Jesus offers an authentic relationship to all who seek Him.
When two of John the Baptist’s disciples first encountered Jesus, the Apostle John recounts that “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” (v.39). This exchange took place in the early days of Jesus’ public ministry, shortly after John the Baptist proclaimed Him to be the “Lamb of God.” Jesus (circa 4 BC - AD 30) extends a warm and personal invitation to the two men, giving them a chance to experience His presence rather than merely hear about it from others. In a culture where religious teachers often had students follow them, Jesus’ invitation underscores the personal connection He desired with His followers. By welcoming those curious about Him, Jesus laid the framework for the transformative relationships modeled throughout the Gospels (Luke 19:5).
In calling them to “come,” Jesus likely was near the region of Bethany beyond the Jordan, the area where John the Baptist was preaching (John 1:28). Although the text does not specify the exact location in John 1:39, the region stood east of Jerusalem, across the Jordan River. This location provided a backdrop for religious seekers and travelers alike, setting the context for the early unveiling of Christ’s ministry. The mention that “it was about the tenth hour” (v.39) indicates that it was likely late afternoon, creating a sense of immediacy and closeness as the men stayed with Jesus well into the remainder of the day.
The invitation “Come, and you will see” (v.39) suggests much more than a physical journey. It conveys a willingness on Jesus’ part to reveal Himself and His teachings to those who sincerely seek Him. This theme resonates throughout the New Testament, where Jesus consistently invites others into fellowship and deeper understanding (Matthew 11:28). The two men left their previous teacher to follow Christ, a step of faith exemplifying the transition from the old ways of ritual to a new life centered on knowing Jesus personally. This pivotal moment anticipates how discipleship in Christ transforms sincere curiosity into a relationship that profoundly changes one’s life direction.
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John 1:39 meaning
When two of John the Baptist’s disciples first encountered Jesus, the Apostle John recounts that “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” (v.39). This exchange took place in the early days of Jesus’ public ministry, shortly after John the Baptist proclaimed Him to be the “Lamb of God.” Jesus (circa 4 BC - AD 30) extends a warm and personal invitation to the two men, giving them a chance to experience His presence rather than merely hear about it from others. In a culture where religious teachers often had students follow them, Jesus’ invitation underscores the personal connection He desired with His followers. By welcoming those curious about Him, Jesus laid the framework for the transformative relationships modeled throughout the Gospels (Luke 19:5).
In calling them to “come,” Jesus likely was near the region of Bethany beyond the Jordan, the area where John the Baptist was preaching (John 1:28). Although the text does not specify the exact location in John 1:39, the region stood east of Jerusalem, across the Jordan River. This location provided a backdrop for religious seekers and travelers alike, setting the context for the early unveiling of Christ’s ministry. The mention that “it was about the tenth hour” (v.39) indicates that it was likely late afternoon, creating a sense of immediacy and closeness as the men stayed with Jesus well into the remainder of the day.
The invitation “Come, and you will see” (v.39) suggests much more than a physical journey. It conveys a willingness on Jesus’ part to reveal Himself and His teachings to those who sincerely seek Him. This theme resonates throughout the New Testament, where Jesus consistently invites others into fellowship and deeper understanding (Matthew 11:28). The two men left their previous teacher to follow Christ, a step of faith exemplifying the transition from the old ways of ritual to a new life centered on knowing Jesus personally. This pivotal moment anticipates how discipleship in Christ transforms sincere curiosity into a relationship that profoundly changes one’s life direction.