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Following the Lamb of God: Summary of John Chapter 1:36-51

by Teresa^(1,654) Bronze Star

Freelance writer/Speaker

In this passage of Scripture, we get a glimpse of four of the 12 disciples who followed Jesus. Other than the opening statement in verse 36, we do not read any direct proclamations of Jesus from the Apostle John or John the Baptist. Instead, we read the words and actions of three of these four men. These men serve as an example to us – what have we done with the knowledge imparted to us about Jesus? The focus of this lesson will be the words and actions of these men.

“ And looking at Jesus as He walked, he [John the Baptist] said, ‘Behold the Lamb of God!’” John 1:36

In verse 29, John says this same thing, adding ...”Who takes away the sin of the world.” This was a declaration of who Jesus was (is) in all of His authority – a doctrinal statement of the truth.

In my opinion however, the repeated statement in verse 36 goes beyond the doctrinal. It speaks of the personal. “Look, here He is, coming our way look at him, get to know him” – so to speak.

READ JOHN 1:36-51

KEY WORDS/PHRASES:

John 1:40-41 – “ One of the two who heard John speak and followed was Andrew... he first found his own brother and said…”

John 1:43 – Jesus found Philip and said, “ Follow me .”…

John 1:44 – “Philip found Nathaniel and said…

John 1:49 – “Nathaniel answered and said to Him, ‘Rabbi, you are the Son of God! …”

What is the common theme?

1. They heard the message

2. They saw Jesus

3. They went and told others

4. They followed Jesus

5. They verbally acknowledged that Jesus was (is) the Son of God.

Nathanael went one-step further and acknowledged that he was (is) the King of Israel.

ABOUT THESE MEN

ANDREW-

The only thing we know for sure about Andrew is that he was the son of a fisherman. At some point, he began to follow the teaching of John the Baptist. Verse 40 tells us that he was one of the two disciples that first turned their attention to Jesus when John the Baptist proclaimed Him as the Lamb of God. The apostle John may have been referring to himself as the second disciple.

Verse 39 tells us that they stayed with Jesus for the rest of the day after meeting Him. Can you just imagine what they discussed? After spending time with Jesus, Andrew immediately went to find his brother, Simon Peter.

“ He first found his brother Simon and said to him, ‘We have found the Messiah’ (Which is translated, the Christ). And he brought him to Jesus.” John 1:40-42a

SIMON PETER –

We know from the text that Simon Peter was Andrew’s brother – also a fisherman by trade. What was Peter thinking when he went with his brother? I bet he didn’t expect to hear these words from Jesus:

“ Now when Jesus looked at him, He said, ‘You are Simon the son of Jonah. You shall be called Cephas,’ (Which is translated, a Stone.) John 1:42b

These are prophetic words of Jesus – he looked at Peter and knew that he would be a stone – or a rock for the cause of Christ. Interesting because in this early phase we do not read of Peter going out and bringing someone back to Jesus. It is important to note that Jesus did not call him “THE” Rock, but “a” rock. (More on this in the discussion questions.)

PHILIP –

We know that Philip was from Bethsaida, the same city of Andrew and Peter. We don’t know of his occupation, but it could be that he was also a fisherman. He may have also been a religious man – studying either the law and the prophets, or a follower of John the Baptist. This seems evident from the knowledge he seemed to have. As we will see when we look further into the ministry of Philip. Unlike Andrew or Peter, Jesus Himself called Philip:

“The following day Jesus Wanted to go to Galilee, and He found Philip and said to him, ‘follow me.’ John 43

NATHANAEL – (BARTHOLOMEW)

He was a friend of Philip’s and from Galilee. He was referred to as Nathanael in the book of John. However, in the other three gospels he was called Bartholomew. The meaning of his name leads us to believe he may have been a ploughman – or farmer. He holds the view of most Galileans of that time that Nazareth was a town filled with lower class citizens. This is gleaned from his statement to Philip when invited to go and meet Jesus.

“And Nathanael said to Him, ‘Can anything good come out of Nazareth?’ John 1:46

We know he was an honest man based on what Jesus said when He saw Nathanael coming his way.

“Behold, and Israelite indeed, in whom is no deceit.” John 1:47b

Verse 48 -51 records a conversation that plays out between Jesus and Nathanael. In this we see the kindness of Jesus the man, revealing more of Himself as Divine to a person who came with low expectations. It would appear he was not a man with any religious back round-not having any knowledge of the law and prophets, which spoke of the manner in which the Messiah would come.

Jesus gives Him a sign and at this simple sign, Nathanael believes. Why didn’t the others require a sign to believe? Could it be their previous knowledge? What does this say about Jesus meeting people right where they are – and the expectation He may have of those who have knowledge? It is clear that there are those who are called specifically by Jesus himself, and those who know Christ bring others in. Either way, the message is evident. The knowledge of Jesus is just too good to keep to ourselves.

There is more to be learned of these men, and there are many personal applications to this passage of Scripture.

Use your concordance to search out the other passages of Scripture that reveal more information. Share your thoughts. What can you learn from the actions of these men?

To dig a little deeper and follow along with our discussion, please see the discussion questions that will be added shortly.

Join us next week as we look into Jesus’ words to Nathanael in the closing verses of chapter one, which lead us into chapter two.

“Jesus answered and said to him, ‘Because I said to you, I saw you under the fig tree, do you believe? You will see greater things than these.’ And He said to him, ‘Most assuredly I say to you, hereafter you shall see heaven open, and the angels of God ascending and descending upon the Son of Man.” John 1:50-51

What is on your mind? Blessings to you in the name of Jesus!

Discussion questions

Part 3

© Teresa Ortiz - 2010

Article submitted Sunday, September 26, 2010 & read 508 times.

Please log in to leave your comments.

» left by Marijo Phelps⁽¹⁸⁰⁾ (1 year 230 days ago.)

I think you have been productively busy! Love you lady!

» left by Teresa (1 year 226 days ago.)

Hi Marijo, thank you for the words of encouragment. Right now I do have to be focused on just a few things, and this study is one that God is doing some beautiful things with. I know what I post here, cannot possibly portray all that is going on in class, but I do pray it brings encouragment to others. I appreciate your following along and would welcome your additional thoughts and insights. As my prayer is that this serious would bring about discussion here. Love you too!

» left by Linda DeWitt (1 year 226 days ago.)

Thank you for doing this study Teresa. I'm not able to do it all at one time but it has made me get back in John and I'm enjoying that. I still print it out and leave it for my hubby but he hasn't touched it yet. He has suggested going to visit Mark and Michelle at Christmas and going to Mark's church, now that's a first. , God bless, Linda D

» left by Teresa^(1,654) (1 year 226 days ago.)

Hi Linda. You are welcome. I am so glad it has encouraged you and taken you back to the book of John. That is great news about your husband. I will pray it comes to pass!! Big hugs. Love you, T

» left by Rose Maya from Rosemead, CA (1 year 106 days ago.)

teresa,

you are such a busy girl!

Love you,

Mom

We appreciate your comments!

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