Directing People to Jesus
Opening Prayer
Almighty God, You are the source of all I have and am. May I serve You today in humble gratitude.
Read JOHN 1:35–42
35 The next day John was there again with two of his disciples. 36 When he saw Jesus passing by, he said, “Look, the Lamb of God!”
37 When the two disciples heard him say this, they followed Jesus. 38 Turning around, Jesus saw them following and asked, “What do you want?”
They said, “Rabbi” (which means “Teacher”), “where are you staying?”
39 “Come,” he replied, “and you will see.”
So they went and saw where he was staying, and they spent that day with him. It was about four in the afternoon.
40 Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother, was one of the two who heard what John had said and who had followed Jesus. 41 The first thing Andrew did was to find his brother Simon and tell him, “We have found the Messiah” (that is, the Christ). 42 And he brought him to Jesus.
Jesus looked at him and said, “You are Simon son of John. You will be called Cephas” (which, when translated, is Peter).
New International Version (NIV)
Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
Meditate
Is witnessing scary or difficult? It need not be! A simple “come and see” may be all that is needed. Thank You, Lord; this sounds less daunting.
Think Further
John remains an exemplary witness. He points away from himself to Jesus and is not disconcerted when his disciples leave him. Reading verses 35–37, we can picture him standing with two of his disciples. As Jesus passes by, John looks straight at him (the Greek word in 36 denotes an attentive look or fixed gaze) and exclaims, perhaps with pointed finger, “Look, the Lamb of God!” John’s disciples probably remember what he said the previous day: that this Lamb of God will take away the sin of the world (29). John’s exclamation causes the two disciples to leave their master and follow Jesus. John makes no attempt to protect his ministry and prevent his disciples from going to Jesus. As Jesus’ witnesses, we should also be keen to direct people to the One who is greater than we are.
On hearing his amazing claim, two of John’s disciples go after this Jesus. When Jesus inquires what they are after and hears their reply, he invites them with a simple, “Come… and you will see” (39). His invitation still stands today: “Come and learn for yourself who this Jesus is and whether he is worth following.” The men observe and learn; they conclude that Jesus is the Messiah. One of them, Andrew, then tells his brother Simon (Peter) and brings him to Jesus.
The simplicity of testimony is remarkable. There are no complicated programs, persuasive strategies or extensive arguments. For us today, simply sharing with others what we have experienced and understood of Jesus and then bringing them to Jesus may be all that is required. Jesus will then do what is necessary to bring them to belief. Perhaps a gentle “come and see” is more inviting and persuasive than a lengthy discourse on our doctrinal beliefs. It is something that almost anyone can do!
Apply
Reflect whom you can invite to your home, small group or church and allow them to find out who this Jesus is.
Closing prayer
Lord, despite my weaknesses, flaws and sins, work through me so that my life is a worthy witness for You. Strengthen and bless my witness for Your glory.
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