COME, AND YOU WILL SEE

John 1:35-51

Key Verse 1:39

1. Read verses 35-39. How did John the Baptist help his disciples? What did two of John’s disciples do? What did Jesus ask them? Why did he ask this? What does the two disciples' answers reveal about them? Why was Jesus' answer, “Come, and you will see,” meaningful for these disciples in particular? How can people like these two disciples be helped?

* John the Baptist was looking earnestly for the Christ. When he saw Jesus receive the Holy Spirit he knew he was the one whom God had sent. Once John knew who Jesus was he directed everyone’s attention to him by saying, “Look, the lamb of God!” The two disciples (John, Andrew) who ended up following Jesus advanced in their spiritual life by following Jesus instead of John. Other passages of scriptures reveal the crooked view of John’s remaining disciples who didn’t go to Jesus (cf. John 3:26). Being John’s disciples was limited Following John the Baptist could only take them so far—becoming Jesus’ full time disciples is what was best for them. Great servants of God like John point people to Jesus. The best way to help others is to reveal, direct and help others to build up a personal relationship with Jesus because the best help for others springs from their personal relationship with Jesus.

* The two disciples began following Jesus. They were seeking to know him.

* Jesus asked them “What do you want?” Jesus asked this simple question to test their motive for coming after him. Men concentrate on actions but Jesus inspects our motives. We need to pray for those who have good motives in coming to the Bible.

* Their answer was perfect, it showed their positive attitude to stay and learn from him. Jesus can’t work with disciple those who aren’t interesting in spending time with him. By asking Jesus where he was staying they revealed determination to know for themselves who he really was.

2. Read verses 40-42. How did Peter come to meet Jesus? What does Peter’s willingness to listen to Andrew reveal about Peter? Why was Jesus' statement, “You are Simon son of John. You will be called Cephas,” meaningful for Peter in particular? How can people like Peter be helped?

* Peter came to meet Jesus by way of Andrew’s invitation.

* Peter knew his brother Andrew was a truth-seeker and therefore was open-minded to his testimony, “We have found the Messiah.” Trusting the testimony of others is important.

* This statement, “You are Simon son of John. You will be called Cephas.” spoke to Peter’s heart. He wanted to be a “rock” like person his whole life—this was his deepest desire. Peter created a rough and tough exterior and outspoken behavior to simulate a man who is rock solid but still he wasn’t able to be the man he wanted to be. Jesus spoke to this desire and planted vision that through following him he would be changed.

* Many people have personal ideals hidden deep inside their heart. They want to be changed into somebody who makes a difference in the world; somebody who is valuable and important. To these people we can plant Jesus’ vision to be fully transformed in Christ. Surely Jesus will change those who choose to follow him. 

3. Read verses 43-47. How did Jesus call Philip? Why was Philip so willing to follow Jesus? Why was Nathanael not convinced about Jesus at first? How did Philip overcome his hesitation? What kind of faith had Philip developed in Jesus?

* Philip is known for being the most calculative of all the disciples. However, all Jesus said was, “Follow me,” and then Philip followed him.

* Philip’s obedience to Jesus was based on faith. Jesus didn’t appeal to his calculations.

* Nathanael thought nothing good could come from Nazareth. He was a moral man who knew the immorality of various cities and places. His preconceived ideas almost hindered his coming.

* Instead of arguing the point with Nathanael, Philip just said, “Come and see.”

4. Read verses 48-51. When Nathanael came to “see” Jesus, what did Jesus say? What does Nathanael’s response, “How do you know me?” reveal about him? Why did Jesus brush-off his praise? What did Jesus say to raise his expectations? Why is this expectation important for all disciples of Jesus?

* Jesus said, “Here is a true Israelite, in whom there is nothing false.” This was a true assessment of Nathanael. He was an honest and truthful man.

* Nathanael agreed with Jesus but was surprised that someone knew him so well. It made Nathanael feel good to know someone knew his heart. Some people are really happy to know someone understands them fully.

* It was a premature statement with shallow roots. It wasn’t a true confession of faith but merely a reaction.

* Jesus wanted his disciples to expect more from him. He planted vision in them to expect great things from God.

* We all need to have vision for our life of faith to encourage us to follow Jesus. With vision and expectations of great things we are strengthened to offer the sacrifices necessary to seek the Lord and follow.

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