John 1:38 Study Bible: And Jesus turned and saw them following, and said to them, "What are you looking for?" They said to him, "Rabbi" (which translated means Teacher), "where are you staying?"

◄ John 1:38 ►

Jesus turned and saw them following. "What do you want?" He asked. They said to Him, "Rabbi" (which means Teacher), "where are You staying?"

Study Bible

Jesus turned and saw them following
The act of Jesus turning signifies His awareness and intentionality. In the Greek, the word for "turned" is "στραφείς" (strapheis), indicating a deliberate action. This moment highlights Jesus' readiness to engage with those who seek Him. Historically, this reflects the rabbinic tradition where a teacher would be approachable and attentive to potential disciples. Jesus' turning is symbolic of His openness to those who pursue Him, emphasizing His role as the Good Shepherd who knows His sheep.

What do you want?
This question, "Τί ζητεῖτε;" (Ti zēteite?), is profound, inviting introspection. It is not merely about physical desires but a deeper inquiry into the spiritual longing of the heart. In the context of first-century Judea, a rabbi would often challenge his followers to articulate their intentions and desires. Jesus' question encourages the seekers to reflect on their true motivations, a call that resonates with believers today to examine their pursuit of Christ.

He asked
The Greek verb "λέγει" (legei) implies a continuous action, suggesting that Jesus' inquiry is not a one-time question but an ongoing invitation to dialogue. This reflects the relational nature of Jesus' ministry, where He engages in meaningful conversations that lead to transformation. It underscores the importance of communication in the disciple-teacher relationship, a model for Christian discipleship.

They said to Him, 'Rabbi' (which means Teacher)
The title "Rabbi" (Ραββί) is a term of respect and recognition of authority in Jewish culture. It acknowledges Jesus as a teacher with wisdom and insight. The parenthetical explanation "which means Teacher" serves to clarify for a broader audience unfamiliar with Jewish customs. This highlights the early Christian effort to bridge cultural gaps and make the message of Jesus accessible to all, reflecting the universal call of the Gospel.

where are You staying?
The question "ποῦ μένεις;" (Pou meneis?) goes beyond a mere inquiry about physical location. The verb "μένω" (menō) means to remain or abide, suggesting a desire for deeper connection and fellowship. In the historical context, disciples would often live with their rabbi to learn from his way of life. This request indicates a longing to dwell with Jesus, to learn from Him intimately. It is an invitation to abide in His presence, echoing the call for believers to remain in Christ as He remains in them (John 15:4).

Persons / Places / Events

1. Jesus
The central figure of the New Testament, the Son of God, who is beginning His public ministry.

2. The Disciples
Specifically, two of John the Baptist's disciples who begin to follow Jesus, seeking to learn from Him.

3. Rabbi
A term of respect meaning "Teacher," indicating the disciples' recognition of Jesus' authority and wisdom.

4. The Encounter
This event marks the beginning of the disciples' journey with Jesus, highlighting their desire to know Him more deeply.

5. The Setting
This takes place shortly after John the Baptist identifies Jesus as the "Lamb of God," prompting his disciples to follow Jesus.

Teaching Points

Seeking Jesus
The disciples' question, "Where are You staying?" reflects a deeper spiritual longing to be in the presence of Jesus. As believers, we should continually seek to dwell in His presence through prayer and study of the Word.

Recognizing Authority
By calling Jesus "Rabbi," the disciples acknowledge His authority and wisdom. We, too, must recognize Jesus as our ultimate Teacher and guide in life.

Intentional Following
The act of following Jesus requires intentionality and commitment. We are called to actively pursue a relationship with Him, just as the disciples did.

Invitation to Relationship
Jesus' response to the disciples' inquiry is an invitation to relationship. He desires for us to come to Him with our questions and seek His guidance in all areas of life.

The Beginning of Discipleship
This encounter marks the beginning of the disciples' journey with Jesus. It reminds us that every journey of faith begins with a step towards Christ, and we must be willing to take that step.

Bible Study Questions

1. What does the term "Rabbi" signify about the disciples' perception of Jesus, and how should this influence our view of Him today?

2. How does the disciples' question, "Where are You staying?" reflect their desire for a deeper relationship with Jesus, and how can we cultivate a similar desire in our own lives?

3. In what ways can we intentionally follow Jesus in our daily routines, and what might be some obstacles to doing so?

4. How does Jesus' invitation to the disciples in John 1:38 compare to His call to discipleship in other parts of the Gospels?

