JOHN 1:35–44, THE FIRST DISCIPLES FOLLOW JESUS
COME AND SEE: THE BEGINNING OF DISCIPLESHIP
Introduction
After proclaiming Jesus as the Lamb of God, John the Baptist now completes his mission by leading others to Him. This passage marks a decisive transition: the movement from witness to discipleship. Faith is no longer only something heard; it becomes a journey taken. The Gospel presents discipleship not as an abstract idea but as a personal encounter that begins with a simple invitation and unfolds through relationship, discovery, and transformation.
Bible Passage (John 1:35–44)
The next day John was there again with two of his disciples, and as he watched Jesus walk by, he said, “Behold, the Lamb of God.” The two disciples heard what he said and followed Jesus. Jesus turned and saw them following him and said to them, “What are you looking for?” They said to him, “Rabbi,” which translated means Teacher, “where are you staying?” He said to them, “Come, and you will see.” So they went and saw where he was staying, and they stayed with him that day. It was about four in the afternoon. Andrew, the brother of Simon Peter, was one of the two who heard John and followed Jesus. He first found his own brother Simon and told him, “We have found the Messiah,” which is translated Anointed. Then he brought him to Jesus. Jesus looked at him and said, “You are Simon the son of John; you will be called Cephas,” which is translated Peter. The next day he decided to go to Galilee, and he found Philip. And Jesus said to him, “Follow me.”
Background
This scene follows immediately after John’s testimony about Jesus as the Lamb of God. The evangelist structures the chapter as a series of days, echoing the rhythm of creation. The calling of the first disciples signals the beginning of the new creation in Christ. Israel’s hope for the Messiah now moves from expectation to encounter, and the community of believers begins to form around Jesus.
Opening Life Connection
Many people come to faith not through arguments, but through invitation—through someone who says, “Come and see.” Most life-changing relationships begin with curiosity, not certainty. This Gospel reassures us that faith does not require full understanding at the start, only the willingness to follow.
Verse-by-Verse / Phrase-by-Phrase Reflection
“The next day John was there again with two of his disciples.”
John stands faithfully at his post, ready to give what he has prepared. True ministry knows when to let go so others may grow.
“Behold, the Lamb of God.”
John repeats his testimony, showing consistency and conviction. The focus remains fixed on Jesus, not on the messenger.
“The two disciples heard what he said and followed Jesus.”
Hearing leads to movement. Faith begins when listening turns into action. They follow without knowing where the path will lead.
“What are you looking for?”
Jesus’ first recorded words in John’s Gospel are a question. He invites the disciples to examine their deepest desires. Discipleship begins with honesty about what we seek.
“Rabbi…where are you staying?”
Their question reveals a longing not just for information, but for relationship. They want to remain with Him, to know His life.
“Come, and you will see.”
Jesus does not give explanations; He gives Himself. The invitation is experiential. Understanding comes through staying with Him.
“They stayed with him that day.”
Discipleship requires time and presence. Remaining with Jesus transforms curiosity into commitment.
“It was about four in the afternoon.”
The precise hour suggests a memory etched deeply in the heart. Encounters with Christ leave lasting marks.
“Andrew…first found his own brother Simon.”
Encounter leads to mission. Andrew does not keep the discovery to himself. Evangelization begins at home.
“We have found the Messiah.”
This joyful confession springs naturally from encounter. Faith grows clearer when it is shared.
“You will be called Cephas.”
Jesus renames Simon, revealing His authority and His vision for the future. Following Christ leads to transformation of identity and mission.
“Follow me.”
Jesus’ call to Philip is simple and direct. Discipleship is ultimately a response to a personal summons from Christ.
Jewish Historical and Religious Context
Disciples commonly attached themselves to rabbis, living and learning with them. Jesus reverses expectations: instead of students choosing a teacher, the teacher chooses the disciples. Naming signified authority and vocation, echoing Old Testament moments when God renamed those entrusted with a mission.
Catholic Tradition and Teaching
The Church understands discipleship as a call to communion and mission (Catechism of the Catholic Church, 787–789). Following Christ means remaining with Him through prayer, sacrament, and service, and leading others to the same encounter.
Historical or Saintly Illustration
Saint Augustine described his conversion as a long search fulfilled by an encounter. Once he met Christ, his restless heart found its home. Like Andrew, Augustine then became a guide for countless others.
Application to Christian Life Today
This Gospel invites believers to reflect on their own calling story. Who first said to us, “Come and see”? We are reminded that our task is not to convince, but to invite—bringing others to Jesus and trusting Him to do the transforming work.
Eucharistic Connection
In the Eucharist, Christ continues to say, “Come and see.” By remaining with Him in Communion, we are shaped into disciples and sent to invite others into His presence.
Messages / Call to Conversion
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Discipleship begins with listening and responding to Christ’s invitation.
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True faith grows through relationship, not mere information.
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Encounter with Jesus naturally leads to sharing Him with others.
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Following Christ transforms our identity and purpose.
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We resolve to invite others to “come and see” through our witness.
Outline for Preachers
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Context of the first disciples in John 1
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Transition from witness to discipleship
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Life connection: invitation and curiosity
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Phrase-by-phrase reflection on following Jesus
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Jewish context of rabbi-disciple relationships
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Catholic understanding of vocation and mission
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Saint Augustine and transformative encounter
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Application to evangelization today
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Eucharist as remaining with Christ
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Call to conversion and missionary discipleship
