LOC – 016 – Jesus wins His first Disciples

Lesson Objectives:

We will learn how to point others to Jesus.

Jesus invites some men to follow Him and learn about Him.

Jesus shows us how to become more like Him.

Jesus knows all about us, even when we don’t think He is around!

Lesson Commentary

Read John 1:35-51

Only from the Apostle John do we learn that Jesus’ first disciples had originally been disciples of John the Baptist. It is from John’s Gospel that the first call for disciples originated. The Synoptic Gospels, which begin with the Galilean ministry, place the call of these first disciples in Galilee, without any indication that there had been a prior call. However, this information from John makes it easier to understand the Synoptic account. This helps us to gain a better appreciation of the relation between the Baptist and our Lord. We can also see why the Gospels, though ultimately the work of Galileans, show pronounced Judean influences.

John’s Gospel primarily covers about twenty-one days out of Jesus’ life. There is some confusion with the text in verses 29, 35, 43, and 2:1. Verse 35 appears to be day three, and verse 43 to be day four, but John 2:1 states that on the “third day”… Although verse 35 can refer to later on the same day as verse 29, this still leaves some confusion as to the exact counting of days surrounding these events. The “third day” in 2:1, is probably the third day after the events of John 1:43. We are hard pressed to define a specific answer beyond what John writes. With all of this in mind, lets do some more “Walking With Jesus!”

Later On Day Two Jesus Calls His First Disciples —

Jn. 1:35 – This is most likely later in the second day in a series of events recorded by John. In these opening stories the principal traditional titles of Jesus are introduced. At first, He is called only “Rabbi” (teacher), then “Messiah” (Christ), “Son of God,” “King of Israel,” and finally “Son of Man.” The last title is the most common name applied to Jesus in the Gospels, (over 80 times). So, at the beginning of Jesus’ public ministry, through the proclamation of John the Baptist, we already have a clear idea of who He is, as do His disciples, though they do not yet understand what that means.

John Points Jesus Out to Andrew and James

Jn. 1:36 – As John sees Jesus passing by, he points the two that are with him to the One who is greater than he. John’s ministry must now decrease, and Jesus’ ministry must increase. John the Baptist (and John the Apostle) will take every opportunity to lead or point others to Jesus. Just as a teacher passes students to the next grade, John points his followers to the true Teacher who has come from God. We should never become so focused on a minister or teacher that we can’t let go of them when they or we are called to move on. Our allegiance is 1) to Christ, 2) to the local body of Christ, 3) to the leadership in that body. It should never be the other way around.
John the Baptist did most of his baptisms south of here, but this is the traditional sight for Christians who want to be baptized in the Jordan River. Photograph courtesy of Glen & Sylvia Copple

Jn. 1:37 – “followed” They turned to see where Jesus is going both literally and spiritually. They are probably a little hesitant to inquire about Jesus teaching, choosing to sit and wait and listen and observe what He might have to teach them. No one will come to know Jesus by “stopping by” for a short visit. They want to stay with Jesus in order to get to know Him better. A brief visit on the road won’t suffice. The only way to really know Him is to spend some extended time with Him. That is the goal of this adventure called “Walking With Jesus.”

Jn. 1:38 – The first two disciples that Jesus called are Andrew and his friend. We presume that John, the son of Zebedee, is the other disciple named here. Some scholars think that the other disciple was Thomas. The text never makes it clear. Jesus initiates the conversation. He doesn’t wait for them to decide if they want to talk to Him. We should also not expect the other person to start the conversation, but to initiate it. His manner is not presumptuous or threatening, but soft and inviting; safe and friendly. Jesus asks them what they want for their benefit. He already knows what they want, but this question goes deeper. “What do you want in life?” might have better captured the intent. “Rabbi” and its definition (“teacher”) suggests John is writing to a non-Jewish audience. This is a common title of a recognized teacher. “Where are You staying?” As mentioned, they want to go along with Jesus and see what He is about. God’s presence is not a passing thing, but a lifetime existence. Jordan River Valley where John the Baptist spent most of his time preaching and immersing.
Map courtesy of Logos Bible Atlas

Jn. 1:39 – “Come and you will see” The only way to really get to know Jesus is to spend time with Him. The “tenth hour” = 4 PM if the day started at 6 AM, 10 AM if the day started at midnight. The Jewish day started at 6 am. Romans started the day at midnight. The 4 PM time fits more logically with the text, but either is a possibility. They spend the night and then the “next day” Andrew goes and gets Simon.