5. Reflect on a time when you felt a strong desire to seek Jesus. What steps did you take to pursue that desire, and what was the outcome?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Matthew 4:19
Jesus calls His first disciples, inviting them to follow Him and become "fishers of men," which parallels the disciples' initial pursuit of Jesus in John 1:38.

Luke 9:23
Jesus speaks about the cost of discipleship, emphasizing the need to deny oneself and take up one's cross, which reflects the commitment the disciples begin to show in John 1:38.

Philippians 3:10
Paul expresses his desire to know Christ and the power of His resurrection, echoing the disciples' desire to be with Jesus and learn from Him.

Sermons

A Question for Seekers	D. Young	John 1:38
Guests of Jesus	J.R. Thomson	John 1:35-42
Andrew and John	T. Whitelaw, D. D.	John 1:35-51
John and Jesus		John 1:35-51
Small Beginnings	A. F. Schauffler.	John 1:35-51
The Apostle Andrew	D. Thomas, D. D.	John 1:35-51
The Beginnings of the Christian Church	Bishop Ryle.	John 1:35-51
The Early Disciples	Sermons by the Monday Club	John 1:35-51
The First Disciple	A. Raleigh, D. D.	John 1:35-51
The First Disciples, or Sons of the Light	T. Whitelaw, D. D.	John 1:35-51
The First Five Disciples	C. H. Spurgeon.	John 1:35-51
The First Five Disciples	J. Spence, D. D.	John 1:35-51
The First Utterances of the Word	J. W. Burn.	John 1:35-51
The Law of Christian Increase	P. H. Hoge.	John 1:35-51
The Redeemer Choosing Disciples	Schleiermacher.	John 1:35-51
The Soul Sought by Christ, and Seeking Him	Bp. Huntington.	John 1:35-51
Three Ways to the Lord	K. Gerok, D. D.	John 1:35-51
A Loving Invitation	C. H. Spurgeon.	John 1:37-39
A Memorable Day	T. Whitelaw, D. D.	John 1:37-39
Experience of Christ Better than Description of Him		John 1:37-39
Investigation the Way to Faith	Urijah R. Thomas.	John 1:37-39
Jesus Saw Them Following	H. C. Trumbull, D. D.	John 1:37-39
John and Andrew	A. Maclaren, D. D.	John 1:37-39
Man Inviting Christ to His Dwelling	J. Fawcett, M. A.	John 1:37-39
Rabbi	A. F. Schaefer.	John 1:37-39
The Character of a Leader Shown by the Character of His Following	J. Culross, D. D.	John 1:37-39
The Difference Between the Conversion of John and the Conversion of Paul	J. Culross, D. D.	John 1:37-39
The Dwelling-Place of Jesus	John N. Norton.	John 1:37-39
The First Two Disciples	A. Beith, D. D.	John 1:37-39
What Seek Ye?	A. Maclaren, D. D.	John 1:37-39
Where Dwellest Thou?	Calvin.	John 1:37-39

People

Andrew, Cephas, Elias, Elijah, Esaias, Isaiah, Jesus, John, Jona, Jonah, Jonas, Joseph, Levites, Nathanael, Peter, Philip, Simon

Places

Bethany Beyond Jordan, Bethsaida, Galilee, Jordan River, Nazareth

Topics

Abidest, Abideth, Beheld, Dwellest, Interpreted, Master, Rabbi, Remainest, Replied, Round, Says, Seeing, Seek, Signifies, Staying, Teacher, Translated, Turning, Wish

Dictionary of Bible Themes

John 1:38

     2203   Christ, titles of
     2363   Christ, preaching and teaching
     5103   Moses, significance
     7420   Rabbi

John 1:35-42

6620 calling
8422 equipping, spiritual

Library

Grace
Eversley. 1856. St. John i. 16, 17. "Of His fulness have all we received, and grace for grace. For the law was given by Moses, but grace and truth came by Jesus Christ." I wish you to mind particularly this word GRACE. You meet it very often in the Bible. You hear often said, The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Now, what does this word grace mean? It is really worth your while to know; for if a man or a woman has not grace, they will be very unhappy people, and very disagreeable …
Charles Kingsley—All Saints' Day and Other Sermons

June 25 Morning
When he shall appear, we shall be like him; we shall see him as he is.--I JOHN 3:2. As many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name.--Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises; that by these we might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust. Since the beginning of the world men have not heard, nor perceived by the ear, neither hath the eye seen, O God, beside …
Anonymous—Daily Light on the Daily Path

January 20 Morning
His name shall be called Wonderful.--ISA. 9:6. The Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father) full of grace and truth.--Thou hast magnified thy word above all thy name. They shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us.--JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins. All men should honour the Son, even as they honour the Father.--God . . . hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is …
Anonymous—Daily Light on the Daily Path

