A Witness Who Lets People Follow Jesus

John’s witness reaches a revealing moment when two of his own disciples leave him to follow Jesus. In John 1:35–42, John identifies Jesus as God’s Lamb, and the disciples respond by going after him. Their departure fits the purpose already given for John’s ministry: he is not the light but a witness directing people toward it. Jesus then welcomes their inquiry, and Andrew brings his brother Simon to meet him. The movement is personal and outward: testimony leads to following, time with Jesus leads to invitation, and another person is brought into his presence. For the first disciples, allegiance must move beyond the witness to the one being proclaimed. Our service has the same direction. Faithful ministry does not make people dependent on our importance; it helps them attend to Jesus and invites others to encounter him.

Put the Word into practice

Invite one person to read John 1:35–42 with you this week, making the conversation about who Jesus is rather than about your own spiritual experience or knowledge.

Search the Scripture

How does the departure of John’s two disciples in John 1:35–37 demonstrate the success, rather than the failure, of his witness?

A prayerful response

Father, free me from needing to be the center of another person’s faith. Make my words and service a clear witness to your Son. Give me Andrew’s readiness to bring someone else to Jesus. Amen.