Disciples (1:35). “ ‘Learners’ … those who had attached themselves to a given teacher.”6 This was a relationship of personal commitment and submission, like father and son. Teachers and disciples expected utter loyalty from each other. To let a disciple follow another teacher without a murmur was extraordinary.

Andrew was one of the Baptist’s disciples. The other is unnamed, but tradition has it that he was the Evangelist.

For Further Study: Using a concordance, research the implications of “lamb.” Start with Genesis 22:8.

5. What did each of the following discover about Jesus, and how did each discover this?

Andrew and the other disciple (1:35–41)

Andrew’s brother Simon (1:40–42)

Philip (1:43–45)

Nathanael (1:45–50)

For Thought and Discussion: a. In what ways are Andrew, Philip, and Nathanael like and unlike yourself after being newly introduced to Jesus?

b. What can you learn for your own life from their example?

For Thought and Discussion: What do you think was the significance of Simon’s new name “little rock” (1:42)?

6. How would you describe Jesus from what He says and does in 1:37–39, 42–43, 47–51? What impressions do you get of Him?

The Son of Man (1:51). This is the Aramaic way of saying “man” or “the man.” It was Jesus’ favorite way of referring to Himself, but John 12:34 suggests that it was not a familiar term for the Messiah.

The term probably came from Daniel 7:13–14, where it refers to a heavenly person. Also, God called Ezekiel “son of man” and commanded him to bear the sin of Israel and Judah in a symbolic affliction (see Ezekiel 4:1–5:17). “Son of Man” was a good choice for Jesus because it did not have the distorted political implications of “Messiah.”

7. What do you think Jesus is implying about Himself in 1:51?

8. What apparently convinces Andrew, Philip, and Nathanael that Jesus is the Messiah and the Son of God?

For Thought and Discussion: In 1:51, Jesus is referring to Jacob’s dream in Genesis 28:10–12. What is Jesus saying about Himself by comparing Himself to a staircase between heaven and earth?

For Thought and Discussion: a. Why do you think Jesus said what He did to Nathanael in 1:50–51?

b. How might you have felt if you had been Nathanael hearing these words?

9. From 1:50–51, does it seem that Jesus is satisfied with their level of understanding and belief? Why do you think He is or isn’t?Your response

10. Write down what 1:19–51 reveals about who Jesus is.

11. Think about the Baptist’s and the disciples’ testimony about Jesus, and about what convinced each of them. Also, reflect on what each of them did about what they heard and believed.

What implications does their example have for your life?

12. What do you think you should do about this testimony this week? Be as specific as possible.

Optional Application: Take time to praise Jesus for being the Messiah, the Lamb of God, the Son of God, the King of Israel, or something else revealed about Him in 1:19–51.

Optional Application: Are you following Jesus as a disciple (1:37, 43)? How is this affecting your actions? How should it affect them?

Optional Application: “Come and see,” said Jesus and Philip (1:39, 46). How can you invite someone to come and see Jesus?

13. List any questions you have about 1:6–8, 19–51.

Five Disciples (1:35-51)