Andrew, the Anonymous Disciple, and Peter
January 4, 2025, Saturday of Christmas Week
John 1:35–42
In today’s Gospel, we witness the first steps of Jesus’ ministry and the transformative encounters that would ripple through history. These moments remind us of the profound simplicity with which God often initiates great works—through personal encounters, trust, and invitation.
The narrative begins with John the Baptist pointing his disciples toward Jesus, saying, “Behold, the Lamb of God.” This title, rich in meaning, is echoed in our first reading from 1 John 3:7–10, where the author connects sin with the Devil and proclaims, “The Son of God was revealed to destroy the works of the Devil” (1 John 3:8). This foundational truth of our faith—that Jesus, the Lamb of God, came to destroy sin—is proclaimed repeatedly during every Eucharistic celebration.
When John’s disciples hear his testimony, they leave their teacher and follow Jesus. John’s mission was to prepare the way for the Son of God and point others toward Him. Seeing his disciples leave for Jesus could only bring joy to his heart, fulfilling his desire that “He must increase, but I must decrease” (John 3:30).
As the two disciples follow, Jesus turns toward them and asks, “What do you seek?” This first recorded action of Jesus in the Gospel of John is deeply symbolic. His turning reflects the heart of God turning toward humanity, echoing the promises in Zechariah and Malachi: “Return to me, and I will return to you” (Zech 1:3; Mal 3:7). Though unsure how to respond, the disciples ask, “Where are you staying?” Their question expresses a longing for something deeper, a desire to remain with Him and discover more than what John the Baptist could offer.
Today’s psalm proclaims, “The Lord comes to rule the earth,” and His rule will be marked by justice and equity (Ps 98:9). In the Gospel, the disciples accept Jesus’ invitation to “come and see” how He would fulfill this promise through His life, ministry, and saving death. Their encounter with Jesus was so life-changing that the exact time—4:00 PM—was remembered.
Andrew, one of the two disciples, could not keep this experience to himself. He immediately found his brother, Simon, shared the good news, “We have found the Messiah,” and led him to Jesus. Upon meeting Simon, Jesus looked deeply at him and gave him a new name: Cephas, or Peter, the rock. This renaming signified not only a new identity but also a mission.
What about the anonymous disciple? What did he do after that first day with Jesus? Perhaps he found a notebook and began recording all that Jesus said and did. These memories and reflections may have become the foundation for one of the most extraordinary and life-changing books ever written—the Gospel of John.