Come and See

Come and See

John 1:35-51

Edward Kimball was one of the most important men in the 1800s that very few people have ever heard of. Kimball was the youth boys Sunday school teacher for Mount Vernon Congregational Church. He had a special burden for each of his students seeking to lead each of them to saving faith in Jesus Christ. On Friday, April 21, 1855, Kimball had a strong prompting by the Holy Spirit to visit one of his boys, Dwight, while he was at wor. Dwight, didn’t seem entirely interested in spiritual things as he was forced to go to church by his uncle as one of the conditions for him to work in his shoe store. Kimball would later say,

I determined to make a dash for it and have it over at once. I found Dwight in the back part of the store wrapping up shoes in paper and putting them on shelves. I went up to him and put my hand on his shoulder, and as I leaned over I placed my foot upon a shoe box. Then I made my plea, and I feel that it was really a very weak one. I don't know just what words I used, nor could Dwight tell. I simply told him of Christ's love for him and the love Christ wanted in return.

Mr. Kimball gave a simple invitation, “Come and see the love of the Savior!” By his own admission, it was not an impressive plea, but it was effective. Dwight Moody, better known as DL Moody, the greatest evangelist of the 1800s received that invitation and accepted Jesus Christ as his Savior. It's estimated that Moody preached the gospel to over 100 million people. Moody later wrote, "I used to attend a Sunday school class, and one clay I recollect my teacher came around behind the counter of the shop I was at work in, and put his hand upon my shoulder, and talked to me about Christ and my soul. I had not felt that I had a soul till then. I said to myself, ‘This is a very strange thing. Here is a man who never saw me till lately, and he is weeping over my sins, and I never shed a tear about them.' But I understand it now, and know what it is to have a passion for men's souls and weep over their sins. I don't remember what he said, but I can feel the power of that man's hand on my shoulder to-night. It was not long after that I was brought into the Kingdom of God.'"

Edward Kimball’s invitation to a young uninterested teenager, “Come and see,” led to millions of people hearing the same simple invitation, “Come and see.” Kimball was simply following the pattern he saw in the Scriptures. When Moody first arrived in Kimball’s Sunday School class, they were studying the gospel of John like we are today. 

Edward Kimball’s quiet faithfulness reminds us of how God works through simple obedience and personal invitation. That same invitation echoes from the pages of John’s Gospel. “Come and see.” This is the invitation that began the story of every disciple, and the invitation that continues to change lives today.

Come and See the Lamb (John 1:35-37)

John the Baptist has just publicly testified that Jesus is the Lamb of God, the one whom the Spirit of God descended and remained, who is the Son of God. John has been saying to all who would listen to him, I am not the Christ, come and see who is. And we see in our text today that his was John’s normal practice, John 1:35–37,

The next day again John was standing with two of his disciples, and he looked at Jesus as he walked by and said, “Behold, the Lamb of God!” The two disciples heard him say this, and they followed Jesus.

The text begins, “The next day,” which is intentional in the opening of the gospel, not to merely give us a chronological sequence, but to model the pattern of creation. Remember the opening words of the book, “In the beginning was the Word,” reminding the reader of the opening words of the Bible, “In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.” And as Genesis 1 followed a pattern of days to reveal God’s glory in creation, John 1 will follow a similar pattern to reveal God’s glory. This whole gospel is an invitation to come and see the glory of God.

John was standing with two of his disciples and looked at Jesus as he walked by and said, “Behold, the Lamb of God!” Jesus was the lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world. He was the sacrificial lamb who was slain for the people. John’s words would have connected Jesus to the passover Lamb from Exodus 12, the lamb who would take the place of the people for their sins. For God never merely overlooks sin, he has to punish it. John testifies about Jesus and in verse 37, “The two disciples heard him say this, and they followed Jesus.” We do not have all the context but let’s take the text simply as it reads. Two disciples heard John say that Jesus was the Lamb of God and after hearing it, they followed Jesus. John didn’t point at the disciples and say, “You two need to follow Jesus.” He didn’t offer a long debate about the sacrificial system. He simply testified to who Jesus was and they heard him. 

Beloved, let’s be those who hear us talking about Jesus so they can overhear us and follow him. The great theologian of the 4th century, Saint Augustine was dealing with his own internal struggle with sin when he heard the voice of chld, “Take up and read! Take up and read!” Taking it as a sign from God, he grabbed a copy of Romans and read Romans 13:13–14, Let us walk properly as in the daytime, not in orgies and drunkenness, not in sexual immorality and sensuality, not in quarreling and jealousy. But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to gratify its desires. 

Augustine would later write, "No further did I wish to read, nor was there need. For instantly, as the sentence ended, there was infused in my heart something like the light of full certainty, and all the gloom of doubt vanished away."

