The account of the first disciples reports the witness of John the Baptist rather than any direct call by Jesus. It is an example of how John was ready to decrease so that Jesus could increase. Not jealous of his own importance as a preacher and religious leader, John directs two of his disciples to Jesus. He identifies Jesus as the Lamb of God, a title that reveals something of John’s own religious insight. The designation may be based on an interpretation of the description of the suffering servant found in the prophet Isaiah (53:7). There, the suffering servant, though innocent of transgression, gives his life as an offering for the sins of others. It is uncertain whether or not the Baptist understood Jesus in this way, but the author of the Gospel certainly did.
Two other titles are used to describe Jesus: Rabbi and Messiah. “Rabbi” (Teacher) is the usual way of addressing a religious teacher; and this is precisely how the two disciples relate to Jesus. Since students usually gathered somewhere for instruction from the teacher, the disciples asked where this gathering would take place, so that they too might join the group. Jesus invites them to follow Him, and they do. This can be understood on two levels: they went behind Him to the place where He was staying, or they listened to His words and became His followers.
The second title, Messiah (Anointed One), is really an act of faith on the part of Andrew. Whatever Jesus told him, convinced him that Jesus was the long awaited Anointed One. At this time in Israel’s history there were several different messianic understandings. Since royalty, priests and prophets were all anointed in some way, a messianic expectation emerged from each tradition. The royal tradition expected the Messiah to reestablish the Davidic monarchy. The priestly tradition looked for a cultic leader. The prophetic tradition awaited a revolutionary reformer. The reference to the suffering servant suggests that this designation is the kind of Messiah implied.
The final point to be understood in this Gospel is the manner in which individuals came to be disciples of Jesus. Although God is always the one who initiates a relationship, it does not always occur through a direct communication with God. There are times when intermediaries play important roles. Initially it is John the Baptist who points to Jesus. When Jesus invites John’s disciples to follow Him, it is after they have first approached Him. The same is true with Peter. Andrew us the one who recognizes something in Jesus, and Jesus inter-acts with Peter only after Andrew has brought his brother to him. In both instances the faith of an associate begins one’s own journey to discipleship.
Deacon George