Kindly explain John 1:39.
To answer your good question, let’s read John 1:37-39, “And the two disciples heard him speak, and they followed Jesus. 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? 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.”
The identity of one of the two disciples mentioned here is revealed to us in verse 40 as being Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother. The 2nd one is not identified, but it is not improbable that it was John, who never mentions his own name in this Gospel. They were both disciples of John the Baptist and were led to follow the Lord Jesus after John the Baptist declared, “And looking upon Jesus as he walked, he saith, Behold the Lamb of God!” (Verse 36). We then read in verse 37, “And the two disciples heard him speak, and they followed Jesus.”
Although the Lord Jesus certainly knew the intent of these two, He allowed them the opportunity to state their desire by asking them what they were looking for. Their answer revealed their perception of who the Lord was. They referred to Him as ‘Rabbi’, which means ‘master.’ This was a word given to those who were teachers or masters in the Jewish schools. All these men knew about the Lord Jesus is what they had heard from John the Baptist, and he had declared that the Lord Jesus was the LAMB OF GOD. At this point, I want to ask a solemn question. If all that others knew about the Lord Jesus was what they heard from you, how knowledgeable would they be? This is a question for us all. Are we faithful ambassadors for Christ (see 2 Corinthians 5:20), so that others may know Him through our testimony and witness? John the Baptist was faithful to declare the Lord Jesus publicly to many people. May we be as faithful and bold to represent Christ in the world, telling others about the Lord at every opportunity.
These two men wanted to know where the Lord Jesus lived, presumably to they could follow Him to his home, showing their desire to be with Him. The Lord invited them to follow Him to His residence. What a kind and gracious answer! It was “about the tenth hour” when they approached the Lord. This was about 4:00 PM. The Lord did not put them off to some future, more convenient time. Then, as now, He was willing that they should come AT ONCE and enjoy the full pleasure of dwelling in His presence. The Lord Jesus is ALWAYS READY to receive those who seek Him. He later stated in John 6:37, “…him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out.” What a blessing! What a comfort to realize that ALL who come to the Lord for salvation will be received.
We do not know where the Lord was abiding. Perhaps He was staying with a friend. In Matthew 8:20, the Lord stated, “The foxes have holes, and the birds of the air have nests; but the Son of man hath not where to lay his head.” Wherever He was staying at this time, He graciously invited these two men to “Come and see” AND THEY DID!
They abode with Him that day and later became two of the Lord’s disciples. We do not know a lot about the Apostle Andrew. He was called to be an apostle and servant of the Lord, along with his brother Simon in Matthew 4:18-20 which says, “And Jesus, walking by the sea of Galilee, saw two brethren, Simon called Peter, and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the sea: for they were fishers. And he saith unto them, Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men. And they straightway left their nets, and followed him.” The Apostle John is more well-known, being the writer of five New Testament books: The Gospel of John; the three epistles of John, and the book of Revelation. (CC) (546.4)