John 1:37-39 And the two disciples heard him speak, and they followed Jesus.… At the beginning of the gospel Christ says, "Come and see;" at the close, "Come and dine." The first is for babes in Christ, the second for strong men. The first is the beginning of spiritual life, the second a high after privilege, and the result of it. The first is the Gospel's cry to those outside its pale, the second to those who have embraced it. Christ has nothing to conceal. Romanism may conceal its worship under the Latin tongue, difficult phraseology and polished periods may hide the teaching of professed protestants. We have here — I. AN ENCOURAGEMENT TO SINNERS. There are four ways by which persons are to "Come and see." 1. By observation. Many persons are careless; they will consider the last new novel, but concerning Christ they have no curiosity. 2. By diligent study of Holy Scripture. The worst read book is the Bible. People read a verse or half a chapter and think they understand it. But they do not read Shakespeare in that way. 3. By hearing the Gospel. What do you come to God's house for? To admire the eloquence of man? Go to the theatre or senate if that be your errand. To God's house we should resort to learn to see for ourselves the Lord Jesus. 4. By believing. The best way of knowing about Christ is to try Him. The only way of knowing His power to forgive sins is to trust Him to forgive yours. II. AN ADDRESS TO BEGINNERS IN THE SCHOOL OF CHRIST. We ought not to be satisfied with merely being saved. Our next business is to learn more of Christ. 1. For the understanding of doctrine. 2. For the fulfilment of promises. 3. For the ripening of experience. III. THE CRY OF THE GOSPEL TO EVERY SINNER. It is more pleasing to use the eye than the ear. You can keep children as happy as birds in the air with a picture-book, when they would probably go to sleep if you were to talk to them. Christ bids us use the eye. What is there to see? Christ — 1. Incarnate. 2. Crucified, 3. Risen. Come and see. (C. H. Spurgeon.) Parallel Verses KJV: And the two disciples heard him speak, and they followed Jesus.WEB: The two disciples heard him speak, and they followed Jesus. |
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