THE LORD MEETS HIS FIRST DISCIPLES–JOHN 1:35-51–LESSON 4
Introduction:
In the previous lesson John the Baptist introduced Jesus as the Christ to the religious crowd that had come to investigate who John was. John declared that he was not the Christ, but was sent ahead of the Him in order to prepare a people ready to meet the Lord.
Now in this lesson John the Baptist introduces Jesus as the Christ to his disciples, the people that he had prepare for the Lord.
I. THE NEXT DAY.
A. John was there (gr. “stood” there) while Jesus passed by, vs. 35-36.
1. John introduces two of his disciples to Jesus, “Behold the Lamb of God!” v. 36b.
2. John’s ministry was being fulfilled as he introduced the disciples to Jesus as the Christ, John 3:30, “He must increase, but I must decrease.”
B. The two disciples follow Jesus, vs. 37-38.
1. Jesus’ first words heard by the disciples were “What seek ye?” What do you want? v. 38.
2. Jesus seems to imply more with His question. Perhaps Jesus was also asking, “What are you seeking in life?”
C. The titles by which Jesus was called.
1. Messiah (Gr. Messias). The term appears on twice in Scripture, both times in the book of Daniel, chapter 9:25-26. It means, “anointed.” “The idea of “the anointed One” comes from the Old Testament practice of anointing priests and kings with oil. This was symbolic of the Spirit and pointed to the future One who would come (cf. Isa. 61:1). The title “Messiah” came to be used of the future Davidic King (cf. Matt. 1:1; John 6:15). (The Bible Knowledge Commentary).
2. Christ. This is the Greek translation of the word “Messiah or Anointed One.”
3. “Rabbi, (which is to say, being interpreted, Master,).” The title is that of a teacher.
a. By calling Jesus “Rabbi” they imply that they are coming to Him to be taught by Him.
b. The title means “a great man,” that is, one who has much in him. “Never was there such a rabbi as our Lord Jesus, such a great one, in whom were hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. These came to Christ to be his scholars, so must all those that apply themselves to him.” (Matthew Henry)
D. The disciples question: “Where dwellest thou?” v. 38
1. Jesus invites them to “Come and see.” Literally, Come and you will see.
a. One must come to Jesus by faith first.
b. Then God opens his eyes to see more of the truth of His Word.
2. The disciples stayed the whole day with the Lord beginning at the tenth hour. The Jews counted the day from midnight and from noon. It seems logical that they were with Jesus from 10:00 AM on through the day.
II. THE FIRST DISCIPLES OF JESUS.
A. Andrew was first to follow Jesus, vs. 40-41.
1. Andrew finds his brother, Simon Peter, v. 40.
2. Andrew declares that Jesus is the “Messias,” v. 41.
3. Andrew appeared two more times in John 6:4-9; 12:20-22. Both times he was bringing someone to Jesus.
B. Jesus and Simon Peter, v. 47.
1. Jesus called him “Cephas” which is Aramaic. Peter is the Greek translation meaning, “rock.”
2. He would be a rock-like man in the church at Jerusalem during its early years (cf. Matt. 16:18; Luke 22:31-32; John 21:15-19; Acts 2-5; 10-12).
C. Jesus meets Philip, vs. 43-46.
1. Philip, “Follow me.” v. 43.
2. Philip finds Nathanael, “We have found him, of whom Moses in the law, and the prophets, did write, Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph.” v. 45.
3. Nathanael’s statement: “Can there any good thing come out of Nazareth?” v. 46.
4. Philips reply: “Come and see.”
D. Jesus meets Nathanael, vs. 47-49.
1. The Lord’s statement about Nathanael: “Behold an Israelite indeed, in whom is no guile!” (no deceit – he was a modest man).
2. Nathanael was puzzled that the Lord knew him, v. 48.
a. Jesus explains: “Before that Philip called thee, when thou wast under the fig tree, I saw thee.” Before that Philip called thee, when thou wast under the fig tree, I saw thee. v. 48. This expression often meant to have safety and leisure (cf. 1 Kings 4:25; Micah 4:4; Zech. 3:10). Perhaps here the fig tree was a place for meditation. See Psalm 139.
b. Jesus supernatural knowledge of Nathanael moves Nathanael to declare:
1. That Jesus is the Son of God, v. 49.
2. That Jesus is the King of Israel, v. 49.
E. Jesus’ final statement, vs. 50-51.
1. First statement: “Because I said unto thee, I saw thee under the fig tree, believest thou? thou shalt see greater things than these.” Jesus promised Nathanael a greater basis for belief, probably referring to the miracles in chapters 2-13.
2. Second statement: “Verily, verily, I say unto you, Hereafter ye shall see heaven open, and the angels of God ascending and descending upon the Son of man.” From 1:48, 51 it can be inferred that Nathanael was meditating on Jacob’s life, particularly on the incident recorded in Genesis 28:12. Jacob saw the angels going up and down a ladder. But Nathanael would see . . . the angels of God ascending and descending on the Son of Man.
LESSON 5 TO FOLLOW: