They embraced Jesus because He is the One John promised would come with power and salvation.
The two disciples heard him speak, and they followed Jesus (v.37). This scene takes place near the Jordan River, where John the Baptist was ministering around the late 20s AD. John’s role was to prepare Israel to receive the coming Messiah, urging everyone to repent and align themselves with God’s promised Savior. He consistently pointed people away from himself and toward Jesus, declaring that his own purpose was fulfilled as soon as the Christ appeared. According to insights drawn from John’s broader ministry, he taught that Israel needed to believe in “Him who was coming after him,” that is, in Jesus. Two of John’s disciples, upon hearing their teacher identify Jesus as the Lamb of God (John 1:36), immediately recognized that they should transfer their loyalty and follow Jesus instead.
The two disciples heard him speak likely refers to them overhearing John’s testimony about Jesus being the long-awaited Messiah, which compelled them to act. Historically, John practiced baptism of repentance throughout the wilderness areas near the Jordan (Matthew 3:1-6). By AD 26-29, crowds flocked to him, including religious leaders and common folk. John’s job was never to hold onto followers for himself but to point humanity to the One who would baptize them by the Holy Spirit. This indicates the humble posture that John took—he did not hesitate to relinquish his disciples to Jesus, recognizing that Jesus outranked him as the Messiah.
…and they followed Jesus (v.37) underscores the instantaneous obedience of the disciples in turning to Christ. Tradition identifies them as Andrew (John 1:40) and, very possibly, the Apostle John. Their quick decision shows the importance of understanding that Jesus is the true center of God’s redemptive plan, and it reveals a heart willing to move wherever God’s Spirit leads. The fact that these disciples left John so readily also illustrates the authority and attraction that Jesus carried—even before He officially called them, they knew instinctively that following this Rabbi was their deeper purpose.
Set to dark mode
John 1:37 meaning
The two disciples heard him speak, and they followed Jesus (v.37). This scene takes place near the Jordan River, where John the Baptist was ministering around the late 20s AD. John’s role was to prepare Israel to receive the coming Messiah, urging everyone to repent and align themselves with God’s promised Savior. He consistently pointed people away from himself and toward Jesus, declaring that his own purpose was fulfilled as soon as the Christ appeared. According to insights drawn from John’s broader ministry, he taught that Israel needed to believe in “Him who was coming after him,” that is, in Jesus. Two of John’s disciples, upon hearing their teacher identify Jesus as the Lamb of God (John 1:36), immediately recognized that they should transfer their loyalty and follow Jesus instead.
The two disciples heard him speak likely refers to them overhearing John’s testimony about Jesus being the long-awaited Messiah, which compelled them to act. Historically, John practiced baptism of repentance throughout the wilderness areas near the Jordan (Matthew 3:1-6). By AD 26-29, crowds flocked to him, including religious leaders and common folk. John’s job was never to hold onto followers for himself but to point humanity to the One who would baptize them by the Holy Spirit. This indicates the humble posture that John took—he did not hesitate to relinquish his disciples to Jesus, recognizing that Jesus outranked him as the Messiah.
…and they followed Jesus (v.37) underscores the instantaneous obedience of the disciples in turning to Christ. Tradition identifies them as Andrew (John 1:40) and, very possibly, the Apostle John. Their quick decision shows the importance of understanding that Jesus is the true center of God’s redemptive plan, and it reveals a heart willing to move wherever God’s Spirit leads. The fact that these disciples left John so readily also illustrates the authority and attraction that Jesus carried—even before He officially called them, they knew instinctively that following this Rabbi was their deeper purpose.