The Word Divides

Part IX

John 1:35-39

"The next day John was there again with two of his disciples. When he saw Jesus passing by, he said, "Look, the Lamb of God!" When the two disciples heard him say this, they followed Jesus. Turning around, Jesus saw them following and asked, "What do you want?" They said, "Rabbi" (which means Teacher), "where are you staying?" "Come," he replied, "and you will see." So they went and saw where he was staying, and spent that day with him. It was about the tenth hour."

"The next day"

This seems to be another event in which John the Baptist observes Jesus “passing by.” We are not told the proximity of Jesus, whether at a distance or close by, however John recognizes Jesus and loudly declares, “Look the Lamb of God.” What might happen if you and I were so spiritually in tune with Jesus that at times out of intimacy with Jesus we might burst forth in adoration “Look the Lamb of God!” Can you imagine what America might be like if the 100,000 million or so professing Christians burst forth in a loud voice “Look the Lamb of God!” Yes many might think we are crazy but that is part of our problem we worry about what others think rather than what God wants. “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” (Jn 3:16)

John the Baptist has a distinct prophetic role as prophesied by Isaiah and Malachi. However, John the Baptist is also a living picture of one who has “beautiful feet.” (Romans 10:15) I am not talking about a person who has just had a recent Pedicure! Paul latter declares “How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them? And how can they preach unless they are sent? As it is written, “How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!” (Romans 10:14-15) All who are in Jesus, abiding in Him, are ambassadors of Jesus Christ. Andrew, Peter and John (the Apostle) hear about Jesus from John the Baptist. Your neighbor, coworker, anyone and everyone that you meet is a Divine encounter that God has orchestrated. Are you bringing the “good news”, not just news!

Two of John’s disciples hear him declare, “Look, the Lamb of God!” John had the respect of Andrew and John (possibly the other disciple, the Apostle), the two disciples. When John speaks Andrew and the other disciple “turn around”, and follow Jesus. To follow can mean to follow as a disciple or simply traveling along with Him. It seems now, Andrew and the other disciple (probably John the Apostle) are merely curious and Jesus confronts them, “what do you want.” The two men refer to Jesus not as the Christ or Messiah but rather in a respectful tone and title, “Rabbi.” The two men certainly show great respect for Jesus but there is not a declaration of certainty of who Jesus is to them. The two men are certainly drawn to Jesus as they ask, “Where are you staying.”

Oh how gracious our Savior, “for everyone who calls on” his name shall be saved. (Romans 10:13) Jesus is calling “Come,” he replied, “and you will see.” Take that step toward Jesus and “you will see” that Jesus is the Christ, Messiah, Son of God, Savior of all who believe. How gracious is Jesus, he “spent the day with” the two disciples. Jesus, the creator, Son of God, Christ, Messiah, Savior was willing to spend a whole day with these two ordinary men. Oh how that makes me feel ashamed! My Savior neither “slumbers nor sleeps” (Psalm 121) but I will not’ spend 5 minutes sharing him with someone else. John’s 2 second declaration “Look, the Lamb of God” was used by God (beautiful feet bringing good news) too reach those who will be used to complete the Word of God (the New Testament).

Jesus is building his church, using “beautiful feet”, those who are filled and empowered by the Holy Spirit boldly proclaiming, “Look, and the Lamb of God!”

The John’s testify, “Look”, you are without excuse Jesus is calling, “Come and you will see.”