experience His presence, learn from Him, and be transformed by His love and truth.
Reflection and Application
As we reflect on the calling of the first disciples, consider how Jesus’ invitation to “come and see” applies to us today. How are we responding to His call, and how are we inviting others to experience Him?
Questions for Reflection:
- How have you responded to Jesus’ invitation to “come and see” in your own life?
- Who in your life might you invite to “come and see” Jesus, sharing your testimony and experiences with them?
- How does the transformation of the first disciples inspire you in your journey of faith?
Take time today to reflect on the power of personal invitation and the impact it can have on someone’s life. Consider how you can be a conduit of Jesus’ invitation to those around you.
Stay tuned for Day 5, where we will explore the first miracle of Jesus at the wedding in Cana and uncover the significance of turning water into wine. Together, let’s continue to uncover the depths of the Gospel of John and allow it to transform our faith journey.