John 1:35-42
The next day John the Baptist was still there faithfully proclaiming the message. Consistency in any endeavor is key to success; how much more blessed is consistency in proclaiming the gospel? John the Baptist was faithful but what happened when he pointed at Jesus and called him “The Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world”?
Only two went with Jesus. How many others heard this proclamation? Were they not also looking for God’s promised messiah? Why didn’t more than two go after Jesus? How many have heard the Gospel but don’t give it any attention? Doesn’t God want them to be saved?
But two did follow after Jesus upon hearing John’s testimony. Jesus turned to them and spoke with them. Our faltering steps toward God are never met with derision or condescension, but with kind concern meeting us where we are. Jesus didn’t presume upon them at all but asks, though he knew, what did they want. Imagine the questions that burned within them! But all they managed was, where are you staying?
Jesus invites them with the best invitation, come and see. “Come along,” Christ kindly invites all who would follow, “I’ll show you the way.” Come and see is a promise to accept and to show. We need not hesitate to accept and extend Christ’s invitation to all. Following leads to spending time with, which leads to getting to know, which leads to understanding. Psalm 34:8 Oh, taste and see that the Lord is good; Blessed is the man who trusts in Him!
Jesus could have told them to meet him the next day, it was already late, but Jesus never tells someone who wants to follow him to come back later. Jesus always meets with us as soon as we turn our attention to him. 2 Corinthians 6:2 “…now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation.”
Andrew was one of these two and he got his brother Simon and brought him to Jesus. Peter was a fisherman, see how the fisherman is fished out of the world and into the kingdom of light. Andrew hooked him with enthusiasm and reeled him in till he was in the boat with Jesus.
Jesus greets Simon and changes his name to Peter. A group of good friends may give each other nicknames when they know each other well. It is a sign of being part of the group. Jesus knew Peter through and through and shows him that he is part of the family right away. Jesus knows each one of us and he knows our true names. Revelation 2:17, “…I will give him a white stone, and on the stone a new name written which no one knows except him who receives it.”
brotherpayne 