35 Again the next day John was standing with two of his disciples, 36 and he looked at Jesus as He walked, and said, “Behold, the Lamb of God!” 37 The two disciples heard him speak, and they followed Jesus. 38 And Jesus turned and saw them following, and said to them, “What do you seek?” They said to Him, “Rabbi (which translated means Teacher), where are You staying?” 39 He *said to them, “Come, and you will see.” So they came and saw where He was staying; and they stayed with Him that day, for it was about the]tenth hour. 40 One of the two who heard John speak and followed Him, was Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother. 41 He found first his own brother Simon and said to him, “We have found the Messiah” (which translated means Christ). 42 He brought him to Jesus. Jesus looked at him and said, “You are Simon the son of John; you shall be called Cephas” (which is translated Peter).
Observations
35 Again the next day John was standing with two of his disciples, 36 and he looked at Jesus as He walked, and said, “Behold, the Lamb of God!” 37 The two disciples heard him speak, and they followed Jesus. 38 And Jesus turned and saw them following, and said to them, “What do you seek?”
This is day three of Jesus’ ministry. John again proclaims the “Lamb of God” title to two of his disciples, one is Andrew (Simon Peter’s brother) and the other is believed to be John, the writer of this gospel. John the Baptist, shows great humility and purpose, when he continues to point his own disciples to Jesus. John is fulfilling his purpose.
And then a remarkable thing happens. Jesus turns to face and initiates a conversation with the two disciples. This shows us God’s heart. He does not leave us to search and search on our own, but He is there helping us all along the way, even in the seeking itself. God is like the prodigal’s father. He is One who is always standing vigilant, waiting for us, wanting us to turn to Him.
Jesus doesn’t bother with any introductions, for He knows the disciples and that they know of Him. So Jesus gets to the point immediately, and asks them what they are looking for. This is an interesting question; one that we need to ask ourselves.
Application Point
To read through this scripture and neglect personal introspection, would be a tragedy. Personal reflection causes you to slow down, to take stock, and observe what motives might be revealed through your actions. Ask yourself: “What am I searching for?” “What do I want from Jesus”
Security – Security and safety in themselves are not bad things, however, the truth is that real security in the things of this world is not possible. Life is constantly changing and with those changes come the good, the bad, the challenging and the stressful. Security in Christ, His power and His promises are the only things that can bring true, lasting, eternal security.
Power/Prestige-The most common way of obtaining power and/or prestige is through a career. Using the gifts and talents that God has given us for the benefit of ourselves, our families and communities is a good thing. However, if our motives are to build our own kingdom, amass personal wealth, gain control over others, then our aim is self centered and eventually destructive physically and spiritually. Only when we have an other-centered, eternally driven perspective does it more closely intersect with God’s will.
Comfort – Living in the United States, in the land of great opportunity and freedom, to pursue goals and dreams, it is quite easy to be distracted by those things that cause us to look inward instead of outward. Desiring comfort instead of sacrifice is a battle we must all face. Keeping an eternal focus helps us to prioritize the things that really matter. Pursuing goals that are important to God is not only wise eternally but beneficial for lives right now. Be on guard and mediate on how you spend your time, your money, your energy.
39 He said to them, “Come, and you will see.” So they came and saw where He was staying; and they stayed with Him that day, for it was about the tenth hour.
Jesus responds with a phrase common to Rabbis of that day. The Rabbis used this phrase to encourage discussion with their students. It was invitation to talk about important ideas and beliefs in order to be enlightened to gain knowledge and learn truth. The truths that Jesus was going to share would rock their spiritual foundations to the core.
The note regarding the exact hour of the day leads most bible scholars to believe that John is the disciple that first approached Jesus with Andrew.
40 One of the two who heard John speak and followed Him, was Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother. 41 He found first his own brother Simon and said to him, “We have found the Messiah” (which translated means Christ). 42 He brought him to Jesus. Jesus looked at him and said, “You are Simon the son of John; you shall be called Cephas” (which is translated Peter).
What Andrew learned from spending time with Jesus that day, was enough to convince him of Jesus’ authority and identity. Andrew consistently brings people to meet Jesus throughout the gospel of John. Andrew is a great example of what we should be doing each day.
Application Point
At the beginning of each day, instead of asking ourselves “What shall I do today”, we might ask “Who needs to hear about Jesus today?”