Augustine heard a testimony which led him to follow Jesus. The two disciples of John heard his testimony and followed the Lamb of God. Come and see. 

Come and See the Teacher (John 1:38-39)

The story continues as the two disciples begin following Jesus. As we read, notice they didn’t have it all figured out before they started following. John 1:38–39,

Jesus turned and saw them following and said to them, “What are you seeking?” And they said to him, “Rabbi” (which means Teacher), “where are you staying?” 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. 

These are the first words of Jesus in the book, “What are you seeking?” It is a fascinating question or as some translations say, “What do you want? What are you looking for?”  I don’t think these two disciples fully understood what Jesus was asking for; they responded with a very practical question, “Teacher, where are you staying?” And Jesus gives his invitation, “Come and you will see.” 

Jesus invited the disciples to be with him. It is both a physical invitation for them to come and stay with him but also a relational invitation for them to come and be with him. I think Jesus actually answers the real question he was asking. “What do you want?” “Come and you will see what you really want.” 

How often has that happened to you? You started down a path looking for one thing but what you found was something entirely different and yet the thing you actually needed. Friend, if Jesus asked you that question how would you respond, “What do you want? What are you looking for?” Maybe that is the question Jesus is asking you today. Why are you drawn to Him? Are you searching for peace after a season of pain, clarity in the middle of confusion, or simply direction when life feels uncertain? 

Most of us approach Jesus with a mixture of motives such as curiosity, fear, guilt, or need, but he still turns toward us and asks, “What are you seeking?” He does not reject our confusion or our weakness. He receives it as the place where faith begins. His invitation remains simple and personal: Come and you will see. Do not wait until you have every question answered or every fear settled. Bring your doubts, your burdens, and your desires to him. Over time you may discover that what your heart truly longed for was not a set of answers but a relationship. You were not looking for a plan but a Person, not a path of self-help but a Savior who welcomes you to Himself. Come and you will see what you are truly looking for. 

This will not be the last time Jesus asks this question. He does it two more times in John’s gospel, both at turning points in His ministry. The next time is in the garden, when Judas arrives with soldiers to arrest Him. Jesus steps forward and asks, “Whom do you seek?” They reply, “Jesus of Nazareth.” Twice He repeats the question, but Judas and the soldiers never see beyond the name: they seek the man from Nazareth, not the Christ of God.

The final time Jesus asks the question is in another garden, after His resurrection. Mary Magdalene stands weeping outside the tomb, thinking His body has been taken. Jesus asks her, “Whom are you seeking?” But when He says her name, “Mary,” she recognizes Him and answers, “Rabboni!” Teacher, Lord, the Living One.

Two people hear the same question but respond in opposite ways. Judas seeks to control Jesus and is crushed by his own blindness. Mary seeks Jesus in her sorrow and finds life. How you answer that same question will shape your eternity. Will you see Him as merely Jesus of Nazareth, or will you see Him as Jesus the Lord?

Come and See the Christ (John 1:40-42)

Thus far we have not been introduced to these two disciples. In verse 40, we meet someone like an Edward Kimball, DL Moody’s Sunday School teacher, who brings the invitation, John 1:40–42 One of the two who heard John speak and followed Jesus was Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother. He first found his own brother Simon and said to him, “We have found the Messiah” (which means Christ). He brought him to Jesus. Jesus looked at him and said, “You are Simon the son of John. You shall be called Cephas” (which means Peter).

Something happened to Andrew when he was following Jesus. He came wondering in curiosity on where Jesus was staying, but he left wondering in awe that Jesus was the Christ. And the first thing Andrew does is to go and find his brother and bring him to Jesus. 

It is interesting that Andrew is not mentioned often in the gospels and when he is mentioned it is often referring to him in relation to Peter. But when you read of Andrew he is usually bringing someone to Jesus. We do not often think of Andrew when we think of the apostles, but without Andrew would we have Peter? Without Edward Kimball would we have DL Moody? Who is God asking you to bring to Jesus? He or she may be essential for the salvation of many. 

Andrew brings his brother Simon to Jesus and Jesus does something that is only done by God in the Old Testament. He changes his name, “You are Simon the son of John. You shall be called Cephas” (which means Peter).” And as we know from Matthew’s gospel it is a fitting name, “And I tell you, you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. (Matthew 16:18) Cephas is the Aramaic word for stone which is translated Petros in the Greek. Jesus is giving Peter a new identity and purpose. 

We see this explicitly with Peter but Jesus gives a new name and a new identity to everyone who comes to him. Jesus said to the church at Pergamum in Revelation 2.

To the one who conquers I will give some of the hidden manna, and I will give him a white stone, with a new name written on the stone that no one knows except the one who receives it.’ (Revelation 2:17)

Friend, when you come to Jesus, He gives you a new identity. You come as a sinner and He makes you a son. You come as an enemy and He calls you His friend. You come guilty and He declares you forgiven. You come empty and He fills you with His Spirit. You come lost and He gives you a new name and a place in His family that will never be taken away.

