📖 Passage

John 1:35–51 Read John 1 (NKJV)

🧠 Context & Background

After declaring Jesus as the Lamb of God, John the Baptist directs two of his own disciples toward Him, leading to the first personal encounters with Christ. Andrew brings his brother Simon to Jesus, who renames him Cephas (Peter). The next day, Jesus calls Philip to follow Him, and Philip brings Nathanael. Nathanael begins skeptical but ends in worship, recognizing Jesus as the Son of God and King of Israel. This passage highlights the chain reaction of personal evangelism, the transformative authority of Jesus, and His supernatural knowledge of those He calls.

🌿 Key Themes

• Witness Leading to Discipleship — Testimony about Jesus leads others to follow Him.
• Personal Encounter with Christ — Discipleship begins by meeting and abiding with Jesus.
• Evangelism by Relationship — Followers naturally bring others to Christ.
• Transformational Authority — Jesus redefines identities and callings.
• Supernatural Knowledge — Jesus knows His disciples before they know Him.

📖 Verse-by-Verse Commentary

John 1:35–36

"The next day again John was standing with two of his disciples... 'Behold, the Lamb of God!'"

• Consistent Witness — John repeats the same message, keeping the focus on Jesus.
• Redirecting Allegiance — John’s humility allows his disciples to follow Christ.
• Messianic Title — “Lamb of God” identifies Jesus as the ultimate sacrifice for sin.

John 1:37

"The two disciples heard him say this, and they followed Jesus."

• Immediate Response — Hearing leads to action.
• Shift in Loyalty — They leave John to follow the Messiah.
• Obedience to Testimony — True faith responds to the truth about Jesus.

John 1:38–39

"Jesus turned... 'What are you seeking?'... 'Come and you will see.'"

• Invitation to Relationship — Jesus engages them personally.
• Rabbi — They recognize Him as Teacher.
• Abiding — They spend the day with Him, beginning a life of discipleship.

John 1:40–41

"One of the two... was Andrew... He first found his own brother Simon..."

• Family Evangelism — Andrew shares Christ with his brother.
• Messianic Recognition — Declares, “We have found the Messiah.”
• Immediate Sharing — New believers naturally share the good news.

John 1:42

"Jesus... said, 'You are Simon... You shall be called Cephas.'"

• Divine Knowledge — Jesus knows Simon before any introduction.
• New Identity — Renaming signifies transformation.
• Future Role — “Cephas/Peter” points to his foundational place in the church.

John 1:43

"The next day Jesus decided to go to Galilee. He found Philip and said, 'Follow me.'"

• Direct Call — Jesus takes the initiative.
• Discipleship Defined — Following Jesus means personal obedience to His call.
• Galilean Ministry — Begins in the region where many of His disciples lived.

John 1:44–45

"Philip found Nathanael... 'We have found him of whom Moses... wrote, Jesus of Nazareth...'"

• Scriptural Fulfillment — Philip connects Jesus to the Law and Prophets.
• Witness Extended — Evangelism spreads through personal connections.
• Nazareth Mentioned — Sparks Nathanael’s skepticism.

John 1:46

"Nathanael said... 'Can anything good come out of Nazareth?' Philip said... 'Come and see.'"

• Skepticism — Nazareth was a small, unimpressive town.
• Simple Invitation — Philip doesn’t argue; he invites Nathanael to meet Jesus.
• Effective Evangelism — Let Jesus speak for Himself.

John 1:47

"Jesus saw Nathanael... 'Behold, an Israelite indeed, in whom there is no deceit!'"

• Supernatural Knowledge — Jesus knows Nathanael’s character.
• Compliment with Purpose — Points to sincerity of heart.
• Foreshadowing Faith — Recognition will lead to confession.

John 1:48

"Before Philip called you, when you were under the fig tree, I saw you."

• Omniscience — Jesus knows Nathanael’s private location and actions.
• Personal Encounter — Reveals His divine knowledge and authority.
• Faith Prompted — This knowledge convinces Nathanael.

John 1:49

"Rabbi, you are the Son of God! You are the King of Israel!"

• Confession of Faith — Nathanael acknowledges Jesus’ divine identity.
• Messianic Titles — Affirms Jesus as Israel’s rightful ruler and God’s Son.
• Immediate Transformation — From skepticism to worship.

John 1:50

"Because I said to you... you will see greater things than these."

• Faith Rewarded — Greater revelations await those who believe.
• Promise of More — Jesus will display His glory in greater ways.
• Growth in Discipleship — Faith matures through ongoing experience with Christ.

John 1:51

"You will see heaven opened, and the angels of God ascending and descending on the Son of Man."

• Jacob’s Ladder Fulfilled — Jesus is the true bridge between heaven and earth.
• Son of Man — Messianic title from Daniel 7:13–14.
• Mediating Role — Jesus alone provides access to God.

🔍 Trusted Insight

RC Sproul notes that Jesus’ supernatural knowledge of Nathanael demonstrates His divine nature and authority, while the “Son of Man” title reveals His messianic mission as the mediator between God and man.
Summary: From first encounter to confession of faith, Jesus draws His disciples through personal invitation, supernatural knowledge, and the promise of greater glory.

🧩 Review Questions

1. How does John the Baptist’s humility in pointing his disciples to Jesus model true ministry?
2. What is significant about Andrew bringing Simon to Jesus?
3. How does Jesus demonstrate His divine knowledge in this passage?
4. What does the “Son of Man” title tell us about Jesus’ role?

🔍 Definitions

• Rabbi — Teacher, respected instructor in the Scriptures.
• Messiah — The Anointed One promised in the Old Testament.
• Cephas/Peter — “Rock,” symbolizing stability and leadership.
• Son of Man — Messianic title indicating divine authority and humanity.

🙋 Application Questions

1. Who in your life needs you to invite them to “come and see” Jesus?
2. How has Jesus redefined your identity since you began following Him?
3. How does knowing Jesus’ supernatural knowledge of you impact your walk with Him?

🔤 Greek Keywords

• Rabbi (Teacher) — Spiritual instructor in God’s truth.
• Messias (Messiah/Christ) — God’s chosen Savior.
• Petros (Peter) — Rock or stone.
• Huios Theou (Son of God) — Divine title indicating relationship with the Father.
• Huios Tou Anthropou (Son of Man) — Messianic figure with eternal authority.

📚 Cross References

• Isaiah 53:7 — The Lamb of God imagery.

• Daniel 7:13–14 — The Son of Man given everlasting dominion.

• Genesis 28:12 — Jacob’s ladder vision fulfilled in Christ.

• Matthew 4:18–20 — Calling of Simon and Andrew.

• John 14:6 — Jesus as the only way to the Father.

  📦 Next Study

Next Study → John 2:1–12