John 1: 35-42

Background: The text of this Sunday's gospel follows directly that from last week. That text began with John the Baptist saying that someone mightier than he was coming. Then the gospel reported that John baptized Jesus. After Jesus was baptized a voice form heaven was heard. Today, as Jesus is walking away John says to two of his own disciples that Jesus is the Lamb of God and they go to follow Jesus. John the Baptist has fulfilled in role in preparing for the coming of Jesus and in John's gospel he is not mentioned again.

Andrew is one of the two disciples who leave John to follow Jesus. John does not elaborate on how Andrew becomes one of Jesus' disciples. But at the end of the text he tells Simon his brother about Jesus, who Andrew now describes as the Messiah. Then Andrew brings his brother Simon to meet Jesus. When Jesus meets Simon he gives him a new name, Cephas, which ratifies him as a disciple. This process is repeated in John's Gospel. Someone encounters Jesus, then goes out and tells another about Him. Then brings the new person(s) to Jesus, which leads them to also become disciples. (Think of the story of woman at the well John 44-42.)

1. What strikes you about this gospel text?
2. What are some things that might be implied in Jesus' question"What are you looking for?"
3. The Disciples ask their own questions, "Where are you staying?" What might be implied by their question?
4. Who are the people who have pointed you toward Jesus in your life? How did they do that? Has this happened more than once in your life?
5. Andrew told his brother Simon about Jesus. Do you think there is an expectation that Christians tell others about Jesus?
6. When was the last time you told someone about a movie, a restauraint, a homily?

(Comments to Paul at frpaul@franoutreach.org.)

Serving the University of Houston, Main Campus