John 1:43-44 43The next day Jesus wanted to go to Galilee, and he found Philip. And Jesus said to him, “Follow me.” 44Now Philip was from Bethsaida, from the city of Andrew and Peter.
The story of the calling of the first disciples continues. Many details are left out, which raises questions for modern readers. However, John included only the points he wanted to point to Jesus as the Messiah and Son of God. John was not concerned about interesting background issues but more about the core message about believing in Jesus. Much is left to our imagination.
For example, the relation between Philip and the situation with John’s ministry is uncertain, and there might not be any connection except through Philip’s friendship with Andrew and Peter. They were all from the same small village of Bethsaida and most likely knew each other well. The story continues with Jesus making an intentional trip to Galilee where he spent most of his ministry. According to the Synoptic Gospels, this was the beginning of his public ministry. John leaves out any mention of Jesus’ temptation, which must have taken place sometime before this while Jesus was out in the wilderness beyond the Jordan River.
Jesus’ invitation to Philip was simple, but it is the same for us today. Follow me is the call to discipleship. John does not record much about the cost of discipleship, for example, what we find in Luke. John is focused on the relationship of faith. For him, discipleship is believing, which is evidenced by following. In this Gospel, following is about watching Jesus and living like him in love.
This story implies that Jesus made a special trip just to find Philip, and then later Nathanael. The story also illustrates the “grace upon grace” in verse 16. Jesus came to seek and to save the lost. This chapter records how some people sought after Jesus and found him, and how he sought after others with the invitation to follow.
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