“Who do you think you are?” In John 1, the Jewish religious leaders demand an answer from John the Baptist (not the John who wrote this book). Ancient Israel was proud of a rich history which included many prophets sent from God—men like Isaiah and Jeremiah. But God hadn’t directly spoken to His people since Malachi put down his pen four centuries earlier. And now here’s this bizarre figure, acting and talking like one of the prophets, attracting widespread interest with his radical message and call to repentance (v 19). John responds to the question by emphatically insisting that he is not the promised Messiah. Neither is he Elijah reincarnated. Some people may have an inflated view of their own importance, but not John. He sees himself as a humble servant—a mere “voice,” calling people to get ready for the Messiah. John refuses to let himself become the focus. Though he baptizes with water, another is coming who is far more worthy of honor and attention (v 20-28). John “was not the light, but came to bear witness about the light” (v 6-8). So as God’s messenger to help others believe, John keeps the spotlight on Jesus, introducing Him as “the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world.” Sharing his own testimony, John humbly describes how he himself came to faith when he saw the Spirit of God descend on Jesus at His baptism (v 29-34). As the chapter ends, we find five different men who begin a relationship with Christ. The first two are followers of John, until they are given the opportunity to meet the One John had been telling them about. When they ask Jesus if it would be OK for them to tag along for a while, Jesus graciously invites them to come and see what He is all about. There’s no pressure, no sales pitch. Jesus has nothing to hide, and He welcomes these two honest seekers (v 35-39). One of the two remains anonymous, but is likely the author of this book. The other is named Andrew, and he eagerly brings his brother Simon, whom Jesus re-names “Cephas” or “Peter.” The word means “rock,” indicating God’s purpose to transform this man into a Spirit-filled foundational leader of the early church. For his part, Andrew seems rather introverted and unassuming in this gospel, always living in the shadow of his outspoken big brother. But whenever Andrew is mentioned, he is bringing someone to Jesus (v 40-42). In Galilee, Jesus “found Philip,” who can’t keep the good news to himself, so “Philip found Nathanael.” Nathanael was a bit skeptical, but Jesus saw that he was sincere. When he too is invited to “come and see,” Nathanael can’t deny the supernatural insight of Jesus. Seeking souls find a seeking Savior! (v 43-51). For further meditation: