SOAP Bible study is a method that involves Scripture, Observation, Application, and Prayer. It’s a way to delve deeper into the Bible and apply its teachings to one’s life. Let’s apply this method to our SOAP Bible Study: John 1:35-42.

Scripture

The next day John was there again with two of his disciples. When he saw Jesus passing by, he said, ‘Look, the Lamb of God!’ When the two disciples heard him say this, they followed Jesus. Turning around, Jesus saw them following and asked, ‘What do you seek?’ They said to Him, ‘Rabbi’ (which means Teacher), ‘where are you staying?’ ‘Come,’ He replied, ‘and you will see.’ So they went and saw where He was staying, and they spent that day with Him. It was about the tenth hour. Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother, was one of the two who heard what John had said and who had followed Jesus. The first thing Andrew did was to find his brother Simon and tell him, ‘We have found the Messiah’ (which is translated the Christ). And he brought him to Jesus. Jesus looked at him and said, ‘You are Simon son of John. You will be called Cephas’ (which, when translated, is Peter).” (John 1:35-42)

Dig Deeper:  Life and Times of Jesus Christ

Observation

This passage highlights the beginnings of Jesus’ ministry and how His first disciples came to follow Him. John the Baptist plays a crucial role in this process by pointing his own disciples to Jesus, effectively transferring his followers to Him. The interaction between Jesus and the disciples is marked by a simple yet profound invitation: “Come and you will see.” This suggests an open invitation to experience life with Jesus personally. Andrew immediately recognizes Jesus as the Messiah and brings his brother Simon to Jesus, showing the natural response of sharing such a significant discovery with loved ones. Jesus then gives Simon a new name, Cephas (Peter), indicating a transformation and new identity that comes with following Him.

Application

This passage encourages us to reflect on our own response to Jesus’ call. Are we willing to leave behind what we know to follow Him? It also emphasizes the importance of personal witness and invitation. Like Andrew, we are called to bring others to Jesus so they can see and experience Him for themselves. This narrative prompts us to consider whom we are bringing to Jesus through our words and actions. Moreover, the renaming of Simon to Peter reminds us that following Jesus often means embracing a new identity and purpose that He gives us.

Dig Deeper:  Chapter Outline: Gospel of John - Chapter Five

Prayer

Lord Jesus, thank You for the invitation to follow You and see where You are working in the world. Give me the courage and willingness to leave my comfort zones to be with You. Help me to be like Andrew, eagerly sharing the good news of Your presence and lordship with those around me. May I also be open to the new identity You offer me as Your disciple. Equip me to be an effective witness of Your love and transformation, bringing others to You so that they too may experience Your life-changing presence. Amen.


This study is just the beginning. Let it ignite a deeper desire within you to continue exploring the Scriptures. Each chapter and verse in the Gospel of John is rich with divine revelation waiting to be uncovered. I encourage you to keep studying, keep questioning, and keep seeking the light that Jesus offers. Dive deeper into the free Bible outlines available, engage with the full text, and allow God’s word to continuously transform your heart and mind. Embrace this journey of faith with enthusiasm and let the Word that was in the beginning guide you each step of the way.

 

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