The next day, John stood again with two of his disciples, watched as Jesus walked by, and said, “Look! The Lamb of God.” The two disciples heard John say that and began to follow Jesus. Jesus eventually turned around, saw them, and said, “What are you looking for?” And they responded, “Rabbi, (which means teacher) where are you staying?” Jesus said to them, “Come and you will see.” So they went and saw where he was staying and stayed with him that day. It was about four in the afternoon. (John 1:35-39)
Jesus Finding Disciples
Andrew was one of the two men following John and beginning to follow Jesus. His brother was Simon. The first thing he does is find his brother Simon and tell him, “We have found the Messiah” (which, being translated, is “the Anointed”). Andrew led Simon to Jesus. Looking at him, Jesus said, “You are Simon, the son of John; you shall be called Cephas” (which is translated as “Peter”). (John 1:40-42)
Jesus desired to go away into Galilee the following day, and he found Philip. Jesus said to him, “Follow me.” Philip was from Bethsaida, a city from which Andres and Peter came. Philip finds Nathanael and says, “We have found him of whom Moses wrote in the Law and the Prophets, Jesus son of Joseph, from Nazareth.” Nathanael asked, “Can there be anything good out of Nazareth?” Philip replied, “Come and see.” (John 1:43-46)
When Jesus saw Nathanael approaching, he said of him, “Look, truly an Israelite in home, there is nothing false.” Nathanael said back, “Where do you know me from?” Jesus answered, saying, “Before Philip called you, I saw you beneath the fig tree.” Nathanael replied, “Rabbi, you are the Son of God and the king of Israel.” Jesus answered, “You have faith because I told you I saw you below the fig tree? Who shall see greater things than these.” And Jesus continued, “Amen, amen. I tell you, you shall see the heavens open and angels of God ascending and descending upon the Son of Man.” (John 1:47-51)
Jesus First Miracle
On the third day, there was a wedding feast in Cana of Galilee, and Jesus’s mother was there. Both Jesus and his disciples were invited to the wedding. When the wine was gone, Mary, Jesus’ mother, said to him, “They have no win.” Jesus asks her, “What, madam, is this to me and you? My hour has not yet arrived.” His mother then tells the servants, “Do whatever he tells you.” (John 2:1-5)
Nearby, there were six stone water jars, the kind used for purification for the Judaeans. Each could hold 20-30 gallons of water. Jesus said to them, “Fill the water jars with water.” And they filled them to the brim. Then Jesus tells them, “Now pour a glass and take it to the banquet master.” And the servants did so. When the banquet master tasted the water that had become wine, he did not know where it came from. However, the servants know who drew the water. The banquet master calls out to the groom, saying, “Everyone sets out the fine wine first, and then the worst when all the guests have been made drunk. You have saved the fine wine till no.” This is the first sign Jesus performed in Cana of Galilee, thus revealing his glory, and his disciples had faith in him. (John 2:6-11)
Discussion Questions
- John the Baptist pointed his disciples to Jesus by calling Him the “Lamb of God.” Why do you think John referred to Jesus in this way, and what does it mean for Jesus to be the “Lamb of God”? How can we help others recognize and follow Jesus today?
- When Andrew found Jesus, the first thing he did was to tell his brother, Simon Peter, about Him. Why do you think Andrew was so eager to share the news with his brother? How can we share our faith and excitement about Jesus with our family and friends?
- Nathanael was initially skeptical about Jesus because He came from Nazareth, but his encounter with Jesus changed his perspective. How do you think we can overcome our own biases and misconceptions to see the truth about people and situations?
- At the wedding in Cana, Jesus performed His first miracle by turning water into wine. What does this miracle reveal about Jesus’ power and His concern for people’s needs? How can we trust in Jesus’ ability to provide for us in our own lives?
- Jesus’ disciples began to have faith in Him after witnessing the miracle at the wedding. How do miracles and acts of kindness strengthen our faith in God? What are some ways we can look for and recognize God’s work in our everyday lives?
