The Gospels describe different encounters with Jesus at different times. Here's a breakdown of how various individuals and groups found Jesus:
* The Shepherds (Luke 2:8-20): An angel appeared to them and announced the birth of the Messiah in Bethlehem. Guided by the angel's message, they went to Bethlehem and found Mary, Joseph, and the baby Jesus lying in a manger.
* The Magi (Matthew 2:1-12): These wise men from the East saw his star and traveled to Jerusalem, seeking "the one who has been born king of the Jews." They followed the star to Bethlehem, where it stopped over the house where Jesus was. They entered the house, saw the child with his mother Mary, and worshipped him, offering gifts.
* John the Baptist (John 1:29-34): John recognized Jesus as the Messiah when Jesus came to be baptized. The Holy Spirit descended on Jesus like a dove, and John testified that Jesus was the Son of God.
* Jesus' First Disciples (John 1:35-51, Matthew 4:18-22, Luke 5:1-11):
* Andrew and John: Initially disciples of John the Baptist, they followed Jesus after John the Baptist identified Jesus as the Lamb of God. Andrew then brought his brother Simon Peter to Jesus.
* Philip and Nathanael: Philip met Jesus and then found Nathanael, telling him, "We have found the one Moses wrote about in the Law, and about whom the prophets also wrote—Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph."
* Simon Peter, Andrew, James, and John (later): Jesus called them to follow him while they were fishing, promising to make them "fishers of men."
* Levi (Matthew) (Matthew 9:9): Jesus saw Matthew sitting at the tax collector's booth and said to him, "Follow me," and Matthew did.
* Others: People often found Jesus through word of mouth, hearing about his miracles and teachings. They sought him out for healing, deliverance, or to hear his message.