John 1:19–51 · The Gospel of John
Big Idea: John points away from himself and toward Jesus—the Lamb of God, Son of God, and true ladder between heaven and earth. The right response is simple and life-changing: come and see…and then invite others to do the same.
Scripture
Read: John 1:19–51
Four Days, One Savior
Day 1 — “Who are you?” (vv. 19–28)
- John knows who he isn’t: “I am not the Christ… not Elijah… not the Prophet.”
- John knows who he is: “A voice crying in the wilderness” (Isa. 40:3), sent to prepare the way.
- Humility: “I’m not worthy to untie His sandal.” The messenger fades so the Messiah can be seen.
Day 2 — “Behold, the Lamb of God” (vv. 29–34)
- Atonement: Jesus is the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world—our true Passover.
- He’s eternal: “He was before me.”
- Spirit-anointed: The Spirit descends and remains on Him; He baptizes with the Holy Spirit.
- Identity: John bears witness: “This is the Son of God.”
Day 3 — “What are you seeking?” (vv. 35–42)
- Two disciples hear “Behold the Lamb of God” and follow Jesus.
- Jesus asks, “What are you seeking?” — not just Who but what your heart wants.
- They answer, “Where are you staying?” Jesus invites, “Come and see.”
- Andrew brings Simon; Jesus renames him Peter (Rock)—a hint of who Peter will become in Christ.
Day 4 — Skeptic to worshiper (vv. 43–51)
- Jesus calls Philip; Philip finds Nathanael: “We’ve found the One Moses and the prophets wrote about.”
- Nathanael doubts: “Can anything good come out of Nazareth?” Philip answers perfectly: “Come and see.”
- Jesus reveals heart-level knowledge; Nathanael confesses: “Son of God… King of Israel.”
- Jacob’s ladder fulfilled: “You’ll see heaven opened and angels ascending and descending on the Son of Man.” Jesus Himself is the meeting place of God and man.
Why this matters
- Clarity: Like John, we’re not the point—Jesus is. Freedom lives in that humility.
- Confidence: The gospel isn’t a sales pitch; it’s an invitation: come and see Jesus.
- Calling: Found people find people. Andrew found Peter; Philip found Nathanael. Who’s your one?
Reflect
- Identity: Where am I tempted to make ministry or success about me instead of Jesus?
- Desire: If Jesus asked, “What are you seeking?” how would I honestly answer today?
- Invitation: Who can I simply invite to “come and see” Jesus this week?
Respond
- Come & See (again): Spend unhurried time with Jesus in John 1 this week.
- Bring a friend: Share what you’re learning and invite someone to church or Lifegroup.
- Take a next step: Watch the message · Join a Lifegroup · Give online