Seeing & Seeking - The First Step of Discipleship

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In this lesson, we explore John 1:35-42, where we witness the moment when two of John the Baptist’s disciples leave him to follow Jesus.

This passage holds profound spiritual insight, revealed through the exploration of two significant Greek words: horao (ὁράω) and zeteo (ζητέω).

Horao, often translated as "behold," extends beyond physical sight. It speaks of perceiving, knowing, and seeing with spiritual eyes—experiencing a moment of spiritual clarity that transcends the physical realm.

When John the Baptist says, “Behold the Lamb of God,” he invites us to perceive and understand Jesus’ identity not just with our eyes but with our spirit, to know He is the promised Lamb of God.

Zeteo, translated as "to seek," embodies a profound spiritual yearning. It characterizes a seeker driven by an earnest desire to uncover truth and find meaning.

This is not mere curiosity or a casual pursuit but a pursuit marked by spiritual hunger.

This passage represents the initial enlightenment for any follower of Jesus—the moment of recognition and the beginning of the faith journey.

Here, John’s message to his first-century audience rings true: those who seek (zeteo) with all their heart will find the truth, and those who horao—behold and perceive—will come to know Jesus as the Messiah.

Through this lesson, you will gain insight into these foundational concepts of spiritual seeing and seeking, understanding that the journey of discipleship begins with a deep spiritual recognition and an unrelenting quest for truth.

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Lesson Handout:

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Notes on John 1:35-42:

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