When Yeshua calls, how do we respond?
John 1:35-51 gives us a glimpse into the very first moments of Yeshua’s public ministry—when His first disciples were drawn to Him. Each person encountered Him in a unique way, yet the pattern remained the same: seeking, recognizing, and following. These first followers did not hesitate; they responded immediately, inviting others to do the same.
Key Verse:
“Philip found Nathanael and said to him, ‘We have found Him of whom Moses in the Law and also the Prophets wrote—Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph.’” – John 1:45 (NASB)
Background Context:
At this point, John the Baptist had already identified Yeshua as the Lamb of God. His disciples, recognizing the significance of this statement, began to follow Yeshua. Andrew, one of John’s disciples, quickly sought out his brother Simon (Peter) and declared, “We have found the Messiah.” Philip did the same, telling Nathanael, “Come and see.”
Nathanael, initially skeptical, questioned whether anything good could come from Nazareth. However, his doubts vanished when Yeshua demonstrated supernatural knowledge about him. Seeing this, Nathanael declared Yeshua to be the Son of God and the King of Israel. Yeshua responded by promising that even greater things were yet to come.
(Continued and expanded after scripture.)
Jesus’ Public Ministry, First Converts
35Again the next day John was standing with two of his disciples, 36and he looked at Jesus as He walked, and said, “Behold, the Lamb of God!”37The two disciples heard him speak, and they followed Jesus. 38And Jesus turned and saw them following, and said to them, “What do you seek?” They said to Him, “Rabbi (which translated means Teacher), where are You staying?” 39He 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. 40One of the two who heard John speak and followed Him, was Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother. 41He found first his own brother Simon and said to him, “We have found the Messiah” (which translated means Christ). 42He brought him to Jesus. Jesus looked at him and said, “You are Simon the son of John; you shall be called Cephas” (which is translated Peter).
43The next day He purposed to go into Galilee, and He found Philip. And Jesus said to him, “Follow Me.” 44Now Philip was from Bethsaida, of the city of Andrew and Peter. 45Philip found Nathanael and said to him, “We have found Him of whom Moses in the Law and also the Prophets wrote—Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph.” 46Nathanael said to him, “Can any good thing come out of Nazareth?” Philip said to him, “Come and see.”47Jesus saw Nathanael coming to Him, and said of him, “Behold, an Israelite indeed, in whom there is no deceit!” 48Nathanael said to Him, “How do You know me?” Jesus answered and said to him, “Before Philip called you, when you were under the fig tree, I saw you.” 49Nathanael answered Him, “Rabbi, You are the Son of God; You are the King of Israel.” 50Jesus answered and said to him, “Because I said to you that I saw you under the fig tree, do you believe? You will see greater things than these.” 51And He said to him, “Truly, truly, I say to you, you will see the heavens opened and the angels of God ascending and descending on the Son of Man.”
Reflection on John 1:35-51
Beholding the Lamb of God
- John the Baptist continued to point others to Yeshua, showing humility in directing his own disciples toward the Messiah.
- His statement, “Behold, the Lamb of God,” emphasized that Yeshua came to take away sin, fulfilling the sacrificial system of the Torah.
An Invitation to Seek and See
- When Andrew and another disciple followed Yeshua, He asked them, “What do you seek?” This is a question for all of us. Are we truly seeking Yeshua and His truth, or are we looking for something else?
- Yeshua’s response, “Come, and you will see,” reveals that faith requires an active pursuit. When we seek Him, He reveals Himself to us.
A Chain Reaction—Disciples Bringing Others
- Andrew found Peter and brought him to Yeshua.
- Philip found Nathanael and told him about Yeshua, saying, “Come and see.”
- Discipleship is not just about personal faith; it involves bringing others to Yeshua.
Overcoming Skepticism
- Nathanael initially doubted, but his skepticism disappeared when Yeshua demonstrated knowledge of him beyond human ability.
- Many people today are skeptical about Yeshua. Like Philip, we don’t need to argue; we simply invite them to “Come and see.”
Summary Key Points
- When Yeshua calls, we must respond with faith and obedience.
- True discipleship involves seeking Yeshua and bringing others to Him.
- Skepticism can turn to faith when we personally encounter Yeshua.
- Yeshua sees and knows us completely, even before we come to Him.
Application
- Ask yourself: Are you actively seeking Yeshua in your life?
- Consider who in your life you can invite to “come and see” Yeshua.
- If you have doubts, bring them to Yeshua in prayer—He will reveal Himself in His time.
- Study the Scriptures as the first disciples did, recognizing that Yeshua is the fulfillment of the Law and the Prophets.
Closing Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank You for revealing Your Son, Yeshua, to us. Help us to seek Him wholeheartedly and to share the good news with others. Give us the courage to invite people to “come and see” who He truly is. Remove our doubts and strengthen our faith, knowing that greater things are yet to come. In Yeshua’s name, Amen.
Like the first disciples, may we seek, find, and follow Yeshua with joy—and lead others to Him along the way!
May the grace and peace of our Lord, Yeshua, be with you.
John Golda
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