John 1:35-42.           

John the Baptist declared Jesus to be “the Lamb of God” (v. 36). Two of his disciples left him and followed Jesus. One of them was Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother. The second may have been John, who consistently avoids naming himself in his gospel.

What motivated them to join Jesus? Was it John’s proclamation or some quality in Jesus himself? Their interchange with Jesus seems mundane. “What do you want?” Jesus asked. They said, “Rabbi” (which means “teacher”), “where are you staying?” “Come,” He replied, “and you will see.” A simple question with a simple answer.

Being a disciple has everything to do with proximity. In that day, disciples traveled with their teacher. They listened carefully to every word and asked questions. They had access to their teacher. They observed the teacher’s daily life and interactions with others. They lived in cohort with other disciples. They might be sent on missions by the teacher and report back on the results. They often served as intermediaries between the teacher and people in the broader world.

It is not that much different today. We now have the Bible and the abiding Holy Spirit. True discipleship still requires closeness—if not physical, then spiritual.

Author: Duane Brush