GETTING STARTED
As a parent, I have strived to instill in my children a sense of independence so that they will be able to make good choices based upon what they know to be true. I didn’t want them to just blindly follow the crowd. However, as we follow Jesus, we are often faced with paradoxes. While independence as a general characteristic is not bad, there are times when it could hurt rather than help. So, I say, “Yes, I want you to be independent, except when it involves Jesus… then I would prefer you simply follow.” It’s a mixed message, but the reality is that there are those worthy of following.
- How have you been both an independent person and a follower in various times in your life?
READ THE WORD: JOHN 1:35-42 (ESV)
35 The next day again John was standing with two of his disciples,36 and he looked at Jesus as he walked by and said, “Behold, the Lamb of God!” 37 The two disciples heard him say this, and they followed Jesus. 38 Jesus turned and saw them following and said to them, “What are you seeking?” And they said to him, “Rabbi” (which 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 Jesus was Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother. 41 He first found his own brother Simon and said to him, “We have found the Messiah” (which 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 means Peter).
English Standard Version, copyright 2001 by Crossway Bibles. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
DIGGING DEEPER
1. How did John refer to Jesus?
2. Can you recall any other references in Scripture to a “lamb of God”? Why would Jesus be described as a lamb?
3. Describe the interaction in verses 38 and 39. What were the questions asked? What was the outcome of this interaction?
4. What do these verses imply about the impact of the time these disciples had with Jesus (vs. 41)?
5. How would you respond to Jesus’ question of, “What are you seeking?”
RESPOND TO GOD
Jesus recognized that these men really weren’t looking for an address, but simply wanted to be with him; thus, his amazing response of “come and see.” John’s disciples weren’t sure what they were seeking, but they seemed to know that it involved Jesus. We don’t know the discussion, but we know it resulted in their recognizing Jesus as Messiah. Then, when Andrew brought Simon, Jesus didn’t ask, “What are you seeking?” but instead, made a statement: “You shall be called Cephas.” In other words, he was saying, If you follow me, everything about you will change. You will no longer be Simon. Follow me and find out your true identity.
- Pray that you would seek and find your identity in Christ.