God works in amazing ways! I never get over both God’s patience and humility… just imagine for a moment… God could have insisted that we love Him. God could have taken the task of leading us into His love by His own strength. But God didn’t. God chooses to patiently and humbly work through our relationships with one another (ponder that truth for a moment or two… let it sink in).
Simon (best known as Peter) didn’t come to Jesus by a linear path between simple points A & B. Simon came to Jesus through a rather meandering path via his relationships. John 1 states that Simon’s brother, Andrew, was a disciple of John the Baptist. We aren’t told how long he followed the Baptist, but we do know that in one way or another Andrew was in the wilderness following John, more than likely baptized by John, and a student of John’s. In terms of ministry success John had it going on. He was successful. Throngs of people flocked to this strange and fiery man who looked more the part of a grizzly prophet than a well pressed and clean priestly leader. But what set John apart from the majority of the religious elite was not his appearance but his deep humility. So Jesus enters the scene (cf. John 1:36) and John is in no way shy to point to Jesus and (get this) to willingly lose his followers (i.e. Andrew and another disciple leave John and follow Jesus).
How many are willing and happy to see their success dwindle on account of Jesus? How many are more about Jesus being at the center of the stage than themselves? Well… John was…
So Andrew follows Jesus. Andrew gets to know Jesus relationally… and he’s so excited and so exuberant about this lamb of God that he can’t wait to get to his brother Simon and share the good news.
Simon hears Andrew’s story of having found the Messiah and he can’t allude the invitation. Andrew’s passion for Jesus cannot be discounted or passed over. Andrew’s percolating joy is contagious and Simon takes the time to see firsthand what’s gotten his brother’s undivided attention.
The rest is literal history.
Do you see the progression? The Baptist… willing to lose his grandeur (if he ever had any) for Jesus’ sake. Andrew… willing to intentionally share his experience with his brother… Simon… taking note of his brother’s passion and checking it out for himself…
-Humility -Passion and invitation -Taking interest in what another has taken interest in…
This is the long form for evangelism.
Personal and/or small group questions:
Consider the Baptist’s actions. Would you agree they are not common-sense for most?
Why is humility critical to the Church’s ultimate success?
What’s behind the statement: “Look! There is the Lamb of God!”
Why is relationship so vital to sharing the good news about Jesus? Is it more important today than in previous generations?
What gets in the way of our passion for Jesus in these current days/times?
How would you describe Andrew’s evangelistic style? What are take-aways for you and for me?
Scripture Memory Verse: “I’m not even worthy to be his slave and untie the straps of his sandal.” (John 1:27, NLT).