Beloved, how often do you think of your new identity in Christ? Jesus has given you a new name. You can no longer live as those who do not know God. You are citizens of the kingdom of heaven. You belong to him. Let us live our lives worthy of the gospel of Christ. And maybe one simple application with our new identity, lets bring others to Jesus. If we truly believe he is the Christ, the only way of salvation, then let us go find people to bring to Jesus. Let's invite others to come and see. 

Come and See the Nazarene (John 1:43-46)

The next day Jesus moves on to Galilee and finds another disciple and offers the same invitation to come and see. John 1:43–46,

The next day Jesus decided to go to Galilee. He found Philip and said to him, “Follow me.” Now Philip was from Bethsaida, the city of Andrew and Peter. Philip found Nathanael and said to him, “We have found him of whom Moses in the Law and also the prophets wrote, Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph.” Nathanael said to him, “Can anything good come out of Nazareth?” Philip said to him, “Come and see.”

Notice the pattern. Jesus invites people to follow him and those who follow him invite others to do the same. This is the Christian life. Andrew said, “We have found the Messiah,” and Philip says the same thing but he says it slightly differently. He says, “We have found him of whom Moses in the Law and also the prophets wrote, Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph.” Philip qualifies how one would know the Messiah through the Law and the Prophets. Philip followed Jesus and believed that he was the Christ as promised in God’s Word. 

And Nathanael comes with skepticism. “Can anything good come out of Nazareth?” Nazareth did not have the best reputation. Nazareth was a small, overlooked village in Galilee, far from centers of influence or power. It had no prophetic significance and was often dismissed by those from more respected regions. To say something good could come from Nazareth sounded impossible, yet that is precisely where God chose His Son to grow up. 

Two applications for us here. First, do not despise humble beginnings. Second, do not be afraid to bring the gospel to skeptics.  First, do not despise humble beginnings. God delights to work through what the world overlooks. Jesus came from Nazareth—a place of no reputation—and yet through Him the glory of God was revealed. The story of redemption often starts in unlikely places. Faith learns to trust that small beginnings in God’s hands can grow into something eternal.

Second, do not be afraid to bring the gospel to skeptics. Nathanael’s first words about Jesus were filled with doubt, yet his heart was open enough to listen. Philip did not argue with him; he simply said, “Come and see.” Our calling is not to win debates but to make introductions, trusting the Lord to reveal Himself. Skeptics are not beyond the reach of grace, and questions are not enemies of faith when they are brought to Jesus. Sometimes the most unlikely person to believe becomes the most powerful witness of His truth. Beloved, don’t ever put anyone outside of grace. 

I think John wrote this book for skeptics. The invitation to come and see is woven throughout the book and John brings the book to climax with the confession of a skeptic, doubting Thomas, who said, Unless I see in his hands the mark of the nails, and place my finger into the mark of the nails, and place my hand into his side, I will never believe.” (John 20:25)

But Jesus said to him, John 20:27–28,

“Put your finger here, and see my hands; and put out your hand, and place it in my side. Do not disbelieve, but believe.” Thomas answered him, “My Lord and my God!”

It is not our job to save people. It is our job to invite people to come and see. Let’s God do the rest. 

Come and See the Son of God (John 1:48-50)

Nathanael listened to Philip and decided to tak his skepticism to the source. He comes to Jesus to discover who he is, John 1:47–50

Jesus saw Nathanael coming toward him and said of him, “Behold, an Israelite indeed, in whom there is no deceit!” Nathanael said to him, “How do you know me?” Jesus answered him, “Before Philip called you, when you were under the fig tree, I saw you.” Nathanael answered him, “Rabbi, you are the Son of God! You are the King of Israel!” Jesus answered him, “Because I said to you, ‘I saw you under the fig tree,’ do you believe? You will see greater things than these.” 

Nathanael came doubting that Jesus of Nazareth was the Messiah but very quickly believed. Jesus first identifies him as an Israelite whom there is no deceit. Jesus’ words reveal that He saw not only Nathanael’s actions but the integrity of his heart. Calling him an Israelite without deceit recalls Jacob, the deceiver who was transformed by grace, showing that Nathanael is a true son of Israel, honest, seeking truth, and ready to recognize the Messiah when he meets him.

John is setting up the rest of the book where he will show greater signs to prove that Jesus is the Son of God. Remember John’s purpose, John 20:30–31, 

Now Jesus did many other signs in the presence of the disciples, which are not written in this book; but these are written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name. 

