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3. The first six disciples (John 1:35-51)
JOHN 1:35-39
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 Jesus turned, and saw them following, and said to them, “What are you looking for?” They said to him, “Rabbi” (which is to say, being interpreted, Teacher), “where are you staying?” 39 He said to them, “Come, and see.” They came and saw where he was staying, and they stayed with him that day. It was about the tenth hour.
Christ is God’s Word incarnate, the very deity, life itself and source of light. This is how the evangelist has described him in essence. He has also described Jesus’ ministry and works. He is the Creator and preserver of all. He has given us knowledge that is new of God as compassionate Father. So he repeats, "Behold the Lamb of God", to summarize all the attributes inferred in Jesus according to this motto. In verse 14 he described Christ’s essence and source, while in verse 29 and 33 he describes Christ’s purpose in service.
Christ became man to be slain a victim offered to God who gave His Son to bear our sin and free us from judgment. God desired this sacrifice, and offered it as well as blessing and accepting it. In the words of Paul "God was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself, not counting their sins against them; and committed to us the ministry of reconciliation."
It is not easy for our generation to grasp the expression "Lamb of God", since we do not slay animals in atonement for our sin. An expert in the sacrificial system of the Old Testament discerns the divine principle that there is no forgiveness without the shedding of blood. Strangely, God does not punish our sins by shedding our own blood, but gave His Son for that purpose. The Holy One died for rebels like us. God’s Son was slain for the sins of the guilty, to make them righteous sons of the heavenly Father. Let us adore and magnify Him together with the Son and Holy Spirit who redeemed us.
The two disciples did not realize instantly the depth of meaning in the phrase, "Lamb of God". But seeing the way the Baptist beheld the Lamb of God they too wished to know Jesus who was to be Lord, and Judge of the world and at the same time the Sacrifice for humanity. Such thoughts occupied the minds of the two as they listened attentively. Jesus did not take away John’s disciples, rather the Baptist himself led them to Jesus. The disciples consented to this new allegiance.
Jesus felt their longings and knew their purpose. They saw in Jesus love and grace, and heard Jesus’ first words in this gospel, "What do you seek?" The Lord did not pour on them heavy doctrines, but gave them the chance to speak their minds. So what do you seek, brother? What is the aim of your life? Do you want Jesus? Will you follow the Lamb? Study the greatest truths – rather than for your school exams.
The two disciples asked Jesus to permit them to accompany him to his home. The questionings of their hearts were nobler than discussions on the road where the tumult of the crowds would distract. Then Jesus replied, "Come and see." He did not say, "Come and study with me", but, "Open your eyes and you will see my true Person, my deeds and power, and discern God’s new image." He who draws near to Christ receives a renewed vision of the world, and sees God as He is. The vision of Jesus overturns our intellectual systems. He will become the focus of our thinking and the target of our hopes. So come and see, as did the two and confessed with the apostles in due course, "We have seen His glory, as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth".
These two disciples stayed with Jesus a whole day. How lovely are the hours of grace! The evangelist testified that one of the hours of that blessed day was decisive in his life. This was the third hour. Then John the evangelist perceived the truth of Jesus by the Spirit’s inspiration, for his Lord accepted his faith and granted him righteousness and certainty that Jesus was the promised Messiah. Has Christ’s light shined in the darkness of your soul? Do you follow him at all times?
PRAYER: We magnify and praise you, holy Lamb of God. You have taken away the sin of the world, reconciling us to God. Do not reject us, but let us follow you. Forgive our trespasses; reveal your majesty, so that we may serve you devotedly.
QUESTION:
- Why did the two disciples follow Jesus?