4.3 The Two Disciples of John
The Disciples Recognize Jesus as the Messiah

Read John 1:35–39. What did the two disciples do after they heard John’s testimony about Jesus?

In John 1:35–39, we learn that two disciples of John the Baptist—among them Andrew—were standing with him as Jesus passed by. When John pointed to Jesus and exclaimed, “Behold, the Lamb of God!” (John 1:36), the two disciples immediately responded. They left John and followed Jesus because they recognized that Jesus was the fulfillment of the message that John had proclaimed to them. This was a decisive moment, as the disciples recognized the true Messiah through John’s testimony and changed their lives.

The Decision to Follow Jesus

After hearing John’s testimony, the two disciples sought the proximity of Jesus. They spent the day with Him to learn more and build a deeper relationship with Him. This is a significant step: they did not follow out of mere curiosity, but from a genuine desire to find the truth. This encounter with Jesus must have been deeply impressive, for it did not take long for Andrew to feel the need to share the good news further. He immediately sought out his brother Simon (Peter) and told him, “We have found the Messiah” (John 1:41).

The Transformative Encounter

This first encounter of the disciples with Jesus had a transformative power. Andrew’s enthusiasm shows how strongly the encounter with the Messiah changed the disciples’ lives. Jesus already knew Peter when he came to Him and gave him a new name: Cephas (Peter). This name change indicates that Jesus recognizes the hearts of people and sees their destiny before they themselves know it. The Gospel of John places particular emphasis on the fact that Jesus knows and understands each person deeply, which was of great significance for Peter and the later events.

The Significance for Our Lives

This section reminds us how crucial it is to listen to the testimony about Jesus and to follow Him. The disciples followed Jesus not out of tradition or a sense of duty, but out of a deep conviction that He is the true Messiah. Their decision to stay with Jesus and learn from Him led to a radically changed life that later resulted in the spread of the message. We too are called to respond to the testimony about Jesus in our lives and to build a personal relationship with Him to proclaim the truth of salvation in the world.

John the Baptist’s testimony led the disciples to Jesus, and their reaction shows how important it is to be open to God’s call. Their encounter with Jesus brought light to their understanding of Scripture and made them witnesses of the good news, which is the central concern of the Gospel of John.

How has Christ and your faith in Christ changed your life? What other changes would you like to see?

My faith in Christ has changed my life in many ways. He has given me a deeper sense of purpose and a firm anchor in daily life, especially in difficult times. Through my faith, I have learned to trust more in God’s guidance instead of relying on my own strength. Christ has shown me what it means to experience true love and forgiveness and to pass that on to others. Faith has also transformed my perspective on dealing with people, my priorities, and my values—towards a life founded on love, compassion, and community.

Regarding changes, I wish to grow even more in daily following of Jesus—with more patience, patience with myself and others. I strive to listen more to God’s voice, to let go of my fears and doubts, and to trust Him completely in all areas of life. A stronger prayer life and the ability to focus my thoughts more on Christ are also among my goals for future changes.

The story of John’s disciples who followed Him after hearing the testimony about Jesus has a direct connection to our daily lives and faith. It shows us how an encounter with Jesus can radically change life and what it means to consciously align one’s life with Christ.

1. Openness to God’s Call

Just as the two disciples responded to John’s testimony and followed Jesus back then, we today are called to listen to God’s call in our lives. This requires sensitivity and openness. In our daily lives, there are often moments when we feel that God wants to lead us in a new direction. Whether through reading the Bible, prayer, or encountering other believers—God speaks to us, and it is up to us to respond as the disciples did.

2. Seeking the Nearness of Jesus

The disciples consciously decided to stay with Jesus and spend the day with Him. In our lives, it is also important to spend time with Jesus through prayer, Bible study, and fellowship with other believers. This strengthens our relationship with Him and deepens our understanding of His teachings. The decision to follow Jesus changes our daily lives because we then consciously seek His guidance and make our decisions in the light of His truth.

3. Being Witnesses and Sharing the Message

Like Andrew, who felt the need to bring his brother to Jesus after his encounter, we are also called to share the gospel. The transformative encounter with Jesus is something that cannot remain hidden. Our task is to share the joy and hope we have received through Jesus with those around us—family, friends, coworkers. The testimony about Jesus must be reflected in our words and in our daily actions.

4. Willingness to Change

The disciples, especially Peter, experienced a name change, symbolizing the profound change Jesus effected in their lives. We too experience inner renewal through our faith in Christ. We should be willing to leave behind old habits, doubts, and fears and allow God to lead us into new roles and tasks. Faith is a continual growth process, where we are led deeper into trust in God.

Conclusion

The story of the two disciples who followed Jesus reminds us how important it is to listen to God’s call, stay close to Jesus, and share the transformative power of faith with others. These principles have a direct connection to our daily lives, encouraging us to consciously live as followers of Christ and to give testimony to His love and salvation through our lives.

Be open to God’s call, and let Him renew your heart daily so that you can share His love and truth.

Source: https://fulfilleddesire.net/lesson-4-witnesses-of-christ-as-the-messiah-4-3-the-two-disciples-of-john-themes-in-the-gospel-of-john-living-faith/

October 22, 2024

DAILY BIBLE READING – John Chapter 16

¹ These things have I spoken unto you, that ye should not be offended.

² They shall put you out of the synagogues: yea, the time cometh, that whosoever killeth you will think that he doeth God service.

³ And these things will they do unto you, because they have not known the Father, nor me.