All the signs in this book will point to Jesus being the Son of God. And the first sign, the turning of the water to wine, will be on the seventh day indicating the new creation has begun. For throughout the prophets new wine is a sign of the messianic age. Nathanael will see these greater signs and believe even more fully that Jesus is the Son of God and will have life in his name. And life and salvation will come through the cross.

Come and See the Son of Man (John 1:51)

Jesus reminded the readers of the transformation of Jacob when he wrestled with God in referring to Nathanael as an Israelite with no deceit. Jacob’s name meant deceiver but God changed his name to Israel. For God is the only one who can change someone’s name and identity. After saying the disciples will see greater signs, he gives a hint what that greater sign will be, John 1:51

And he said to him, “Truly, truly, I say to you, you will see heaven opened, and the angels of God ascending and descending on the Son of Man.” 

Jesus reveals how one will receive salvation or get to heaven. He alludes back to Jacob’s dream. One of the greatest promises to Israel. Genesis 28:12–17,

And he dreamed, and behold, there was a ladder set up on the earth, and the top of it reached to heaven. And behold, the angels of God were ascending and descending on it! And behold, the LORD stood above it and said, “I am the LORD, the God of Abraham your father and the God of Isaac. The land on which you lie I will give to you and to your offspring. Your offspring shall be like the dust of the earth, and you shall spread abroad to the west and to the east and to the north and to the south, and in you and your offspring shall all the families of the earth be blessed. Behold, I am with you and will keep you wherever you go, and will bring you back to this land. For I will not leave you until I have done what I have promised you.” Then Jacob awoke from his sleep and said, “Surely the LORD is in this place, and I did not know it.” And he was afraid and said, “How awesome is this place! This is none other than the house of God, and this is the gate of heaven.” 

Jesus takes Nathanael’s small step of faith and lifts his eyes to something far greater. When He speaks of angels ascending and descending on the Son of Man, He reaches back to Jacob’s dream at Bethel, when heaven opened and God confirmed His covenant promises. That vision pointed to the connection between heaven and earth, a place where God meets man. Jesus now declares that He Himself is that meeting place. The presence of God is no longer found in a location but in a person. Through Christ, heaven has been opened, and all who come to Him will see and experience the glory of God revealed in full.

By calling Himself the Son of Man, Jesus also redefines what Nathanael’s confession means. He is indeed the King of Israel, but His kingship is not political or limited. The title “Son of Man” carries both divine authority and humble suffering. It reaches back to Daniel’s vision of the One who would rule forever and forward to the cross and resurrection where that rule is secured. Nathanael could not have understood all of this in that moment, but Jesus was inviting him, and every disciple, to see His true glory through His obedience, death, and resurrection. The greater things they would see were not displays of power alone but the redeeming work of God’s Son who bridges heaven and earth forever.

 And how would the Son of Man bridge heaven and earth? By becoming the Lamb of God. The One who reigns with authority will humble Himself to die in the place of sinners. The ladder between heaven and earth would be built with a cross, and the blood of Jesus would become the way into God’s presence. On that cross, the sin that separates humanity from God is taken away, and the promise first given to Jacob is finally fulfilled. In Jesus, heaven is opened not through striving or sacrifice but through grace. The Son of Man becomes the Lamb who takes away the sin of the world so that all who believe in Him might be forgiven, restored, and welcomed into the Father’s house forever.

This vision of the Son of Man lifts our eyes to the heart of the gospel. Jesus is the true ladder between heaven and earth, the Lamb who was slain so sinners could enter God’s presence. In Him, heaven has been opened, grace has been poured out, and life has been made new. But this passage does more than reveal who Jesus is—it invites us to respond. The same invitation given to the first disciples still echoes to every heart today: Come and see. So how do we respond to what we’ve seen in this text? 

Five quick applications for us for us to take home:

Come and see the Savior yourself. Draw near to Jesus today: bring your questions, burdens, and desires to Him and find what your heart truly seeks.

Share a simple testimony. Speak of Jesus in everyday conversations so others can overhear and be drawn to follow Him.

Invite someone personally. Identify one person this week to bring to Jesus and extend the same invitation: “Come and see.” Most non-Christians come to church for the first time because of a personal invitation. 

Trust God’s power in small beginnings. Do not despise humble moments or fear skeptical hearts; God delights to work through what the world overlooks. 

Live from your new identity in Christ. Walk worthy of the gospel, confident that the Son of Man who became the Lamb of God has made you His own.

Beloved, the invitation to “come and see” still stands for us today. The Son of Man has become the Lamb of God, the One who opened heaven through His cross and resurrection. He is the meeting place between God and sinners, the living bridge between earth and heaven, the Savior who calls every heart to come and see. Whether you are hearing about Him for the first time or have followed Him for years, the call remains the same: come, believe, and behold the glory of the One who takes away your sin and gives you new life. And may your life become a living testimony that says to the world, “I have seen the Lord: come and see Him too.”