How Many Times Does “Come And See” Appear In The Bible?
The phrase “come and see” is an invitation to discover and learn more. In the Bible, it is often used to call people to witness important events and learn spiritual truths. If you’re looking for a quick answer, the expression “come and see” appears 10 times total in the Bible.
In this comprehensive article, we will examine every passage that contains some variation of “come and see.” We will look at the context around these verses to understand their deeper meaning and what Jesus and others in the Bible wanted to show those they invited to “come and see.”
What Does “Come and See” Mean in the Bible?
An invitation to witness and learn
The phrase “come and see” appears several times throughout the Bible as an invitation for people to witness, experience, and learn more about God. When Jesus says “come and see,” He is calling people to pursue truth and relationship with Him.
One example is in John 1:39, where Jesus invites two of John the Baptist’s disciples to “come and see” where He is staying. This begins their journey of getting to know who Jesus is. Another instance is when Philip urges Nathanael to “come and see” Jesus in John 1:46.
This leads to Nathanael declaring Jesus as the Son of God and King of Israel after witnessing a demonstration of His supernatural knowledge.
In these passages, “come and see” is an invitation to personally encounter Jesus and observe His words and deeds firsthand. It requires responding in faith and action. Several people in the Gospels have transformative experiences after accepting this call to “come and see” Christ.
Their eyes are opened to His divine identity and purpose. This remains Jesus’ invitation to all people – to pursue Him and see for themselves who He is.
Calling disciples and followers
Jesus also uses the phrase “come and see” when calling some of His first disciples. In John 1:39, after being prompted by John the Baptist to behold the “Lamb of God,” two of John’s disciples begin following Jesus. He turns and asks them, “What do you seek?”
Their response – “Rabbi…where are you staying?” – leads to the invitation, “Come and see.” One of the disciples is Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother.
This call to “come and see” has a literal meaning, as Jesus invites them back to meet where He is lodging. But it also contains a deeper, symbolic sense – Jesus is welcoming them to begin learning from and joining with Him. In that day, disciples would literally dwell with their rabbis as they studied Scripture and absorbed their teaching.
Jesus ushers Andrew, and likely John the Apostle as well, into discipleship that transforms their lives.
Additionally, after initially resisting Jesus’ call to follow, Simon Peter accepts the invitation to “come and see” in John 1:39. This small statement begins a three-year journey with Christ that infuses Peter with bold Gospel zeal, culminating with preaching to thousands at Pentecost.
For these first followers, “come and see” marked the inception of an eternal quest to know and proclaim Christ. The same invitation awaits all who desire to become His disciples.
Every Bible Passage With “Come and See”
John 1:39 – “Come and see” where Jesus stays
In John 1:39, Jesus says to two of John the Baptist’s disciples, “Come and see” where he is staying. This is one of the first recorded instances of Jesus inviting others to spend time with him and see his ministry firsthand.
According to the Gospel of John, Andrew and one other disciple took Jesus up on this offer and spent the rest of the day with him (John 1:39-42, NIV). This began their journey of becoming Jesus’ disciples.
John 1:46 – “Come and see” if anything good can come from Nazareth
In John 1:46, Nathanael questions if anything good can actually come out of Nazareth, Jesus’ hometown. But rather than debate Nathanael, Philip simply says “Come and see.” This demonstrates a pattern of Jesus and his earliest followers inviting people to evaluate Jesus for themselves, rather than trying to convince them through arguments alone.
When Nathanael comes to Jesus, Jesus completely surprises Nathanael by demonstrating supernatural knowledge of him. In the end, Nathanael declares “Rabbi, you are the Son of God!” (John 1:46-49, NIV).
John 4:29 – “Come and see” a man who told a woman everything she did
In John 4:29, a Samaritan woman testifies to her village about Jesus, saying “Come and see a man who told me everything I ever did.” This woman had a transforming encounter with Jesus at Jacob’s well, where he knew the details of her broken life.
Jesus revealed himself as the Messiah to her, offering living water that would forever quench her spiritual thirst. The woman immediately leaves her water jar, goes back to the town, and urges the people – “Come and see this man who knew everything about me! Could he be the Messiah?”
(John 4:4-30, NIV).
John 11:34 – “Come and see” where Lazarus is laid
In John 11:34, Jesus asks to be taken to Lazarus’ tomb, saying “Come and see where he is laid.” In the previous verses, Jesus was deeply moved by the grief of Lazarus’ sisters Mary and Martha after Lazarus had died.
But rather than mourn with them, Jesus tells Martha her brother will rise again (John 11:23). Then when Jesus asks to see Lazarus’ tomb, those present don’t understand Jesus’ intentions. But this seemingly simple request – “Come and see where he is laid” – sets the stage for Jesus to publicly reveal his power over death itself by raising Lazarus from the dead (John 11:38-44, NIV).
Significance of Each “Come and See” Occurrence
Come witness the Messiah and where He dwells
The first “come and see” occurrence invites people to witness Jesus as the foretold Messiah (John 1:39). When Jesus meets His first disciples, Andrew and another disciple, He welcomes them to “come and see” where He is staying.
This shows Jesus’ open invitation for people to get to know Him personally. As the long-awaited Messiah, Jesus opens His life to others so they can truly understand His identity and mission.