September 24 Evening
Ye know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ.--II COR. 8:9. The Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.--Thou are fairer than the children of men: grace is poured into thy lips.--All bare him witness, and wondered at the gracious words which proceeded out of his mouth. Ye have tasted that the Lord is gracious.--He that believeth on the Son of God hath the witness in himself.--We speak that we do know, …
Anonymous—Daily Light on the Daily Path

October 21 Morning
Of his fulness have all we received, and grace for grace.--JOHN 1:16. This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.--Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God. His Son, whom he hath appointed heir of all things.--If children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together. I and my Father are one. The Father is in me, and I in him.--My Father, and your …
Anonymous—Daily Light on the Daily Path

March 12 Morning
The Lord make his face shine upon thee, and be gracious unto thee. The Lord lift up his countenance upon thee, and give thee peace.--NUM. 6:25,26. No man hath seen God at any time; the only begotten Son, which is in the bosom of the Father, he hath declared him.--The brightness of his glory, and the express image of his person.--The god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them. …
Anonymous—Daily Light on the Daily Path

November 21 Evening
His dear Son.--COL. 1:13. Lo a voice from heaven, saying, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.--Behold my servant, whom I uphold; mine elect, in whom my soul delighteth.--The only begotten Son, which is in the bosom of the Father. In this was manifested the love of God toward us, because that God sent his only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through him. Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent his son to be the propitiation for our sins. …
Anonymous—Daily Light on the Daily Path

February 23 Morning
The blood of sprinkling, that speaketh better things than that of Abel.--HEB. 12:24. Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world.--The Lamb slain from the foundation of the world.--It is not possible that the blood of bulls and of goats should take away sins. Wherefore when he cometh into the world, he saith, Sacrifice and offering thou wouldest not, but a body hast thou prepared me. By the which will we are sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all. …
Anonymous—Daily Light on the Daily Path

April 28 Morning
Behold the Lamb of God.--JOHN 1:29. It is not possible that the blood of bulls and of goats should take away sins. Wherefore when he cometh into the world, he saith, Sacrifice and offering thou wouldest not, but a body hast thou prepared me: in burnt offerings and sacrifices for sin thou hast had no pleasure. Then said I, Lo, I come (in the volume of the book it is written of me) to do thy will, O God.--He was oppressed, and he was afflicted, yet he opened not his mouth; he is brought as a lamb to …
Anonymous—Daily Light on the Daily Path

May 29 Morning
The life of the flesh is in the blood: and I have given it to you upon the altar to make an atonement for your souls: for it is the blood that maketh an atonement for the soul.--LEV. 17:11. Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world.--The blood of the Lamb.--The precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot.--Without shedding of blood is no remission.--The blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin. By his own blood he entered in once into …
Anonymous—Daily Light on the Daily Path

January 16 Evening
Write the things which thou hast seen, and the things which are, and the things which shall be hereafter.--REV. 1:19. Holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost.--That which we have seen and heard declare we unto you, that ye also may have fellowship with us: and truly our fellowship is with the Father, and with his Son Jesus Christ. Behold my hands and my feet, that it is I myself: handle me, and see; for a spirit hath not flesh and bones, as ye see me have. And when he had thus …
Anonymous—Daily Light on the Daily Path

May 19 Evening
Fellowship in the gospel.--PHI. 1:5. As the body is one, and hath many members, and all the members of that one body, being many, are one body: so also is Christ. For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit. God is faithful, by whom ye were called unto the fellowship of his Son Jesus Christ our Lord.--That which we have seen and heard declare we unto you, that ye also may have fellowship …
Anonymous—Daily Light on the Daily Path

November 15 Morning
God is faithful, by whom ye were called unto the fellowship of his Son Jesus Christ our Lord.--I COR. 1:9. Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; for he is faithful that promised.--God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people.--Truly our fellowship is with the Father, and with his Son Jesus Christ.--Rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ's sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad …
Anonymous—Daily Light on the Daily Path

March 8 Morning
Thou hast cast all my sins behind thy back.--ISA. 38:17. Who is a God like unto thee, that pardoneth iniquity, and passeth by the transgression of the remnant of his heritage? he retaineth not his anger forever, because he delighteth in mercy. He will turn again, he will have compassion upon us; he will subdue our iniquities; and thou wilt cast all their sins into the depths of the sea. For a small moment have I forsaken thee; but with great mercies will I gather thee. In a little wrath I hid my …
Anonymous—Daily Light on the Daily Path

