DYNAMIS!
A publication of St. George Orthodox Christian Cathedral
Wichita, KS

John 1:35-51       (4/30)        CHRIST IS RISEN!        Gospel for Wednesday of Bright Week

 

The Betrothal: St. John 1:35-51, especially vss. 35-37: “Again, the next day, John stood with two of his disciples.  And looking upon Jesus as He walked, he said, ‘Behold the Lamb of God!’  The two disciples heard him speak, and they followed Jesus.”  The word translated here as “followed” has a twofold sense: 1) that the two disciples of John started down a path after Jesus, and 2) that they committed themselves to be His disciples.  Notice also that it was the remark of the Forerunner John that impelled them, “Behold the Lamb of God!”  St. John Chrysostom characterizes the response of these two disciples of the Baptist in a powerful analogy: “So it was with Christ.  He came to join to Himself the Church; He said nothing, but merely came.  It was His friend, John, who put into His the bride’s right hand, when by his discourses he gave into His hand the souls of men.”

The two disciples “followed,” and in that moment the Church came into existence, the Head and two members were joined for eternity, the Bridegroom and the Bride.  Ever after the souls of the Faithful have been placed one by one in His loving and gracious hand, and He has never refused, receiving them as His own forever.  This is how the Holy Church grows, each one commits his hand to the Bridegroom.  The ceremonies of the Holy Mysteries, the celebrations and receptions follow; but at some point there must be such a personal surrender.

Beloved, do you remember when you placed your hand in His?  Perhaps it was in the sacred Mysteries.  Perhaps the celebration of the Mysteries came before or after you chose to follow Christ.  The issue is: do you remember the moment when your soul went out to Him, when you put yourself in His hands?  For each one there comes a moment to accept or decline betrothal.  Let us consider what led the first six members of the Church to accept betrothal.

The first was Andrew, who now is known as “Andrew the First-Called.”  He and his companion, before their “betrothal,” were disciples of the Forerunner.  During the days before these two turned from John to follow Jesus (Jn. 1:29,35), the Prophet was preparing them for “the Lord Who was coming” (vss. 25-27).  In verses 25-34, the Forerunner designated the Savior eight different ways: as Christ, as One among you, as the Lamb of God, etc.  After these revelations, it took only one final remark to complete the Forerunner’s work.  Many of us, after receiving sound and careful teaching, subsequently chose to commit ourselves to Christ.

Tradition holds that Andrew’s unnamed companion was John the Beloved Disciple, the very Evangelist whose account we are reading.  His modesty to name himself in his record is evident several times: at the Last Supper (Jn. 13:23), at the Cross (Jn. 19:26), at the empty tomb (Jn. 20:2), and by the sea (21:7,20).  Like Andrew, He came at the Forerunner’s disclosure.

Peter came because he trusted the testimony of his brother Andrew.  “We have found the Messiah!” (vs. 41).  How important is the witness of family members!  Let us remember that God can and does use us to bring our loved ones to betrothal.  Let us never prevent them!

Friendship brings many to Christ as Philip and Nathanael demonstrate.  Philip was Nathanael’s “hometown” friend.  The Lord Jesus touched his heart through his prior relationship with Andrew, Peter, and John.  They all were from Bethsaida (vs. 44).  Similarly, our witness in the community as Christians can have spiritual significance.  Neighbors can see the presence or  absence of Faith.  We serve either as barriers or as bridges for others who live down the street, know us on the job, see us at play, or share with us in community activities.

O Blessed Master Who hast called us to Thyself, inspire our witness to Thee that all may know the power of Thy forgiveness and the hope of salvation which is found in Thee alone.

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