Come have your doubts dispelled
Another “come and see” appearance happens when Jesus appears to His disciples after His resurrection (John 20:27). He tells the doubting Thomas to “come and see the nail marks in My hands and feet.” This occurrence points to Jesus’ desire for people to have their doubts erased through personal encounter with Him.
By seeing and touching Jesus’ wounds, Thomas’ disbelief turns to belief. All people across the ages are welcomed to bring their uncertainties to Jesus and find convincing truth in Him.
Come witness the Savior who knows all
A third “come and see” scene has Jesus asking Peter three times “do you love Me?” (John 21:12). Jesus then tells Peter to “come and feed My sheep.” This shows Jesus appointing Peter, despite his previous denials, to care for His flock.
It points to Jesus as the omniscient Savior who knows the hearts of people. No human weakness or failure escapes His notice. Yet, He still calls and commissions the fallen to participate in His continuing work of redemption through tending His sheep.
Come witness Jesus’ power over death
The final “come and see” reference has Martha leading Jesus to the tomb of Lazarus (John 11:34). Jesus resurrects Lazarus, demonstrating His authority over mortality. This climactic miracle prompts many to believe in Jesus as the resurrection and the life (John 11:45).
It fulfills Jesus’ earlier claim “I am the resurrection and the life” (John 11:25). As the resurrector of the dead, Jesus offers eternal life to all who put faith in Him. His power breaks the curse of death itself.
This miracle remains a continuing testament for people of all eras to find salvation in Jesus.
Why Jesus Said “Come and See”
The phrase “come and see” is used several times by Jesus in the New Testament Gospels. It is an invitation for people to personally experience who Jesus is and what he is doing. Here are three main reasons why Jesus said “come and see”:
1. To invite people to follow him
In John 1:39, Jesus says “come and see” to two of John the Baptist’s disciples who were interested in learning more about Jesus. This was Jesus’ way of inviting them to become his disciples and see firsthand what his life and ministry were all about.
When people expressed interest in him, Jesus warmly welcomed them to join him and see for themselves if his message was true.
2. To challenge preconceived notions
When Jesus talked with the Samaritan woman at the well in John 4:1-42, he broke down barriers and challenged her preconceived ideas about the Messiah. Jesus told her to “come and see a man who told me everything I ever did” (John 4:29).
Jesus wanted her to come find out for herself who he truly was, rather than rely only on her assumptions. “Come and see” was Jesus’ way of urging people to encounter him personally rather than judge him at a distance.
3. To witness miracles
In John 1:46, when Nathanael was skeptical that the Messiah could be from Nazareth, Philip simply said, “Come and see.” This was an invitation for Nathanael to personally witness the divine power and miraculous signs that Jesus performed and to see for himself that Jesus was indeed the Messiah.
“Come and see” was a call for people to experience Jesus’ miracles firsthand and decide for themselves what his miracles meant about his identity.
Modern Applications of “Come and See”
An invitation to know Christ personally
The phrase “come and see” is a powerful invitation to those seeking to know Jesus Christ in a personal and intimate way. When believers invite others to “come and see,” they are extending an opportunity to witness firsthand how God is moving in their lives and communities.
Here are some modern applications of using “come and see” to draw others to Jesus:
- Inviting a friend to attend church or small group Bible study. The welcoming community and teaching can stir spiritual interest.
- Asking someone to participate in a service activity like feeding the homeless. Working alongside believers lets them see faith in action.
- Sharing a personal testimony of God’s work. Telling stories of answered prayers, healing, forgiveness, etc. can inspire curiosity about Christ.
- Using social media to share reflections on scripture, events, or worship experiences that others may relate to.
Extending a “come and see” invitation gives space for God to stir in people’s hearts. It allows others to encounter the vibrant faith, love, and power present in Christ’s followers up close. When believers live out their faith authentically, the invitation provides a pathway for those seeking God to come and see for themselves.
Calling others to witness God at work
“Come and see” is not only an invitation to know Christ personally but also a call for others to witness the movement of God in their communities. When believers recognize God’s miraculous work around them, urging others to “come and see” bids them to encounter the living God for themselves.
Some ways Christians today can apply “come and see” to testify to God’s activity include:
- Inviting people to participate in an outreach event or service project and experience God meeting real needs.
- Asking a friend to visit your church when you know a dynamic speaker or ministry will be highlighted.
- Sharing uplifting news of growth, changed lives, or unity taking place through local ministries.
- Highlighting answered prayers, from the small to miraculous. Testifying to God’s faithfulness builds faith in others.
- Using social platforms to post real-time videos or photos when God’s hand at work is evident.
When believers declare “come and see,” they shift the focus from their own efforts to God’s transformative power on display. Eyewitness encounters with God working today reinforce His reality and build anticipation for God to move in new ways.
The invitation demonstrates that God is not just found in dusty ancient texts but remains active and moving in the modern world.
Conclusion
Whether uttered by Jesus himself or by one of his earliest followers, “come and see” runs through the Gospel accounts as an invitation to witness firsthand the power and love of Christ. As we have explored, this simple phrase carries great significance, calling all people to come, question, learn and ultimately find the meaning that only Jesus can give our lives.
