John 1:35-42 Again the next day after John stood, and two of his disciples; (36) And looking upon Jesus as he walked, he saith, Behold the Lamb of God! (37) And the two disciples heard him speak, and they followed Jesus. (38) Then Jesus turned, and saw them following, and saith unto them, What seek ye? They said unto him, Rabbi, (which is to say, being interpreted, Master,) where dwellest thou? (39) He saith unto them, Come and see. They came and saw where he dwelt, and abode with him that day: for it was about the tenth hour. (40) One of the two which heard John speak, and followed him, was Andrew, Simon Peter's brother. (41) He first findeth his own brother Simon, and saith unto him, We have found the Messias, which is, being interpreted, the Christ. (42) And he brought him to Jesus. And when Jesus beheld him, he said, Thou art Simon the son of Jona: thou shalt be called Cephas, which is by interpretation, A stone.
INTRODUCTION: Someone once stated, “It is safer to obey than to govern” although our hearts would rather lead. We are always telling God where to lead us.
It is easier to follow Jesus from a crowd than up close and personal. It is safe from a crowd. My son-in-law likes large churches where people don't get to know each other, where he is not asked questions. Initiative is not required.
However, in each family there is a need for someone of courage to take the initiative to step up to the plate for Jesus Christ, to be that example.
These disciples noted in our scripture verses did just that, they did it the same way people do it to day.
I. A SIMPLE TESTIMONY (v 36)
A. Behold The Lamb of God.
1. John the Baptist
i. Looked to Him
2. His subject was the
i. Lamb of God
3. He believed, Timothy listened to
what the preacher had to say.
4. Behold
i. Look now
ii. Not later Now!!!
5. A short message - A sacrificial message
i. Powerful - To the point
ii. In season - At the right time
(2 Timothy 4:2) Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine.
iii. Immediately fruitful
II. AN ACT OF FAITH
A. They Heard John Speak
1. They beheld
i. They followed Jesus
ii. They had been following
John
2. Based on John's testimony
i. They left John
ii. To follow Jesus Christ the
Messiah.
B. It Was John's Desire They Follow Him
1. That should be our desire also.
(John 3:30) He must increase, but I must decrease.
2. John never preached himself
i. He preached the "Lamb of
God."
ii. Consequently, when John pointed out Christ as the Lamb of God.
a. They believed.
iii. The disciple's faith
a. Was evidenced by
their following Jesus Christ.
3. They had to make a quick decision.
i. Jesus was walking away.
ii. He would soon be out of
sight.
III. WHAT SEEK YE? (v 38)
A. Jesus Was Testing Their Motives.
1. Jesus tests our motives daily.
i. Do you walk with Him?
B. What Do You Expect?
1. Worldly honour?
2. Worldly preference?
3. An earthly gift?
4. Approval and acceptance of God?
4. Or Do you seek me?
C. Are You Seeking The Truth and Life?
(John 14:6) Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.
1. He is the Way.
2. He is the truth.
3. He is the life.
4. Search our hearts
i. What are we seeking?
5. Are we seeking honour from Him?
i. Or, are we seeking to Honour Him.
(Matthew 16:24) Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me.
IV. AN ANXIOUS QUESTION (v 38)
A. They Probably Had A Load Of Questions To Ask Him.
1. They knew it would take awhile to interview Him.
(Jeremiah 29:13) And ye shall seek me, and find me, when ye shall search for me with all your heart.
B. They Were Sincere In What They Asked.
1. They wanted to get to know the Lamb of God.
i. Is that what you want?
V. A GRACIOUS INVITATION (v 39)
A. Come And See.
(Isaiah 1:18) Come now, and let us reason together, saith the LORD: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool.
1. They accepted His invitation
i. They abode with Him
2. It was a blessed event
i. At about the tenth hour
a. Two hours before sunset.
3. The door was opened for them
i. Just like it was opened for
you.
ii. We each have had the same opportunity.
a. To become disciples of Christ.
b. Say YES to His great invitation.
iii. They came - They accepted
iv. They were willing to be led
VI. A WILLING SERVANT (vv 40-42)
A. Andrew Finds His Brother
1. Immediate fruit bearing.
(Psalms 27:14) Wait on the LORD: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the LORD.
B. We Have Found The Messiah
1. Their testimony
i. Clear and persuasive
ii. Their work started after they
ABODE with Him.
(Matthew 17:5) While he yet spake, behold, a bright cloud overshadowed them: and behold a voice out of the cloud, which said, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased; hear ye him.
i. Then they served
Him.
C. Quiet Andrew Did A Great Work
1. Brought his boisterous brother Peter to the Lord.
CONCLUSION: The main question is: “Can we be truly following Christ if our lives are not constraining others to follow Him, as did Andrew?”
(John 15:8) Herein is my Father glorified, that ye bear much fruit; so shall ye be my disciples.
God expects that we as individual Christians produce fruit. What kind of fruit; another Christian, hopefully like our selves.
If we are NOT living to God's example, Jesus Christ, we are NOT living right.
You see we must do as these disciples;
1. We need to stand on the Word of God.
i. Where the name Jesus Christ is preached.
2. We need to hear the Word of God.
i. Know that the Lamb of God died for my sins.
3. We then must follow Jesus as they did;
i. Come to know Him. Grow from Him
This is not to say we must live perfect lives as He did, but we are to try and be as much like Him as is possible.
You say you don't know the Lord Jesus, and am wondering how do we get to know Him?
First you must believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God.
We also need to understand that we are sinners. We must believe and know.
The bible tells us in
(Romans 3:10) As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one:
No not one
(Romans 3:23) For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;
ALL have sinned, except the Lord Jesus. Romans 10:9, 13
1 Taken from Handsfuls On Purpose, James Smith, William B. Eerdmans Publishing Company, Grand Rapids , MI
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