IF we are conscious of being followed by someone, we naturally turn to ask what is wanted; and, if charity be solicited, we give according as we deem best. But the mendicant would first endeavor to assure himself of the ability of him from whom he begged. He would hardly beg of one as poor as himself.
“And they followed Jesus” (John 1:3737And the two disciples heard him speak, and they followed Jesus. (John 1:37)). Thus we read of two of the disciples of John the Baptist. These men had heard their master say, in a kind of rich soliloquy, as though he were meditating aloud: “Behold the Lamb of God.” He added no more. These five words formed the theme of his reflection. And it was whilst looking upon Jesus as He walked that he thus exclaimed.
The attention of his two followers was at once directed to Jesus. They left their master― the Baptist― and followed Him.
What mighty magnetism was it that detached them from “the greatest of those born of women” (for such was John), and then attached them to Jesus? There must have been something unusually significant in the five words to produce such a result in their minds and ways. And so there was. The person of Him, who, Himself the Word which preexisted the beginning, which was with God, and which was God, but which had in infinite grace become flesh―the Son of the Bosom, and the Revealer of the Father―is now presented in the Lamb of God, is seen walking before the eyes of men, and is announced as such by the Baptist.
Was ever such an One seen before? Never!
It is the incarnate Son, beheld in lowly grace in the midst of fallen men, alone able to make the Father known, and alone capable of accomplishing the will of God by a perfect life and a substitutionary death which settles the question of good and evil, and makes also full atonement for sins. Hence the words “Lamb of God.” He was the Lamb of God’s providing, the sacrifice on Calvary which should be made sin and exhaust its judgment.
How far the two followers of John apprehended aught of this cannot, of course, be affirmed, but, at least, “they heard John speak, and they followed Jesus.” And what then? “Jesus turned and saw them following, and said, What seek ye?”
By that simple query He opened the way for their request. He knew that it was no mere trifle that they sought. They had been referred to the Lamb of God, and He it was they wanted, nothing but Himself. Hence they replied, “Master, where dwellest thou?” They craved His company, and if only they could dwell with Him they would find a heaven. His presence would more than compensate for the break of their former ties.
Then, in a reply that beggars every act of charity, “He saith unto them, Come and see.” Here we have the ready response of love. He flings the door of welcome wide open. He not only bids them “come,” but He also invites them to “see.” There is no reserve!
What a charming lesson we may learn in this! Think of the glory of the Person; think of the fact that He had come to make God the Father known in a world of sin; think of the majesty of His walk; think of the moral glory that He displayed, and yet hear His word of welcome to these men, “Come and see”!
There is the lovely combination of divine sufficiency and perfect human tenderness, of dignity and yet of accessibility, of holiness and of grace.
Their confidence was thoroughly gained. “They abode with him that day”―not merely where He dwelt but with Him; there they found themselves at home.
“The Word became flesh, and dwelt among us.” Wonderful grace indeed, but it was in order that by His death, and through faith in Him, we might dwell with Him forever, not now here below, but in His Father’s house, whither He has gone.
Thus hearts are reached and links formed between the Son of God and the children of men effectually, eternally, and withal so simply. And the five words of the Baptist stand out before us as, perhaps, the most pregnant call that ever sounded in the ear of man, with a result which eternity alone shall declare.
The immediate result in one of the two men was to make him find his own brother, Simon, and bring him to Jesus. He must share his joy with others. Then Simon, known afterward as Peter, became a mighty instrument in the hand of God in blessing to men. The little cloud expanded, the circle of grace widened, till Pentecost bore the record of divine victory in saving power. This victory rings its glad note today. What fruit was borne by that simple sentence: “Behold the Lamb of God!” May the reader behold Him—not now the lowly Sufferer, but the ascended Christ of God, where in heaven we see Jesus crowned with glory and honor, and be attracted to Him forever.
J. W. S.