Chapter
one concludes with a description of the first disciples’ initial experiences of
Jesus. This gives us a glimpse of the
nature of discipleship. Notice how the
first disciples followed in response to John’s testimony of Jesus (v. 35). Jesus turns around and sees them following
Him and questioned them. They respond
with respect, calling Him “teacher”.
Jesus shifts the initiative back to the disciples again when He answers,
“come and see…” They respond and spend
the day with Him. Notice how in the book
of John Jesus is introduced as one silently walking past. The disciples are seen as taking initiative and
being willing to seek. In verse 41 we
find Andrew going to his brother Simon and bringing Him to Jesus. It is then that Jesus speaks a prophetic name
over Simon, calling him Peter, which means Rock, showing His authority. Overall, it’s clear to see that the crucial
issue in discipleship is not whether we are mature but whether we desire to “come
and see…”
JOURNALING AND PRAYER
1. Ordinary men sought Jesus and stayed with him throughout
his ministry. These men became the
pillars of the early church but they did not start out that way. Where are you at in your journey with God? Ask the Lord to give you a picture of how far
you’ve come.
2. Throughout the Gospels, Peter was anything but a
rock, he was impulsive and unstable. Yet
in Acts, he becomes a pillar of the early church. What does this tell you of Jesus and God’s
grace and His ability to transform a life?
Ask Him to show you His plans for your life and what He wants to transform
you into.
3. Spend some time in thanksgiving, praising God for
the great things that He is doing in your life.
