THE BIBLE MEETS LIFE
A casual introduction can often turn into something far greater. Ivan Vaughan introduced Paul McCartney, a friend from school, to another friend, John Lennon. Those two later would form The Beatles and change the world of music. Bill Fernandez introduced his friend Steve Wozniak to another friend, Steve Jobs. They eventually gave us Apple®.
We know this on a personal level, as well. Many of us were casually introduced at a social event or other occasion to the person who later became our spouse.
A wise man once observed that who you become depends a lot on three things: the people you meet, the places you go, and the books you read. I think this is solid advice, but let’s consider the role we play in helping other people meet Christ—because a relationship with Jesus Christ changes everything.
In the Gospel of John, we’re introduced to some men who met Jesus of Nazareth. They, in turn, introduced others to Him. And each of these seemingly casual introductions ended up changing a life.
WHAT DOES THE BIBLE SAY?
John 1:35-39
35 The next day, John was standing with two of his disciples. 36 When he saw Jesus passing by, he said, “Look, the Lamb of God!” 37 The two disciples heard him say this and followed Jesus. 38 When Jesus turned and noticed them following him, he asked them, “What are you looking for?” They said to him, “Rabbi” (which means “Teacher”), “where are you staying?” 39 “Come and you’ll see,” he replied. So they went and saw where he was staying, and they stayed with him that day. It was about four in the afternoon.
In Jesus’ day, to be someone’s disciple meant you went where he went, slept where he slept, ate what he ate, and did everything you could to emulate him. John the Baptist had disciples like this, including Andrew and another unnamed man (see John 1:40). So it certainly caught their attention when their mentor and role model said, “Look, the Lamb of God!”
John had been proclaiming the coming of the Messiah for a long time, so his followers knew enough to know they wanted to meet Jesus and follow Him. They chose to be the Lord’s disciples. We know this because they “followed Jesus” and asked Him, “where are you staying?” They were ready to go where He went, sleep where He slept, and eat what He ate.
It was common for rabbis to quiz potential disciples to see if they were worthy. Not Jesus. He only asked, “What are you looking for?” The two men called Jesus “Rabbi” (which means “Teacher”) and asked where He was staying. Jesus’ invitation was both simple and profound: “Come and you’ll see.” What a beautiful picture of Jesus’ love for people. He’s always available to those who seek Him.
We tend to fill our lives with activities and schedules. Jesus stayed busy, too, but He was always “interruptible.” He remains accessible today for all who are willing to come and see.
John 1:40-45
40 Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother, was one of the two who heard John and followed him. 41 He first found his own brother Simon and told him, “We have found the Messiah” (which is translated “the Christ”), 42 and he brought Simon to Jesus. When Jesus saw him, he said, “You are Simon, son of John. You will be called Cephas” (which is translated “Peter”). 43 The next day Jesus decided to leave for Galilee. He found Philip and told him, “Follow me.” 44 Now Philip was from Bethsaida, the hometown of Andrew and Peter. 45 Philip found Nathanael and told him, “We have found the one Moses wrote about in the law (and so did the prophets): Jesus the son of Joseph, from Nazareth.”
The term “evangelism” makes a lot of believers nervous. We know sharing the gospel with others is important, yet we’re frightened by the prospect of actually doing it.
But notice how naturally and quickly Andrew told his brother Simon (we know him best as Peter) about Jesus. As Jewish men, they longed for the coming of the Messiah—the promised Savior. So, it’s easy to imagine Andrew brimming with excitement as he announced the good news that Jesus was in fact the Messiah they sought.
Andrew’s influence led Simon to his own encounter with Jesus, which was transformational. Jesus even changed Simon’s name to reflect who he would ultimately become: “You are Simon, son of John. You will be called ‘Cephas’ (which is translated ‘Peter’).” Jesus essentially gave Simon a nickname that means “rock.” Peter may have been rash and impulsive, but under the leadership and lordship of Christ, he would become a leader solid as a rock.
The following day Jesus traveled to Galilee where He met Philip. Notice there isn’t a “one-size-fits-all” approach for people to come to faith in Christ. Some people, like Andrew, need to hear a testimony—“Look, the Lamb of God” (v. 36).
Others, like Philip, need a more direct approach—“Follow me.” Jesus took different approaches with different people, and so should we.
