The Weekly Show: Episode 34 - John 1:35–51

Join Tim and John as they give an informative episode about The Gospel of John Chapter 1 Verses 19-34.

Theme: https://uppbeat.io/t/northwestern/a-new-beginning

Transition Song: https://uppbeat.io/t/all-good-folks/aspire

Other: Bring The Fun! by https://uppbeat.io/browse/artist/andrey-rossi Andrey Rossi 

Full J.D. Vance Interview: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rPso1-N9O9s&t=861s

Bible Study: John 1:35–51

Introduction to John 1:35–51

Theme: The First Disciples and the Call to Follow Jesus

John 1:35–51 describes the first encounters between Jesus and His disciples. This passage highlights the beginning of Jesus' ministry as He calls individuals to follow Him. It reveals the different ways people come to Christ—through testimony, personal encounters, and divine revelation.

Context and Background:

• Prior to this passage, John the Baptist had been preparing the way for Jesus by preaching repentance and baptizing people (John 1:19–34).
• John identified Jesus as “the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world” (John 1:29), recognizing Him as the long-awaited Messiah.
• This passage marks the transition from John the Baptist’s ministry to the ministry of Jesus.

Why This Passage Matters:

This passage serves as a model for evangelism, showing how faith spreads through personal testimony and encounter. It also emphasizes Jesus’ authority and insight, encouraging us to trust in His call to follow Him.

Reflection Questions:

• How were you introduced to Jesus?
• How can you, like Andrew and Philip, invite others to “Come and see” Christ?
• What does this passage teach us about Jesus’ approach to calling His disciples?

1. John’s Testimony Leads to Discipleship (Verses 35–39)

Text:
“The next day again John was standing with two of his disciples, and he looked at Jesus as he walked by and said, ‘Behold, the Lamb of God!’ The two disciples heard him say this, and they followed Jesus. Jesus turned and saw them following and said to them, ‘What are you seeking?’ And they said to him, ‘Rabbi’ (which means Teacher), ‘where are you staying?’ He said to them, ‘Come and you will see.’ So they came and saw where he was staying, and they stayed with him that day, for it was about the tenth hour.”

2. Andrew Brings Peter to Jesus (Verses 40–42)

Text:
“One of the two who heard John speak and followed Jesus was Andrew, Simon Peter's brother. He first found his own brother Simon and said to him, ‘We have found the Messiah’ (which means Christ). He brought him to Jesus. Jesus looked at him and said, ‘You are Simon the son of John. You shall be called Cephas’ (which means Peter).”

3. Philip and Nathanael’s Encounter with Jesus (Verses 43–49)

Text:
“The next day Jesus decided to go to Galilee. He found Philip and said to him, ‘Follow me.’ Now Philip was from Bethsaida, the city of Andrew and Peter. Philip found Nathanael and said to him, ‘We have found him of whom Moses in the Law and also the prophets wrote, Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph.’ Nathanael said to him, ‘Can anything good come out of Nazareth?’ Philip said to him, ‘Come and see.’ Jesus saw Nathanael coming toward him and said of him, ‘Behold, an Israelite indeed, in whom there is no deceit!’ Nathanael said to him, ‘How do you know me?’ Jesus answered him, ‘Before Philip called you, when you were under the fig tree, I saw you.’ Nathanael answered him, ‘Rabbi, you are the Son of God! You are the King of Israel!’”

4. The Greater Promise of Jesus (Verses 50–51)

Text:
“Jesus answered him, ‘Because I said to you, “I saw you under the fig tree,” do you believe? You will see greater things than these.’ And he said to him, ‘Truly, truly, I say to you, you will see heaven opened, and the angels of God ascending and descending on the Son of Man.’”

 Key Themes and Takeaways

1. Invitation to Follow: Jesus invites individuals to “Come and see” and “Follow me,” emphasizing personal discovery and discipleship.
2. Faith Shared: The early disciples immediately share the news of Jesus with others, creating a chain reaction of faith.
3. Jesus’ Identity: This passage establishes Jesus as the Lamb of God, the Messiah, the Son of God, and the King of Israel.
4. Promise of Revelation: Jesus promises that His followers will experience profound spiritual truths and divine encounters.