Have you ever longed for a clear, personal sign that life could be different—more true, more whole, more anchored? In John 1:35–42 we meet people just like you and me: curious, unsettled, and drawn toward someone who promises more than information—he offers a presence. The scene is quiet but decisive: an invitation, a short stay, a testimony, and a new name. It matters because the first step of discipleship often looks less like doctrine and more like a risky, face-to-face encounter.
In plain words: John the Baptist points to Jesus and calls him “the Lamb of God.” Two of John’s followers begin following Jesus. He stops, asks them “What are you seeking?” and invites them, “Come and see.” They spend time with him, and one of them—Andrew—goes and finds his brother Simon, declaring, “We have found the Messiah.” Andrew brings Simon to Jesus, and Jesus looks at him and gives him a new name: Cephas (which means Peter). This particular call story is unique to John’s Gospel; you won’t find this specific “come and see” moment in Matthew, Mark, or Luke.
This passage reveals something tender and essential about Jesus and the kingdom: Jesus calls rather than coercing, he invites rather than crowdsourcing answers, and he names us—giving identity before we prove ourselves. The question “What are you seeking?” cuts to the human condition: we’re always looking for truth, belonging, and purpose. The weight of this moment is deceptively simple—an intimate conversation that begins a lifetime of following. The challenge is clear: following him requires being found, vulnerable, and willing to introduce others to what we’ve discovered. The grace is heavier still: he meets seekers where they are and gives new names and purposes before we earn them.
Today, practice a small “come and see.” Take ten quiet minutes with John 1:35–42—read it slowly and let Jesus ask you, “What are you seeking?” Then do one concrete thing: tell one person, in a sentence, “I’d like you to meet someone who changed my life,” or invite a friend to join you in a short Scripture time this week. Or simply accept the name he offers—write “Beloved” or “Called” on a sticky note and leave it on your mirror. Follow the invitation; bring someone along.
In plain words: John the Baptist points to Jesus and calls him “the Lamb of God.” Two of John’s followers begin following Jesus. He stops, asks them “What are you seeking?” and invites them, “Come and see.” They spend time with him, and one of them—Andrew—goes and finds his brother Simon, declaring, “We have found the Messiah.” Andrew brings Simon to Jesus, and Jesus looks at him and gives him a new name: Cephas (which means Peter). This particular call story is unique to John’s Gospel; you won’t find this specific “come and see” moment in Matthew, Mark, or Luke.
This passage reveals something tender and essential about Jesus and the kingdom: Jesus calls rather than coercing, he invites rather than crowdsourcing answers, and he names us—giving identity before we prove ourselves. The question “What are you seeking?” cuts to the human condition: we’re always looking for truth, belonging, and purpose. The weight of this moment is deceptively simple—an intimate conversation that begins a lifetime of following. The challenge is clear: following him requires being found, vulnerable, and willing to introduce others to what we’ve discovered. The grace is heavier still: he meets seekers where they are and gives new names and purposes before we earn them.
Today, practice a small “come and see.” Take ten quiet minutes with John 1:35–42—read it slowly and let Jesus ask you, “What are you seeking?” Then do one concrete thing: tell one person, in a sentence, “I’d like you to meet someone who changed my life,” or invite a friend to join you in a short Scripture time this week. Or simply accept the name he offers—write “Beloved” or “Called” on a sticky note and leave it on your mirror. Follow the invitation; bring someone along.
John: 1:35-42
When John the Baptist points out Jesus as the Lamb of God, two of his disciples begin following Jesus; one of them, Andrew, recognizes him as the Messiah and brings his brother Simon, whom Jesus gives the name Cephas (Peter).
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