Andrew Recruits His Brother

Jn. 1:40 – Andrew is the first person to bring someone to Jesus. He goes and gets his brother, Simon, and brings him to Jesus. Andrew appears 2 more times in the New Testament, each time in relation to bringing someone to Jesus. Beyond that we do not know anymore about him. What are you doing to tell others about the “Anointed One” of God?

Jn. 1:41 – Messiah is the Hebrew word for “Anointed One”. The Greek word is “Christ”. Andrew says “We have found . . .” instead of saying “I”. He is willing to share this discovery and not be egotistical. He loves his brother enough that he wants to share this significant discovery with him. Realize that at this time, he knows virtually nothing about Jesus except what John the Baptist has said. Have you ever let your own ego get in the way of your witness for Christ? Would you be as willing to follow someone merely on a trusted friend’s recommendation?

Jn. 1:42 – Jesus looks at Simon and immediately recognizes his character and strengths. He gives him the nickname “Peter” (Cephas in Aramaic is the same as Petros, in the Greek and Peter, in English). The giving of a new name can be significant of taking on a new life. No matter what he was before, Jesus is going to work a transformation in Simon and make him a “solid rock” of a person. This isn’t an instant change, but a transformation, as we will see. “Walking With Jesus” will cause a transformation in your life and character also.

On Day Four, Jesus Calls Philip

Jn. 1:43 – According to John, it is the next day, day four in this account. On His way north to Galilee from where John is baptizing at the Jordan River, Jesus calls Philip, who finds Nathanael. He tells Philip to “Follow Me” with no further explanation. Philip follows without question. Would you be willing to follow someone on such a simple call?

Jn. 1:44 – Philip is from Bethsaida, the same birthplace as Peter and Andrew. Bethsaida is actually in the territory of Gaulanitis, a part of Herod Philip’s kingdom. It is located on the Northeast side of the Sea of Galilee and is often associated with Galilee, because of its proximity, rather than with the Gaulanitis kingdom.

Jn. 1:45 – “We have found Him!” Philip shares his belief that he has found the One who would deliver the Jews from Roman oppression. Philip’s description of Jesus is striking, for he identifies Him as the Messiah announced in Scripture, indicates that He is a Galilean (Nazareth of Galilee), and calls Joseph his father. This is how they understand Jesus at this time. Soon they will proclaim Him to be the “Son of God” (see verse 49). Only the Gospel of John calls Nathanael this name. The other writers call him Bartholomew.

Jn. 1:46 – Nathanael is somewhat judgmental of residents from Nazareth. Is his comment from a feud, doubt, or negative experience? Nazareth does not have a very good reputation among the Jews of Jesus’ day. It is only a small village (contained on about seven acres of land) that is not even worthy of mention in the Old Testament. It might be also, that one would expect someone “great” to be from somewhere “great”. Philip’s answer parrots Jesus’ comment. Jesus doesn’t argue or defend, he merely invites Nathanael to come and decide for himself.

Jesus’ First Revelation of Himself to Nathanael

Jn. 1:47 – Again the divine discernment of Jesus is able to see the real character and potential in Nathanael. He sees through Nathanael to reveal his skepticism. Jesus sees the real value in you also! “No falsehood”, refers to no deceit, or snare, or guile. He is not a hypocrite, but a real Jew. A contemporary popular etymology of the name Israel was “one who sees God”. Nathanael sees who Jesus is by what Jesus has already revealed to him in such a short time. He has been recognized by Jesus. Now he will soon recognize who Jesus is. Are you developing a better recognition of Jesus?

Jesus’ second revelation of himself to Nathanael

Jn. 1:48 – Nathanael is surprised, but sincere in his skepticism. How could Jesus know what he was doing before Philip had even found him? Only by spending time with Jesus will one really get to know Him. Jesus has insight and discernment into what is going on inside of us. Often He can “read the minds” of the people. The “fig tree” incident is something only Nathanael knows about! Is this a place where Nathanael was praying and meditating? The fact that Jesus knows about it is a significant sign to Nathanael about who Jesus is. Is there something in your life that you wouldn’t want Jesus to know about?

Jn. 1:49 – Nathanael’s answer to Jesus is based on pragmatic experience, not faith. It is immediate and responsive. He doesn’t yet understand what Jesus is all about, but is willing to believe that He is the One Who is to be the future King of Israel, the Son of God!

