(John the Baptist) saw Jesus coming toward him and declared, “Here is the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world! This is he of whom I said, ‘After me comes a man who ranks ahead of me because he was before me.’ I myself did not know him; but I came baptizing with water for this reason, that he might be revealed to Israel.” And John testified, “I saw the Spirit descending from heaven like a dove, and it remained on him. I myself did not know him, but the one who sent me to baptize with water said to me, ‘He on whom you see the Spirit descend and remain is the one who baptizes with the Holy Spirit.’ And I myself have seen and have testified that this is the Son 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!” 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?” 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. 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). 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 1:29-42
John's call story of the disciples is very different than that of the other gospel writers.
Simon Peter isn't even among the first called.
But what has always struck me with this passage is that Jesus' message isn't "Follow me." It's "Come and See."
I think maybe that's the message most of us might need to hear. Following Jesus can sometimes feel like any enormous responsibility: one which we might not always feel equipped for.
But if Jesus first call is "Come and See," then following him might feel a little more manageable.
- When we see the love that Jesus shows
- When we see the acceptance and the non-judgment in his interactions with people
- When we see his compassion for the hurting
- When we see his humility in his submission to his death.
But also when we see the lives transformed by the love, compassion, acceptance, non-judgment, and humility of Jesus.
And when we see that same love, compassion, acceptance, non-judgment, and humility in his other followers.
Jesus says Come and See.
And after that, just maybe the following part will just come.
Here I am, Lord. Send me. Amen