John 1:35-51 The Call To Discipleship Immediate Context John 1:29-34 introduces Jesus as the Lamb of God, marking the transition from John the Baptist's ministry to Jesus’ influence. The invitation to “Come and see” reflects a personal call to explore and follow Jesus. Remote Context This passage connects to Old Testament prophecies, such as Isaiah 53:7, portraying the Messiah as the Lamb of God. The Gospel of John highlights Jesus as the Christ, urging belief for eternal life (John 20:31) and aligns with other Gospel narratives of His early disciple interactions. Historical Context Jewish anticipation of the Messiah centered on political deliverance, shaping their expectations. The use of terms like “Rabbi” and the disciples' relational calling reflect Jewish traditions and mentorship practices of the time. Passage Outline John 1:35-51 I. John Identifies Jesus as the Lamb of God (John 1:35-39) John the Baptist testifies about Jesus, prompting two of his disciples to follow Him. II. Andrew Brings Simon Peter to Jesus (John 1:40-42) Andrew introduces his brother Simon to Jesus, who renames him Peter, signifying his future role. III. Jesus Calls Philip and Nathanael (John 1:43-46) Jesus invites Philip to follow Him, and Philip brings Nathanael, despite Nathanael’s initial skepticism. IV. Nathanael Declares Faith in Jesus (John 1:47-51) Jesus reveals His divine knowledge, leading Nathanael to recognize Him as the Son of God and King of Israel. Passage Notes John 1:35-51 I. John Identifies Jesus as the Lamb of God (John 1:35-39) Faithful Witnesses Point Others to Jesus John the Baptist demonstrates that a true teacher leads others to follow Jesus, not themselves. His declaration of Jesus as the “Lamb of God” (John 1:36) prepares his disciples to transition from following him to embracing Jesus as the ultimate sacrifice for sin and the source of reconciliation with God. (Exo 34:6-7; Rom 3:19; Rom 3:25-26) Application: Believers are encouraged to abide in Christ through His Word and prayer, deepening their relationship with Him and equipping them to lead others to faith (Matthew 11:28-29; Colossians 2:6-7). II. Andrew Brings Simon Peter to Jesus (John 1:40-42) The Anointed One: Jesus as the Promised Messiah The title “Messiah,” meaning "anointed one," emphasizes Jesus' unique role as the ultimate deliverer foretold in Scripture, fulfilling Old Testament prophecies of a savior who would establish God's eternal kingdom. His anointing signifies His consecration as prophet, priest, and king, culminating in His redemptive work through His death and resurrection (Gen 3:15; 2 Samuel 7:14–16; Isa 53:5). Application: Believers find confidence in Jesus as the promised Savior and King who secures eternal life, inspiring them to boldly share the good news and lead others to Him (John 1:41; Romans 10:14). III. Jesus Calls Philip and Nathanael (John 1:43-46) Honest Skepticism and the Invitation to Believe Nathanael’s skepticism about Jesus coming from Nazareth reflects an honest questioning rooted in cultural expectations. Philip’s response, “Come and see,” teaches that faith often grows through personal encounters with Jesus rather than arguments, encouraging believers to invite others to explore Christ for themselves. (Psalm 34:8; Heb 11:6) Application: Discipleship begins with responding to Jesus’ call and inviting others to encounter Him, while Nathanael’s story demonstrates that honest doubts, coupled with a sincere search for truth, lead to stronger faith (John 14:6; Hebrews 11:6). IV. Nathanael Declares Faith in Jesus (John 1:47-51) Jesus: The Mediator Between Heaven and Earth Jesus’ revelation to Nathanael highlights His role as the ultimate bridge between God and humanity, fulfilling the vision of Jacob’s ladder. By identifying Himself as the Son of Man, Jesus affirms that He is the way, the truth, and the life, the only path to the Father and the source of eternal connection between heaven and earth. (Genesis 28:12; 1 Timothy 2:5; John 14:6). Application: Believers are encouraged to trust Jesus as the Son of God and mediator, with His promise of “greater things” assuring that faith grows through experiencing His power and grace (1 Timothy 2:5; John 14:12). Spiritual Truths Discipleship Discipleship involves actively following Jesus, learning from Him, and aligning one’s life with His teachings, as demonstrated in Jesus’ call to “Follow Me” (John 1:43). It includes both a personal commitment to Christ, reflected in obedience and abiding in His Word (John 8:31), and an outward mission to make other disciples, as seen in the Great Commission (Matthew 28:19). The Messiah The Messiah, or “Anointed One,” fulfills Old Testament prophecies as the promised Savior who brings deliverance and establishes God’s kingdom (Deuteronomy 18:15; Isaiah 9:6-7). Jesus, recognized by His followers as the Messiah (John 1:45), provides eternal life (John 3:16) and reconciles humanity to God as both the "Son of David" and the “Suffering Servant” (2 Samuel 7:14; Isaiah 53:4-6). Jacob's Ladder as Christ Jesus identifies Himself as the fulfillment of Jacob’s ladder, the connection between heaven and earth, symbolizing His role as the mediator between God and humanity (John 1:51; 1 Timothy 2:5). As the “Son of Man” (Daniel 7:13-14), Jesus bridges the gap caused by sin, providing access to the Father and fulfilling God’s eternal purposes (Genesis 28:12; John 14:6).