Jn. 1:50 – Jesus is just beginning His ministry. Greater things are coming for Nathanael and the rest of us on which to base our beliefs. We will see signs, wonders, miracles, and hear teachings that proves Jesus is greater than anyone else on earth.

Jn. 1:51 – “I tell you the truth”, literally, “Amen, Amen, I say to you” Jesus used this phrase 25 times in His life when making a significant pronouncement. “Amen” means “of a truth”, or “it shall thus be so”, or “we are in agreement to...” It is a transliteration from the Hebrew into Greek.

You will want to read John 2:1-12.

“Walking With Jesus”

Lesson Commentary

LOC – 016 JESUS WINS HIS FIRST DISCIPLES
The Call of God’s Disciple - Evangelism

Whether you are starting a ministry or a business, sooner or later you have to start winning followers (or customers).

No minister can serve if he has no congregation. In John 1:35-51, we see how Jesus wins His first disciples.

Listen to Others Who Know Him! – John 1:35-37

The “next day” John is talking to Andrew (and John?).Jesus comes by and John points Him out as the “Lamb of God”. They become instant “groupies” and start to follow Jesus around. Jesus notices that He has gained a following and initiates a conversation.

Spend Time With Him Yourself – John 1:38-39, 43

These were followers of John the Baptist. They didn’t seem to have any problem leaving John and following Jesus. John’s ego was not dependent upon keeping his following, but in persuading them to follow Jesus!

We should never become so devoted to a minister or leader that we cannot accept another person in that position. Humans are imperfect. Some ministers are able to lead you so far. Then others come along and take you further than the other one can. Some are too overwhelming for a new believer, so each has their place. Our allegiance is 1 to Christ, 2 to the local church and then 3 to the leadership of that church and 4 to the minister.

Tell Others About Him! – John 1:40-46

Andrew tells his brother – Simon – John 1:41-42

Jewish time starts at 6:00 am. Roman time starts at midnight. The 10^th hour is 4 pm Jewish time or 10 am Roman time. Andrew only sticks around long enough to see where Jesus is staying and then immediately leaves and recruits Simon to come and join him. What are you doing to recruit others to follow Jesus? It is very easy to tell others about someone or something that you are excited about. How excited are you about Jesus?

(Andrew = man. Simon = listener) Jesus gives Simon the name, Peter (Cephas – “Rock”).Your name has meaning! Often reflected in your personality! Ashanti Tribe in Africa – middle name after the day of the week on which they are born. Babies born on Wednesday = Quakoo = mean, violent quick tempered = over 50% of the criminals. Parents, be careful what you call your children!

Philip calls a Friend – Nathanael – John 1:43-46

Jesus calls Philip who also comes from Bethsaida, as do Simon (Peter) and Andrew. Like Andrew summoning Simon, Philip recruits Nathanael. Jesus calls three and gets 5 in the process.

He has found the “…one Moses wrote about in the Law”. This is a direct reference to the Messiah! The fact is that Jesus is the true Messiah!

Nathanael is a skeptic but he is also very honest! Jesus sees the potential for great good in him and speaks to his honesty and integrity. “Guile” = deceit, falsehood. Nathanael is not false or deceitful!

You have great value! Jesus’ goal is to bring that out and allow you to use your life for His glory and honor. Also, integrity and honesty are an important qualities to have!

Believe in Him! – John 1:47-51

Jesus knows something about Nathanael that reveals who Jesus is to him! Nathanael knows that people from Nazareth have a very bad reputation. Therefore, he questions how anything good can come from there.

We have no clue what Jesus is referring to regarding the event under the fig tree, but Nathanael knows exactly what He is talking about. The point is that God sees you doing those things that you don’t want God to see you doing! Be careful what you do! God Knows!

Nathanael is surprised, but his honesty causes him to confess with Jesus. He is persuaded by Jesus’ words and his personal observation. Jesus advises Nathanael that he will see things far greater than Jesus knowing about some incident under a fig tree! This is a reference to Jacob’s dream that is told about in Genesis. Our faith is greater than Nathanael’s eyewitness!

“Jesus is the Son of God, the King of the Jews and Son of Man”. He uses “Son of Man” over 80 times to describe Himself in the Gospels.

CONCLUSION

Jesus has a lot more to show us to establish that He is more than just a mere king. Not only will we see great miracles, but also we will even see Him ascending into heaven!

Next Week: Jesus attends a wedding of a friend. What will His wedding gift be for the bride and groom?