John 1:35-51 | What is a lesson for the original audience?

The big lesson for the original audience would be none other than Jesus being the Messiah. In fact, if we look at the surrounding context we can see where Jesus is called the Word, the Lamb of God, and the Light, but this section is the first we see Him being addressed as the Messiah. What this chapter is really doing is tying all of these things together in the single Person of Jesus Christ. He is the Son of God. He is the Son of Man. He is Jacob's Ladder.

With each of these disciples, it is proven to them that Jesus is this figure that has been testified of, prophesied of, and long awaited. I would argue that the lesson goes beyond that, however. For John did not simply state these things, but also wrote out the invitation. Jesus invited Andrew and the other disciple to come and see. Andrew invited Simon his brother to meet with Jesus. Jesus invited Philip to follow Him. And Philip invited Nathanael to come and see. As each one came and saw, they became convinced. I would argue that among the themes of Jesus being the Messiah and all of those things listed prior, that the lesson is for the reader to come and see.

In a matter of speaking, this can serve as a powerful introduction of what is to come. Of all those things that are brought up in the beginning of the Gospel of John, the rest of it will show how Jesus is this very One.

What lessons are you seeing for the original audience?