March 20 Morning
The entrance of thy words giveth light.--PSA. 119:130. This . . . is the message which we have heard of him, and declare unto you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all.--God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.--The Word was God. In him was life; and the life was the light of men.--If we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another …
Anonymous—Daily Light on the Daily Path

October 11 Evening
Hallowed be thy name.--MATT. 6:9. Thou shalt worship no other god: for the Lord, whose name is Jealous, is a jealous God. Who is like unto thee, O Lord, among the gods? who is like thee, glorious in holiness, fearful in praises, doing wonders?--Holy, holy, holy, Lord God Almighty. Worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness.--I saw . . . the Lord sitting upon a throne, high and lifted up, and his train filled the temple. Above it stood the seraphims. And one cried unto another, and said, Holy, holy, …
Anonymous—Daily Light on the Daily Path

February 26 Morning
Let us search and try our ways, and turn again to the Lord.--LAM. 3:40. Examine me, O Lord, and prove me; try my reins and my heart.--Behold, thou desirest truth in the inward parts: and in the hidden part thou shalt make me to know wisdom.--I thought on my ways, and turned my feet unto thy testimonies. I made haste and delayed not to keep thy commandments.--Let a man examine himself, and so let him eat of that bread, and drink of that cup. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive …
Anonymous—Daily Light on the Daily Path

May 24 Evening
I will go and return to my place, till they acknowledge their offence, and seek my face.--HOS. 5:15. Your iniquities have separated between you and your God, your sins have hid his face from you.--My beloved had withdrawn himself, and was gone: . . . I sought him, but I could not find him; I called him, but he gave me no answer.--I hid me, and was wroth, and he went on forwardly in the way of his heart. I have seen his ways, and will heal him.--Hast thou not procured this unto thyself, in that thou …
Anonymous—Daily Light on the Daily Path

November 12 Morning
Godly sorrow worketh repentance not to be repented of.--II COR. 7:10. Peter remembered the word of Jesus, which said unto him, Before the cock crow, thou shalt deny me thrice. And he went out, and wept bitterly.--If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.--The blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin. Mine iniquities have taken hold upon me, so that I am not able to look up; they are more than the hairs of my …
Anonymous—Daily Light on the Daily Path

December 23 Morning
Let him take hold of my strength, that he may make peace with me.--ISA. 27:5. I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil.--There is no peace, saith the Lord, unto the wicked. In Christ Jesus ye who sometime were far off are made nigh by the blood of Christ. For he is our peace. It pleased the Father that in him should all fulness dwell: and having made peace through the blood of his cross, by him to reconcile all things unto himself.--Christ Jesus: …
Anonymous—Daily Light on the Daily Path

June 24 Evening
Master, where dwellest thou? He saith unto them, Come and see.--JOHN 1:38,39. In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.--To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with me in my throne. Thus saith the high and lofty One that inhabiteth eternity, whose name is Holy; I dwell in the high and holy place, …
Anonymous—Daily Light on the Daily Path

February 15 Morning
Who can say, I have made my heart clean?--PROV. 20:9. The Lord looked down from heaven upon the children of men, to see if there were any that did understand, and seek God. They are all gone aside, they are all together become filthy: there is none that doeth good, no, not one.--They that are in the flesh cannot please God. To will is present with me; but how to perform that which is good I find not. For the good that I would I do not: but the evil which I would not, that I do.--We are all as an …
Anonymous—Daily Light on the Daily Path

The Son of Thunder
ST. JOHN i. 1. In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. We read this morning the first chapter of the Gospel according to St. John. Some of you, I am sure, must have felt, as you heard it, how grand was the very sound of the words. Some one once compared the sound of St. John's Gospel to a great church bell: simple, slow, and awful; and awful just because it is so simple and slow. The words are very short,--most of them of one syllable,--so that even a child …
Charles Kingsley—Discipline and Other Sermons

'Three Tabernacles'
'The Word ... dwelt among us.'--JOHN i. 14. '... He that sitteth on the Throne shall dwell among them.'--REV. vii. 15. '... Behold, the Tabernacle of God is with men, and He will dwell with them.'--REV. xxi. 3. The word rendered 'dwelt' in these three passages, is a peculiar one. It is only found in the New Testament--in this Gospel and in the Book of Revelation. That fact constitutes one of the many subtle threads of connection between these two books, which at first sight seem so extremely unlike …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

Links

John 1:38 NIV
John 1:38 NLT
John 1:38 ESV
John 1:38 NASB
John 1:38 KJV

John 1:38 Commentaries

Bible Hub