Join hosts Rolf Jacobson, Kathryn Schifferdecker, and Karoline Lewis as they explore the calling of Jesus' first disciples in John 1:35-51 for the Second Sunday of Christmas and the beginning of Epiphany. This episode delves into the powerful questions that frame discipleship in John's Gospel: "What are you looking for?" and "Can anything good come out of Nazareth?"

Discover how the verb "finding" shapes this narrative—Andrew finding Simon Peter, Philip finding Nathanael—and what it means that we are both found by Christ and called to invite others to "come and see." The hosts explore John's favorite concept of "abiding" (menō in Greek), tracing how Jesus' invitation to "come and see where I am staying" echoes throughout the Gospel, from the woman at the well to the resurrection appearances.

Karoline Lewis illuminates how John uniquely holds together Jesus' full divinity and full humanity—the Word made flesh who comes from both God and Nazareth. Rolf Jacobson offers a fascinating deep dive into Messianic exegesis, connecting Nathanael's fig tree encounter to Zechariah's prophecy about the "branch" and revealing the Hebrew wordplay behind "Nazareth" (netzer). Kathryn Schifferdecker traces the Jacob's ladder imagery from Genesis 28 to Jesus' promise that disciples will see "angels ascending and descending upon the Son of Man."

Whether you're preparing a sermon for Christmas or Epiphany, leading Bible study, or seeking deeper understanding of John's Gospel, this episode offers rich theological insights and practical applications for contemporary Christian life and ministry.