John 1:35-42 – The First Disciples Follow Jesus
Quick Summary
In John 1:35-42, John the Baptist points his own disciples to Jesus, declaring him the Lamb of God. Two disciples follow Jesus, spend time with him, and one of them, Andrew, brings his brother Simon Peter. This passage highlights the beginning of discipleship, where following Jesus begins with an invitation to “come and see.”
Introduction
The Gospel of John moves from testimony to encounter. After John the Baptist’s declaration of Jesus as the Lamb of God, attention shifts to the response of those who hear. Discipleship begins not with certainty, but with curiosity, relationship, and invitation. In this passage, we watch the first disciples take hesitant steps toward Jesus, leading to the call of Simon Peter, who will become central to the Gospel story.
Learn More: The Pattern of Discipleship in John
This short narrative captures the heart of what it means to follow Christ: to notice, to seek, to spend time in his presence, and to invite others. It is as much about ordinary beginnings as it is about great callings. Let’s look at John 1:35-42 verse by verse, listening to how discipleship first took shape and what it means for us today.
John 1:35-42 Explained Verse by Verse with Commentary
John 1:35-36: the Lamb of God
“The next day John again was standing with two of his disciples, and as he watched Jesus walk by, he exclaimed, ‘Look, here is the Lamb of God!’” (John 1:35-36)
John the Baptist does not cling to his disciples. Instead, he directs them toward Jesus. The repetition of “Lamb of God” shows consistency in his witness (see John 1:29). His joy is not in gathering followers for himself, but in pointing them to the one greater than him. (Brown, John 1; Carson, John 1.)
This is a profound model of leadership. True spiritual leaders release people to follow Christ rather than themselves. John’s humility is once again evident—his role is preparatory, his testimony transitional. (Keener, John 1.)
John 1:37-38: Following Jesus
“The two disciples heard him say this, and they followed Jesus. When Jesus turned and saw them following, he said to them, ‘What are you looking for?’ They said to him, ‘Rabbi’ (which translated means Teacher), ‘where are you staying?’”(John 1:37-38)
The disciples’ response is immediate—they follow. Yet when Jesus turns to engage them, his question cuts to the heart: “What are you looking for?” It is the first spoken words of Jesus in John’s Gospel. This is more than a logistical inquiry; it is a spiritual challenge. (O’Day, John 1.)
Their answer, “Where are you staying?” reveals a desire for presence rather than information. They seek not a title, but time with him. Discipleship is relational, beginning with staying in the company of Jesus. (Köstenberger, John 1.)
John 1:39: Come and See
“He said to them, ‘Come and see.’ They came and saw where he was staying, and they remained with him that day. It was about four o’clock in the afternoon.” (John 1:39)
Jesus’ invitation, “Come and see,” is simple yet profound. Discipleship begins with experience, not explanation. Before creeds and confessions, there is encounter. They remain with him, and this abiding foreshadows the theme of dwelling in Christ that will recur throughout the Gospel (see John 15:4). (Keener, John 1; Carson, John 1.)
The detail of the hour adds realism. John’s Gospel often grounds profound theology in remembered moments. The memory of that first afternoon with Jesus lingers, underscoring how life-changing the encounter was. (Brown, John 1.)
John 1:40-41: Andrew, Peter’s brother
“One of the two who heard John speak and followed him was Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother. He first found his brother Simon and said to him, ‘We have found the Messiah’ (which is translated Anointed).” (John 1:40-41)
Andrew cannot keep the news to himself. The natural response to encountering Jesus is to share. His confession, “We have found the Messiah,” is the first explicit recognition of Jesus’ identity from a disciple. It testifies to the contagious nature of faith. (O’Day, John 1; Köstenberger, John 1.)
Importantly, Andrew brings Peter. Before Peter becomes the rock, he is simply Simon, invited by his brother. Discipleship spreads through relationship and testimony. (Keener, John 1.)
John 1:42
“He brought Simon to Jesus, who looked at him and said, ‘You are Simon son of John. You are to be called Cephas’ (which is translated Peter).” (John 1:42)
Jesus not only receives Simon but renames him. A new identity marks the start of discipleship. “Cephas” (Aramaic for “rock”) anticipates Peter’s future role, though his journey will be full of struggle and failure. From the beginning, Jesus sees who Peter will become. (Brown, John 1; Carson, John 1.)
This renaming shows that following Jesus involves transformation. He does not leave us as we are but calls us into who we are meant to be.
John 1:35-42 Meaning for Today
The first disciples’ encounter with Jesus reminds us that discipleship starts with a question: “What are you looking for?” Many of us chase after answers, security, or purpose. Jesus invites us instead into relationship—“Come and see.”
Like Andrew, discipleship naturally overflows into invitation. Sharing faith is not primarily about arguments or strategies but about telling someone, “I have found the Messiah—come and see.”
Finally, Simon’s renaming teaches us that Jesus calls us not only as we are but into what we can become. He sees the rock in us even when we are still wavering. To follow Jesus is to enter a journey of transformation.
FAQ: John 1:35-42
Why does John the Baptist point his disciples to Jesus?
Because his role is to bear witness and prepare the way. His joy is in sending others to Christ, not in holding on to followers. (Carson, John 1.)
What is significant about Jesus’ first words, “What are you looking for?”
They are both practical and spiritual, inviting seekers to clarify their deepest desires. Discipleship begins by naming what we truly seek. (O’Day, John 1.)
What does “Come and see” mean in this passage?
It signals that discipleship is experiential. We discover who Jesus is by being with him, not just by hearing about him. (Keener, John 1; Köstenberger, John 1.)
Why does Jesus rename Simon as Cephas/Peter?
The new name anticipates his future role as a leader among the disciples. It shows that following Jesus involves transformation and new identity. (Brown, John 1.)
Sources / Further Reading
Raymond E. Brown, John (AYB), John 1
D. A. Carson, John (PNTC), John 1
Gail R. O’Day, John (NIB), John 1
Craig S. Keener, The Gospel of John, John 1
Andreas J. Köstenberger, John (BECNT), John 1