Philip received an invitation from Jesus to follow Him, and he naturally passed that invitation onward by telling Nathanael the good news as well. Philip’s message was a bit more descriptive: “We have found the one Moses wrote about in the law (and so did the prophets): Jesus the son of Joseph, from Nazareth.”
Andrew and Philip modeled evangelism for us simply by sharing the good news of the gospel with others. Do you want to tell someone about Jesus? Tell them the good news you’ve found in knowing and following Christ.
John 1:46-49
46 “Can anything good come out of Nazareth?” Nathanael asked him. “Come and see,” Philip answered. 47 Then Jesus saw Nathanael coming toward him and said about him, “Here truly is an Israelite in whom there is no deceit.” 48 “How do you know me?” Nathanael asked. “Before Philip called you, when you were under the fig tree, I saw you,” Jesus answered. 49 “Rabbi,” Nathanael replied, “You are the Son of God; you are the King of Israel!”
While Andrew, Peter, and Philip immediately began to follow Jesus, Nathanael was more hesitant. We don’t know if Nathanael’s attitude reflected a rivalry between his hometown of Cana (see John 21:2) and Nazareth, or a general perception that Nazareth was “on the wrong side of the tracks.”
Lots of people today love to argue against Jesus’ claims. When we encounter such people, we’ll do well to follow the example of Philip—starting with two things Philip did not do:
- Philip did not take Nathanael’s skepticism as a personal offense. People who doubt Jesus aren’t always doubting us, as well. They may simply be honest about their experiences.
- Philip did not get into an intellectual argument with Nathanael. Instead, Philip simply repeated what Jesus had said earlier: “Come and see.”
Philip gave us a great example by simply keeping the focus on Jesus. This approach calls for patience with those who are hesitant, doubtful, or even unkind when they hear the good news. Their preexisting view of reality can hinder them from seeing the joy of salvation in Christ. We must graciously help them see beyond their blind spots so they can find Jesus.
Nathanael responded to Philip’s invitation, though he remained skeptical. Jesus responded to that skepticism by telling Nathanael, “Before Philip called you, when you were under the fig tree, I saw you.” For rabbis and their students, a fig tree was considered a place of prayer and meditation on the law—a place of devotion. That’s how Jesus identified Nathanael as a sincere Jew with no deceit.
This was a supernatural insight from Jesus, and it grabbed Nathaniel’s attention. More than that, it blew away his doubts. Philip had challenged Nathanael to “come and see”—to check out Jesus for himself. Nathanael did, and he was changed. He became a disciple.
Simon, Philip, and Nathaniel—think about what a difference was made in their lives (and in the world) because of a simple invitation. How much difference can we make in peoples’ lives today with that same invitation to “Come and see”?
LIVE IT OUT
How will you invite others to “Come and see” Jesus this week? Consider these suggestions:
- Pray. If you’ve never talked about Jesus with someone else, begin with prayer. Who do you know who’s without Christ? Pray for that person, pray for the opportunity to talk, and pray for boldness.
- Invite. Invite others to “Come and see” by inviting them to join you in your Bible study group. Bible study is a great way for individuals to see what God’s Word says about Jesus.
- Tell. Telling others about Jesus is as simple as telling how you met Him and what He has done in your life. Share with others your own encounter with Jesus and how He changed your life.
Someone introduced you to Jesus. Someone took the time to share good news with you and help you “Come and see” what Christ was all about. Now it’s time for you to do the same.
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Teacher's Notes:
Do's and Don't of Evangelism
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Our relationship with Jesus Christ colors every other relationship we have. Our ability to love others flows from the love of Christ within us and is evidence that we love Him. As believers, we love one another in the love of Christ. Our love for Christ challenges us to love all people, even those outside the church, those who do not profess to have a relationship with Him. The best way we can show love to others is to introduce them to Jesus.
We have a responsibility to introduce our friends to Jesus.
A casual introduction can often turn into something far greater. Ivan Vaughan introduced Paul McCartney, a friend from school, to another friend, John Lennon. Those two later would form The Beatles and change the world of music. Bill Fernandez introduced his friend Steve Wozniak to another friend, Steve Jobs. They eventually gave us Apple®.
We know this on a personal level, as well. Many of us were casually introduced at a social event or other occasion to the person who later became our spouse.
What would the introduction of Jesus change?
Let’s consider the role we play in helping other people meet Christ—because a relationship with Jesus Christ changes everything.
In the Gospel of John, we’re introduced to some men who met Jesus of Nazareth. They, in turn, introduced others to Him. And each of these seemingly casual introductions ended up changing a life.
