The Commission
Part 6 –Jesus Calls First Disciples
Pastor Bruce A. Shields
House of Faith – www.PS127.org
WELCOME
INTRODUCTION TO SERMON
† John the Baptist prepared the way for Jesus’ Ministry
† Jesus was Baptized, receiving the Holy Spirit
† Jesus was tempted, and led by His Spirit, not His flesh
† Jesus is NOW ready for His ministry, He Calls His First Disciples
PRAYER FOR HOLY SPIRIT AND UNDERSTANDING
SCRIPTURE READING
John 1:35 – 42 Jesus Calls
“35 The next day (The day after John the Baptist was giving testimony about the Baptism of Jesus and how he saw the spirit of God descend upon Jesus) 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 spent that day with him. It was about the tenth hour.
40 Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother, was one of the two who heard what John (Jona) 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 (rock)).
PRAYER FOR THE HOLY SPIRIT AND UNDERSTANDING
JESUS BEGINS HIS MINISTRY WITH A FEW DISCIPLES
† JOHN THE BAPTISTS DISCIPLES WERE WAITING FOR THE CHRIST
o They were already disciples of John’s teaching
o They were ready, able and looking (waiting) for the Messiah
† THEY FOLLOWED JESUS IMMEDIATELY
o The two of them followed Jesus immediately
WE ARE TOLD WHO ONE OF JOHN’S DISCIPLES WERE
† ANDREW, SIMON PETERS BROTHER
As Jesus chooses His disciples over the next few weeks, and we look at each of them, pay close attention to who they are and their character.
I believe each of us will be able to connect with one or more of them.
Seeing those Jesus chose then, will help us see why He chooses us now.
Because of His compassion, love and grace.
WHO WAS ANDREW, THE FIRST DISCIPLE?
† Also called “Protokletos” which is Greek for “First Called”
† Son of Jona (John 1:42)
† Lived in Capernaum with his brother Simon
† Was a disciple of John the Baptist
WHAT WAS ANDREW LIKE?
† Enthusiastic about Christ (John 1:35-42)
o He was waiting for Christ to come
o He did not hesitate to follow Him when He did
† Inquisitive (John 1:35-38)
o About Christ…asking questions, this is how we grow
o He wanted to be where Jesus was, to spend time with Him
† Resourceful (John 6:8, 9)
When Jesus fed the 5000
John 6:8, 9
“8 Another of his disciples, Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother, spoke up, 9 "Here is a boy with five small barley loaves and two small fish, but how far will they go among so many?"
He may not have known the Lord could make do with that, but in time of need, Andrew drew on the available resources so that there would be something to work with.
HIS ENCOUNTERS WITH JESUS
† Called to be a fisher of men (Matthew 4:19)
18 As Jesus was walking beside the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers, Simon called Peter and his brother Andrew. They were casting a net into the lake, for they were fishermen. 19 "Come, follow me," Jesus said, "and I will make you fishers of men." 20 At once they left their nets and followed him.
This encounter took place after Jesus had already spoke with Andrew and met Simon, changing his name to Peter. In this account, the second unnamed disciple is not present, although many conclude that it was indeed John, the writer of this book.
But we see, here is where Jesus tells them to follow Him.
† Andrew was sent on missions to preach to the Jews “the Kingdom of God is at hand”, heal the sick, cleanse the Lepers, raise the dead, and cast out demons (Matthew 10:5-8)
† Was present when Jesus appeared to the disciples after the resurrection
† Was present for the great commission given by Christ in Matthew 28:16-20
† Witnessed the ascension of Jesus in Acts 1:8, 9
WHAT CAN WE LEARN FROM ANDREW?
† Go out and eagerly share the good news about Jesus Christ.
Who was the second disciple of John the Baptist who followed Jesus that day with Andrew?
Some scholars think it was Thomas, while others believe it was John, the writer of this book, because he so often omitted his own name when writing.
But the scriptures do not tell us who the second disciples of John the Baptist was, just that two were turned over from John to Christ this day, and they eagerly went.
JESUS NOTICES THAT THE TWO OF THEM WERE APPROACHING HIM
† Jesus quickly turns to meet the souls who seek Him
o Jesus is quick to turn to us when we show the slightest interest
† We see also, Jesus spoke first to them
o Sometimes we don’t know what we need from Jesus, but He does
o If we draw close to Him, He will draw close to us
o We show effort, and His Word will draw us out of ourselves and closer to Him
† What do you seek? Is an invitation, what are you asking of me?
o Jesus invites us too
o Do we answer with “Where to you live? We want to be there, with you!”
Andrew and the second disciple addressing Jesus as Rabbi signified that they were acknowledging Jesus as a master or teacher, whom they wanted to follow.
In asking where Jesus dwelt, or lived, they were saying they wanted to get to know Him more intimately, and go to where He was and spend time with Him.
Jesus invites them by saying, Come and see.
He invites them immediately and without delay.
The impact of the visit affected Andrew so much, that we see in the scripture he went and fetched his brother Simon.
We see that it was Andrew who was the first disciple of Jesus, and not Peter, as some religions teach.
Andrew tells his brother Simon “We have found the Messiah!”
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
Jesus changed his name.
He was Simon, named after Simeon which means “Hearer”
Now named Peter, which means “Rock”
Although it took time for Simon to become Peter, from the moment he stood before Jesus, Jesus recognized him as Peter.
Jesus sees us for what we were created to be, not what this world and circumstances have made us.
Today, right now, Jesus sees you for what you were created to be.
If you move towards Jesus, call out “master”
Accept His invitation, and allow Him to change you from the inside out, as He did with Simon, then you too will experience the greatness of the Lord in your life.
You, like Simon, will be made a new creation, and a new creature.
Your very nature will change.
The Holy Spirit will transform you into what the Lord intended for you to be.
It’s as easy as turning to Him.
Accepting His invitation, and submitting to His teachings.
ALTAR CALL
