John 1:35-40 - Homiletics

The first gathering of disciples to Jesus.

We trace in these words the first beginnings of the Christian Church. It began with two disciples, Andrew and John; and the first disciples became the first preachers.

I. THE BAPTIST 'S RENEWED TESTIMONY TO CHRIST . "Behold the Lamb of God!"

1 . John and the Redeemer had now met for the last time ; and the Baptist was already preparing for the change in their relative positions implied in the entrance of Jesus upon public life. "He must increase, but I must decrease."

2 . His last testimony was but a repetition of his first testimony. "Behold the Lamb of God!"

II. THE EFFECT OF THIS RENEWED TESTIMONY . The two disciples of John "followed" Jesus. This was the decisive act that determined their destiny forever. The words of John excited their wonder, their admiration, their desire for further knowledge.

1 . They seek a more intimate knowledge of Jesus. The Saviour, seeing them follow him, asked them, "What seek ye?" As he knew their hearts, the words were evidently spoken both to encourage and to stimulate to further inquiry. They answer, "Where dwellest thou?" They desired a private interview that they might have a deeper insight into his character and mission. They sought a Person rather than a gift.

2 . The Lord fully gratifies their desire, and satisfies all their hopes. "Come and see."

(a) There was full time to satisfy all their doubts and answer all their questions.

(b) The day was a turning point in their lives; and therefore they fix with exactness the very limits of their stay with Jesus.

(a) The discovery of Jesus implied a previous seeking.

(b) It was unexpected.

(c) It was joyful.

(d) It was final.

III. THE INTEREST AND IMPORTANCE OF ANDREW 'S CHRISTIAN DISCIPLESHIP . "One of the two which heard John speak, and followed him, was Andrew, Simon Peter's brother."

1 . He was among the first called to be Christ ' s disciples. He is therefore one of the two first members of the Christian Church.

2 . Mark his priority to Peter. That apostle to whom the Church of Rome assigns the primacy, was not the first to accept or follow Christ.