Come and See; Follow Me

After more than forty days in the wilderness, Jesus emerges from his time of testing and begins to call people to follow him. His first invitation is simple: “Come and see”—an open call to explore who he is. For those who believe, the message shifts to “Follow me.” Two calls—one to the curious, the other to the committed.

Take note of where this moment happens. Jesus returns to Bethany, on the far side of the Jordan—not the Bethany near Jerusalem where Mary and Martha lived, but another town by the river where John had been baptising (John 1:28). It’s here that Jesus issues his first invitations: “Come and see” and “Follow me.” As the story unfolds, keep an eye out for signs of both Jesus’ humanity and his divinity.

Questions from your reading

• Who is Jesus?
• What is Jesus modelling?
• What are his new followers experiencing or learning?
• What other questions do you still have?

Reflecting on your reading

After having his identity affirmed by the Father and after facing the enemy’s challenge in the wilderness, Jesus returns to begin his ministry. His first invitation is warm and unforced: “Come and you will see” (John 1:39). John and Andrew accept the invitation. They spend time with Jesus, listening, observing, and learning. What might they have heard that night?

Later, after the resurrection, Jesus walks with two disciples on the road to Emmaus and explains the Scriptures to them (Luke 24:27, 32, 44). It’s likely he shared similar truths with John and Andrew that evening—truths from Moses, the Psalms and the Prophets—revealing that he was the fulfilment of every promise, the long-awaited Messiah.

Their response is clear and enthusiastic. Andrew immediately finds his brother Simon and declares: “We have found the Messiah” (John 1:41). Then he brings Simon to meet Jesus. It’s a simple strategy: encounter Jesus, then invite others to do the same.

There’s no need to argue people into faith. The task is to invite them to come and see who Jesus is. Some will come, others won’t. For those who do, the call is to share—clearly and simply—the truth of who Jesus is, using language they’ll understand. Scripture does the work; God opens hearts (Luke 24:45).

This passage features four powerful testimonies:

• John the Baptist: “Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!” (John 1:29).
• Jesus: “Come and you will see” (John 1:39).
• Andrew: “We have found the Messiah” (John 1:41).
• Philip: “We have found the one Moses wrote about in the Law, and about whom the Prophets also wrote—Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph… Come and see” (John 1:45–46).

It’s striking how quickly this approach of multiplication takes root. Jesus says, “Come and see”—and Andrew and Philip turn around and do the same. Andrew finds Peter; Philip finds Nathanael. The call to follow is the same today: extend the invitation. “Come and check out Jesus.”

It’s not complicated. Just extend the invitation.

Applying what you’ve read

Who in your life needs to know that Jesus is the Messiah, the Saviour of the world? Write down their name.

Take a moment to pray for them. Today, reach out—whether in person, over a message, or with a phone call. Invite them to “Come and see.” How will you say it in a way they’ll understand? Jot down your thoughts.

Now go and invite someone to “Come and see.” Watch what happens as you step into the joy of pointing people to Jesus. Try it—it’s worth it.