⁴ But these things have I told you, that when the time shall come, ye may remember that I told you of them. And these things I said not unto you at the beginning, because I was with you.

⁵ But now I go my way to him that sent me; and none of you asketh me, Whither goest thou?

⁶ But because I have said these things unto you, sorrow hath filled your heart.

⁷ Nevertheless I tell you the truth; It is expedient for you that I go away: for if I go not away, the Comforter will not come unto you; but if I depart, I will send him unto you.

⁸ And when he is come, he will reprove the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment:

⁹ Of sin, because they believe not on me;

¹⁰ Of righteousness, because I go to my Father, and ye see me no more;

¹¹ Of judgment, because the prince of this world is judged.

¹² I have yet many things to say unto you, but ye cannot bear them now.

¹³ Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come.

¹⁴ He shall glorify me: for he shall receive of mine, and shall shew it unto you.

¹⁵ All things that the Father hath are mine: therefore said I, that he shall take of mine, and shall shew it unto you.

¹⁶ A little while, and ye shall not see me: and again, a little while, and ye shall see me, because I go to the Father.

¹⁷ Then said some of his disciples among themselves, What is this that he saith unto us, A little while, and ye shall not see me: and again, a little while, and ye shall see me: and, Because I go to the Father?

¹⁸ They said therefore, What is this that he saith, A little while? we cannot tell what he saith.

¹⁹ Now Jesus knew that they were desirous to ask him, and said unto them, Do ye enquire among yourselves of that I said, A little while, and ye shall not see me: and again, a little while, and ye shall see me?

²⁰ Verily, verily, I say unto you, That ye shall weep and lament, but the world shall rejoice: and ye shall be sorrowful, but your sorrow shall be turned into joy.

²¹ A woman when she is in travail hath sorrow, because her hour is come: but as soon as she is delivered of the child, she remembereth no more the anguish, for joy that a man is born into the world.

²² And ye now therefore have sorrow: but I will see you again, and your heart shall rejoice, and your joy no man taketh from you.

²³ And in that day ye shall ask me nothing. Verily, verily, I say unto you, Whatsoever ye shall ask the Father in my name, he will give it you.

²⁴ Hitherto have ye asked nothing in my name: ask, and ye shall receive, that your joy may be full.

²⁵ These things have I spoken unto you in proverbs: but the time cometh, when I shall no more speak unto you in proverbs, but I shall shew you plainly of the Father.

²⁶ At that day ye shall ask in my name: and I say not unto you, that I will pray the Father for you:

²⁷ For the Father himself loveth you, because ye have loved me, and have believed that I came out from God.

²⁸ I came forth from the Father, and am come into the world: again, I leave the world, and go to the Father.

²⁹ His disciples said unto him, Lo, now speakest thou plainly, and speakest no proverb.

³⁰ Now are we sure that thou knowest all things, and needest not that any man should ask thee: by this we believe that thou camest forth from God.

³¹ Jesus answered them, Do ye now believe?

³² Behold, the hour cometh, yea, is now come, that ye shall be scattered, every man to his own, and shall leave me alone: and yet I am not alone, because the Father is with me.

³³ These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.

King James Version. Public Domain

 

Commentary

Introduction

John chapter 16 is a powerful part of the Gospel, where Jesus prepares his disciples for his impending death and the time after his resurrection. It is a chapter full of comfort, challenges, and promises, guiding the disciples into a new era—the time after Jesus’ physical presence on earth. Jesus speaks openly about persecution, sorrow, but also about the gift of the Holy Spirit, who will guide the disciples and lead them into all truth. These words were not only meant to strengthen the disciples of that time, but they also offer hope and comfort to believers today.

Commentary

Jesus begins this chapter by warning his disciples that they will face persecution and hardships (verses 1–4). This prophecy is particularly significant because Jesus clarifies that their persecutors will believe they are acting in the name of God. This warning is not meant to discourage the disciples but to prepare them, so they will not be shaken when the trials come.

A central theme in John 16 is the role of the Holy Spirit, whom Jesus announces as “the Comforter” or “the Spirit of truth” (verses 7–15). Jesus explains that it is necessary for him to leave so that the Holy Spirit can come. This is fundamental for the disciples’ understanding: the Holy Spirit will reveal sin, righteousness, and judgment to them. Particularly important is the emphasis that the Holy Spirit will not speak on his own authority but will declare what he hears from the Father and the Son.

Another important section deals with the sorrow and hope that Jesus’ departure brings (verses 16–24). Jesus compares the sorrow of his disciples to a woman in labor—a powerful analogy that highlights both the pain and the future joy. Jesus promises that their sorrow will turn into joy when they see him again. This promise points to the resurrection and the deeper spiritual joy that no one can take from them.

The chapter concludes with a final exhortation and deep comfort (verse 33). Jesus clearly states that the disciples will have tribulation in the world, but they should take heart because he has overcome the world. These words serve as a source of peace for believers, reminding them that despite all adversities, victory has already been won through Christ.

Summary

John 16 offers a powerful message of comfort and hope. Jesus prepares his disciples for his absence, warns them of upcoming persecution, and promises them the Holy Spirit, who will guide them into all truth. Despite the sorrow that accompanies Jesus’ departure, he assures them that this sorrow will turn into joy. At the end of the chapter, Jesus gives a comforting message: there will be tribulation in the world, but in him, the disciples will find peace, for he has overcome the world.

 

 

Source: https://fulfilleddesire.net/22-10-2024-john-chapter-16-believe-his-prophets/