I. Seek a Personal Experience
John 1:35-39
35 The next day, John was standing with two of his disciples. 36 When he saw Jesus passing by, he said, “Look, the Lamb of God!” 37 The two disciples heard him say this and followed Jesus. 38 When Jesus turned and noticed them following him, he asked them, “What are you looking for?” They said to him, “Rabbi” (which means “Teacher”), “where are you staying?” 39 “Come and you’ll see,” he replied. So they went and saw where he was staying, and they stayed with him that day. It was about four in the afternoon.
In Jesus’ day, to be someone’s disciple meant you went where he went, slept where he slept, ate what he ate, and did everything you could to emulate him. John the Baptist had disciples like this, including Andrew and another unnamed man (see John 1:40). So, it certainly caught their attention when their mentor and role model said, “Look, the Lamb of God!” John had been proclaiming the coming of the Messiah for a long time, so his followers knew enough to know they wanted to meet Jesus and follow Him. They chose to be the Lord’s disciples.
Our lesson begins by saying that we should seek a personal experience with Jesus’ and His own first spoken words in the gospel of John are a question: “What are you looking for?”
How would you answer that question if Jesus asked it of you? What is your personal experience with Jesus? Why are you following Him?
It’s interesting that the disciples can only say: “Where are You staying?” and Jesus’ answer is simply, “Come and you’ll see.”
- There seems to be a huge difference between our way of presenting Christ, and His own way of revealing Himself.
- I wonder sometimes why Jesus was so slow to give direct answers to the people who were most likely to follow Him.
- What do you notice about Jesus’ way of presenting Himself there?
- Early in His ministry as John records it, Jesus frequently allowed His questioners, His followers, and His potential followers to remain wondering.
- I see Him being willing to let people wonder. Why did He do that?
I think it’s because He wants you to Seek your own personal experience. When we feel the impact of God’s righteousness on our lives, we cannot keep it hidden. We want to tell others what God has done for us. God sent Jesus, His Son, to be our Savior by His atoning death on the cross. The gospel is about Jesus or it is not the gospel. The message of Jesus is powerful in its effects. If God’s faithfulness has changed your life, don’t be timid.
He wants you to tell others about it. This is what Andrew does…let’s read on.
II. Tell Others Your Personal Experience
John 1:40-45
40 Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother, was one of the two who heard John and followed him. 41 He first found his own brother Simon and told him, “We have found the Messiah” (which is translated “the Christ”), 42 and he brought Simon to Jesus. When Jesus saw him, he said, “You are Simon, son of John. You will be called Cephas” (which is translated “Peter”). 43 The next day Jesus decided to leave for Galilee. He found Philip and told him, “Follow me.” 44 Now Philip was from Bethsaida, the hometown of Andrew and Peter. 45 Philip found Nathanael and told him, “We have found the one Moses wrote about in the law (and so did the prophets): Jesus the son of Joseph, from Nazareth.”
Tell Others about it. Pass it on was a phrase quoted back in the 70’s. It’s called “evangelism” and it makes a lot of believers nervous. We know it’s important, but we’re frightened about actually doing it. Look how natural it was and how quickly Andrew told his brother Simon (we know him best as Peter) about Jesus.
Why is it sometimes difficult to initiate a conversation with a family member about Jesus?
- Andrew’s influence led Simon to his own encounter with Jesus, which was transformational. Jesus even changed Simon’s name to reflect who he would ultimately become: “You are Simon, son of John. You will be called ‘Cephas’ (which is translated ‘Peter’).”
When have you felt compelled to tell someone about Jesus? When have you regretted choosing not to speak with someone about Jesus?
The following day Jesus traveled to Galilee where He met Philip. Notice there isn’t a “one-size-fits-all” approach for people to come to faith in Christ. Some people, like Andrew, need to hear a testimony— “Look, the Lamb of God” (v. 36).
What can we learn from Andrew and Philip’s response to following Jesus?
- Others, like Philip, need a more direct approach— “Follow me.” Jesus took different approaches with different people, and so should we. Philip received an invitation from Jesus to follow Him, and he naturally passed that invitation onward by telling Nathanael the good news as well.
Andrew and Philip modeled evangelism for us simply by sharing the good news of the gospel with others. Tell them the good news you’ve found in knowing and following Christ.
Sharing Christ is all about sharing your personal story.
