37 And the two disciples heard him speak, and they followed Jesus. 38 Then Jesus turned, and saw them following, and saith unto them, What seek ye? They said unto him, Rabbi, (which is to say, being interpreted, Master,) where dwellest thou? 39 He saith unto them, Come and see. They came and saw where he dwelt, and abode with him that day: for it was about the tenth hour. 40 One of the two which heard John speak, and followed him, was Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother. 41 He first findeth his own brother Simon, and saith unto him, We have found the Messias, which is, being interpreted, the Christ. 42 And he brought him to Jesus. And when Jesus beheld him, he said, Thou art Simon the son of Jona: thou shalt be called Cephas, which is by interpretation, A stone. (John 1:37-42 KJV)
Jesus Calls the First Disciples
We see in these verses the beginnings of Christ’s discipleship—two of John the Baptist’s followers are led to Jesus, and one of them, Andrew, brings his brother Peter. This small group forms the first fruits of Christ’s church, which had such a humble and quiet beginning.
Andrew and another disciple followed Jesus after hearing John say, “Behold, the Lamb of God” (John 1:37). The other disciple is not named, but many believe it was John, the author of the Gospel, who often withholds his name (John 13:23; 20:3). Their response shows how powerful a repeated and personal testimony can be. The day before, John had said the same words, but this time it stirred them to action. The most persuasive reason for a soul to follow Jesus is knowing He alone takes away sin (John 1:29).
As they followed, Jesus turned to them and asked, “What do you seek?” (John 1:38). This gentle question wasn’t a rebuke but an invitation. Christ noticed them immediately and spoke first, showing how He welcomes every soul that turns even slightly toward Him (Isaiah 64:5; Luke 15:20). The question is one every follower of Christ must ask themselves: “What do I truly seek?” Those who follow Christ to gain the world deceive themselves. If we follow Him desiring God’s favor and eternal life, we walk in the right light.
They responded with, “Rabbi, where are you staying?” expressing their desire to learn from Him. Calling Him “Rabbi” showed their intent to sit under His teaching. The term means “teacher” or “master,” and never was one more worthy of the title than Jesus, in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom (Colossians 2:3). In asking where He stayed, they weren’t being nosy; they wanted more time with Him, and they wanted to do it properly, not intruding but waiting for the right opportunity. Their question showed they were not content with a brief meeting. They sought ongoing, deeper fellowship.
Jesus replied, “Come and see” (John 1:39). In this gracious invitation, He welcomed their desire. Christ’s openness stands in contrast to deceivers who keep followers at a distance. Jesus invited them to see firsthand the simplicity of His life—no worldly comforts, no show. He wanted them to understand what it meant to follow Him: no promise of ease, but all spiritual reward (Matthew 8:20).
Not only did He invite them, but He did so immediately. While they might have intended to visit later, He urged them to come at once. It reminds us to take advantage of spiritual opportunities while they’re available (2 Corinthians 6:2). They accepted joyfully and stayed with Him that day. They didn’t ask about His accommodations or how comfortable it would be; it was enough that they could be with Christ. And they stayed—not just for a quick chat, but for the whole day. This wasn’t a passing interest but the beginning of deep communion. It was about the tenth hour, possibly late in the afternoon, so they likely spent the evening and next day with Him. Some think this was the Sabbath, which would explain why they stayed longer. If so, what a blessed way to spend the Sabbath—abiding with Christ in holy fellowship.
Andrew’s time with Jesus didn’t just benefit himself; it overflowed to others. He went to find his brother, Simon Peter. The one who would become so prominent in the early church was first brought to Jesus by his brother. If Peter had been the first to find Christ, some would have made too much of it. But God honored Andrew with being first and with leading Peter to Jesus.
Andrew found his brother and told him, “We have found the Messiah” (John 1:41). This short statement carries a world of joy. He didn’t say “I have found,” but “we have found,” sharing the joy. True believers are not possessive of Christ; they want others to know Him too. He spoke humbly and triumphantly, with joy and understanding. He made the connection between the Lamb of God John had preached and the Messiah promised in Scripture. By comparing John’s witness with the prophecies of old, Andrew came to a clear conviction that Jesus was the Anointed One. Sometimes fresh believers who meditate on God’s Word can see even more than those who first introduced them to Christ (Psalm 119:99).
He brought Peter to Jesus, not content to merely tell him the news. He wanted Peter to meet Christ for himself. This was brotherly love in action. We are especially responsible for the spiritual welfare of those related to us. And it was a sign of how fruitful Andrew’s time with Jesus had been. Having found grace, he couldn’t keep it to himself. Real grace doesn’t desire to monopolize Christ—it longs to share Him.
Jesus welcomed Peter without hesitation (John 1:42). He said, “You are Simon, the son of Jonah. You shall be called Cephas,” which means Peter. This was likely Peter’s first encounter with Jesus, and yet the Lord knew him, calling him by name and naming his father. Whether this was miraculous knowledge or just a sign of Christ’s grace, it showed that Jesus knew His own (2 Timothy 2:19). To call someone by name was a sign of personal attention and affection, as God said of Moses, “I know you by name” (Exodus 33:17). The names are meaningful too: Simon means “obedient,” Jonah means “dove.” An obedient and gentle spirit is just what Christ seeks in His disciples.
Jesus then gave him a new name: Cephas, which means stone. This wasn’t to elevate Peter above others—any more than James and John being called “sons of thunder” made them the only bold preachers, or Barnabas being called “son of encouragement” made him the sole comforter in the early church. But Christ saw in Peter a solidness of character that could be shaped into something useful for God’s purposes. The name was prophetic. Peter wasn’t yet a “rock,” but Christ would make him one—steadfast, dependable, and strong in the faith. And when Jesus later prayed that Peter’s faith wouldn’t fail, and told him to strengthen his brothers, He was fulfilling what He had begun when He said, “You shall be called Cephas” (Luke 22:32).
Those who come to Christ must do so with firm resolve, and it is by His grace that they remain steadfast. He makes them what He calls them. Peter’s life would prove that this stone-like strength was not his by nature but by Christ’s power and promise.