How can we follow Jesus more closely, like the disciples in John 1:35? Text of John 1:35 “The next day John was there again with two of his disciples.” Immediate Context • John the Baptist stands in public ministry, pointing away from himself to the Lamb of God (John 1:29, 36). • Two of his disciples hear John’s witness, leave him, and literally walk after Jesus (John 1:37). • Their simple, bodily response models the heart of authentic discipleship—leaving lesser loyalties to attach to Christ. Key Observations About Discipleship in the Verse • Presence: John “was there again,” showing daily, steady availability for God’s work. • Proximity: The two disciples stay close enough to hear John’s words and then to notice Jesus immediately. • Promptness: A same-day response underscores eagerness; delay was not an option. • Transfer of allegiance: True discipleship involves moving from a respected teacher to the Messiah Himself. Lessons for Following Jesus More Closely • Keep positioning yourself where His voice is clear—Scripture, gathered worship, fellowship. • Stay spiritually alert; when truth is proclaimed, act on it without hesitation. • Hold earthly mentors lightly and Christ supremely; appreciate leaders, yet shift full trust to Jesus. • Let daily routine spotlight Him; returning “again” to the same place of ministry can create fresh opportunities to see the Lord. Practices to Cultivate a John 1:35 Heart • Daily Scripture intake—choose a consistent time and place; “faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of Christ.” (Romans 10:17) • Immediate obedience—translate insights into action before distractions set in. • Intentional proximity—gather with believers who constantly point to Christ, mimicking John’s role. • Surrendered follow-through—continually hand over plans, roles, and relationships to Jesus’ leadership. Supporting Scriptures • John 1:37–38: “When the two disciples heard him say this, they followed Jesus... ‘Rabbi,’ they said, ‘where are You staying?’” • Matthew 4:19: “And He said to them, ‘Follow Me, and I will make you fishers of men.’” • Luke 9:23: “If anyone desires to come after Me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow Me.” • John 10:27: “My sheep listen to My voice; I know them, and they follow Me.” • Acts 2:42: “They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.” • Hebrews 12:2: “Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of our faith.” Summary Following Jesus more closely, like the disciples in John 1:35, flows from staying present where His truth is proclaimed, responding promptly, and shifting wholehearted allegiance to Him. By cultivating daily Scripture engagement, immediate obedience, Christ-centered community, and surrendered living, believers walk in the fresh, tangible reality of discipleship that began on that simple day beside John the Baptist. |
    |