John 1: 35-38
As Jesus passed by, John pointed him out to the two disciples who were with him at the time. What transpires next is noteworthy. The passage informs us “And the two disciples heard him speak, and they followed Jesus” (John 1:37). How instructive!! We hear the preacher, but we follow Jesus. Our sacred duty is always to point people to Jesus. We, as His servants, dare not seek to draw away disciples unto ourselves. Like John, our clear understanding of the divine plan is “He must increase, but I must decrease” (John 3:30).
Therefore, John was supremely careful in the wording and framing of his message. He was never guilty of empire-building or building his own empire. They heard John, but they followed Jesus. We boldly and unashamedly follow the Lord whithersoever He goeth (Rev 14:4). This remains our testimony and our solemn declaration.
As we journey from here to there, the church is directed to keep in mind what Jesus said on more than one occasion – “Follow Me.” The writer of the epistle to the Hebrews further reinforces this thought when he pointedly issues the charge “Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith…” (Hebrews 12:2). Therefore, I see no justification for backsliding and being turned around. When we take our eyes off Him and start gazing around and looking at others more than Him, that’s where the trouble lies. Please church, let us be careful whom we follow, especially today. How true it is that we become more like those whom we follow. Could it be that some of us need to break some ties with some people even in this church in order to get closer to Him.
In this passage we note that the word “followed” is in the Greek aorist tense, meaning a once-for-all act, a single discreet action. Andrew and the other disciple turned to follow Jesus. They were ready to make a commitment to Him. They wanted to become disciples of Jesus. They made up their minds. Even now as then, real Christianity calls for commitment to Him. Your mind must be made up and ready – no turning back! People whose minds are made up cannot be easily turned around.
As they began following Him the writer of this gospel narrative swiftly points out “Then Jesus turned, and saw them following, and saith unto them What seek ye?…” (John 1:38). O church, please grasp the thought and receive the illumination that as we turn forward to Him, He will most definitely turn towards us! Undoubtedly, He was a good distance away from them, but He turned and saw them. I think it is comforting to know that He sees us and seeks to engage us about our needs. The fact that we matter to Him must never be taken simply or lightly. It is incredibly remarkable that He sees us as we desire to know Him better. He sees and knows what’s going on in our lives and earnestly bids us come!
Jesus turned and acknowledged them. He turned to help them. Before they even reached Him, He turned to them. What a God! He turned to face them. A clear demonstration of His openness towards us. Jesus took time out to fellowship with them. Let this Northeast church so follow Him with this assurance that He is turned toward us to meet every need, and longing. We follow Him all the way! No turning back!
Leroy V. Greenaway
Presiding Bishop – Northeast Region