Tell others about your personal experience with Jesus. The message of Jesus is to be shared by one person to another. A witness for Jesus can begin by telling about one’s own experience with Him. An encounter with Jesus leads to life change.
Discipleship begins with meeting Jesus and continues by following Him. Jesus is more than an ordinary man but the One who fulfills the promises of God as revealed in Scripture.
Share Christ:
1. John the Baptist points Andrew (and another) to Jesus to follow.
2. Andrew tells his brother, Peter about Jesus and brings him to Jesus.
3. Jesus finds Philip and tells him to follow.
4. Philip tells Nathanial about Jesus.
III. Invite Others to know Jesus
John 1:46-49
46 “Can anything good come out of Nazareth?” Nathanael asked him. “Come and see,” Philip answered. 47 Then Jesus saw Nathanael coming toward him and said about him, “Here truly is an Israelite in whom there is no deceit.” 48 “How do you know me?” Nathanael asked. “Before Philip called you, when you were under the fig tree, I saw you,” Jesus answered. 49 “Rabbi,” Nathanael replied, “You are the Son of God; you are the King of Israel!”
While Andrew, Peter, and Philip immediately began to follow Jesus, Nathanael was more hesitant.
What are some ways we can respond when others express doubts about Jesus?
Lots of people today love to argue against Jesus’ claims. When we encounter such people, we’ll do well to follow the example of Philip—starting with two things Philip did not do:
1. Philip did not take Nathanael’s skepticism as a personal offense. People who doubt Jesus aren’t always doubting us, as well. They may simply be honest about their experiences.
2. Philip did not get into an intellectual argument with Nathanael. Instead, Philip simply repeated what Jesus had said earlier: “Come and see.”
Philip gave us a great example by simply keeping the focus on Jesus. This approach calls for patience with those who are hesitant, doubtful, or even unkind when they hear the good news. Their preexisting view of reality can hinder them from seeing the joy of salvation in Christ. We must graciously help them see beyond their blind spots so they can find Jesus. Nathanael responded to Philip’s invitation, though he remained skeptical. Jesus responded to that skepticism by telling Nathanael, “Before Philip called you, when you were under the fig tree, I saw you.” For rabbis and their students, a fig tree was considered a place of prayer and meditation on the law—a place of devotion. That’s how Jesus identified Nathanael as a sincere Jew with no deceit. This was a supernatural insight from Jesus, and it grabbed Nathaniel’s attention. More than that, it blew away his doubts. Philip had challenged Nathanael to “come and see”—to check out Jesus for himself. Nathanael did, and he was changed. He became a disciple.
Simon, Philip, and Nathaniel—think about what a difference was made in their lives (and in the world) because of a simple invitation. How much difference can we make in peoples’ lives today with that same invitation to “Come and see”?
How can we make sure our group is a place for others to “Come and see” Jesus?
- Invite them.
Invite others to know Jesus for themselves. The believer’s witness to the unbeliever is to conclude with an invitation for the person to experience Christ personally. Christ searches each of us out as individuals for whom He has come. Christianity is more than accepting a philosophy of life, it is deciding to follow a Person, Jesus, who gives life. Jesus is the Master Teacher, but oh so much more, He is the Son of God.
LIVE IT OUT: The lesson from these narratives is quite clear. A personal encounter in which one chooses to follow Jesus brings with it the expectation and responsibility to introduce someone else to Him. Little more needs to be said, but much more may need to be done if we are to live it out faithfully.
Faithful people share their faith.
Matthew 9
(Paralyzed man)
You have friends who are paralyzed and can’t get to Jesus. They are paralyzed by fear, guilt, doubt, pain, or maybe even resentment over being hurt in some church in the past. They are paralyzed, and they can’t get to Jesus on their own.
God is watching to see if you are going to be faithful enough to bring them. And if you are, God will honor your faith. He’ll not only heal your friend; he will also bless you. It’s a blessing of faith.
As long as we keep bringing paralyzed people to Jesus.
4 big ideas:
1. God’s Love. God Loves You and created you to know Him personally. God has a wonderful plan for your life.
2. Our Condition. People are sinful and separated from God, so we cannot know Him personally or experience His love and plan.
3. God’s Response. Jesus Christ is God’s only provision for our sin. Through Him alone we can know God personally and experience God’s love and plan.
4. Our Response. We must individually receive Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord – then we can know God personally and experience His love and plan.
Hope to see you on Sunday!
In His Love,
David & Susan
