John, Part 6
Series: Clear the Way, Part 6
John 1:35-42
- Welcome to Seasons – intro – we are so glad you’re here with us; dismiss kids
- I never want to assume that we all have the same knowledge …
? A young Jewish man; referred to as youngest Apostle (late teens / early 20s)
? John wrote 5 books in NT: 3 epistles, Revelation, and this Gospel (~90 AD)
? John centers on the truth of Christ: He is the Messiah sent from God to save
- This morning, after 5 messages, we come to John’s first recorded words of Jesus
-- Simply: The text before us unpacks the conversion of the first three Apostles
- KNOW: 3 Gospels (synoptic) are more dependent on one another (sequential)
-- John’s Gospel, written last, has a theological focus to it (for a diff. audience)
-- It is really why I felt led to study – to teach, to reveal, to arm you with wisdom
- Want you to know this to prayerfully encourage (fuel) us as we tell others
-- ENCOURAGE: Don’t miss how this is written for us (don’t complicate it)
- Read John 1:35-42 / Pray
Point 1 – Andrew’s Calling
- Hearing the word was easy because he was where it was being shared! (v35)
-- Andrew had a desire to be different; no coincidence he was ready to be called
-- He believed the words being spoken; so when Jesus arrived … he was ready!
-- RESP: He followed! GR: akoloutheó; followed; Think: “once & for all”
- Even today, Sept 7, 2025, following Jesus is exactly the same:
? You must be where the Word (truth/life) is being accurately presented
? You must be willing (active state) to listen to what is being taught (desire)
? You must desire to follow (choose to change path) or else you decline!
- KNOW: Two obstacles will ALWAYS cause us to miss the invitation:
1. Not being where the truth is correctly taught (authority your under matters)
2. Choosing to not pay attention (wandering mind, distracted, or disinterested)
- Check out how this plays out: When he heard, he followed! (v37)
? No delay, no waiting, no discussion … Andrew had to move!
? Jesus was walking by and Andrew had to catch up to where He was
? Now, look at the question Jesus asks: “What are you seeking?”
- Their answer is everything for us: They wanted to GO where He was going
? Didn’t want small talk along the road; they wanted to accompany Him
? They wanted to go to the inner part of His life (home); to become followers
? Jesus, with all of His love and tenderness replied, “Come and see.”
- SEE: The invitation of Jesus was simple: If you want to know, then come on!
Point 2 – Andrew’s First Concern
- Need us to keep in mind the interaction here:
? When Andrew heard the truth, he was ready to respond
? Jesus responds by telling him to come (invitation to move) and see … BUT!
? Jesus said: GR: opsesthe; you will behold; promise of something to come
- But, this is so awesome, because Andrew is NOT alone!! Re-read v39
-- Note how specific this is: no matter the translation, that time is unified (10th hr.)
-- Who would know the exact time to remember it? JOHN! Guy it happened to!
-- Approx 50 years later when he wrote these words & he couldn’t forget it
-- APP: Talk about impact!! THIS changed his entire life when he followed also!
- Let’s get back to Andrew … what becomes his mission after this?
? His first thought is his brother, Simon – knew he needed Jesus (vv40b-41)
? He declares to Simon the one they’ve waited for has been found!
? To an ordinary Jew, ready to be rescued, this would be welcome news!
- Know a truth about Andrew: He was often seen bringing someone to meet Jesus!
? EX 1: John 6:8 - brought the young boy (5 loaves and 2 fish)
? EX 2: John 12:22 – Andrew brought Philip (Apostle) to meet Jesus
-- CHALL: Is your heart stirred for others who need to meet Jesus?
-- Are you willingly sharing Him because you know they need Him too? Why not?
Point 3 – Andrew’s Belief Overflows
- RE: John 1:20 is the first time we see this word (Messiah) clearly by John
-- GR: Christos; Messiah, the Christ: How? John confessed to not being Him
-- But now, John’s testimony is as clear as day: LOOK! (v36)
? The name Jesus shows Him to be human; fully man; He has an “identity”
? The name Christ reflects His anointing: being from God; set apart by God
- Now, don’t miss this … it is SO good that we understand this (Re-read v42)
-- When Andrew became burdened for his brother, he took him to meet Jesus
-- And Jesus “looked intently” at Simon GR: emblepas; look at intently; stare
- But this is more than a casual glance: Jesus SAW Simon; He saw his potential!
-- How do I know? Response: Changed his name (Cephas); signifies a life change
? He goes from a self-centered, defensive, overbearing, carnal man
? Is transformed into a strong, immoveable, unbreakable rock for God
- This name change was a reflection that Jesus knew who Simon would become!
-- Spoiler: It’s why Jesus flip-flops on what He calls Simon-Peter in the Gospels
? Simon: For when he is being his old self: his flesh-led, ego-driven self
? Peter: For when he is being a faithful disciple; an obedient servant of God
- APP: Jesus knowing this about Peter and gives him commitment to live by:
? Gives a new name; a name of purpose; those in Him are new – 2 Cor 5:17
? A new identity to focus on; which gave him a reason to be faithful, and,
? A new assignment; referenced later in writing found in 1 Peter 1:23
TAKEAWAY
- Deeper: Jesus seeing Simon was the response to Simon’s submission to Him!
-- For us: This can be a comfort OR a warning (depending on your answer)
-- HUGE: Jesus sees the potential you will have; not just where you are now!
- This morning we’ve seen the life of change of THREE Jewish men
? Three ordinary men who were in position to hear the truth of Christ
? They were ready to respond when the invitation was made to them
MUSICIANS
- How about you? Where are you this morning? Ready to respond?
-- Or are you still denying that He is Lord of all (vv1-18) and you need Him?
- Pray
