Sermon August 3, 2003 6 p.m.
Andrew: Bringing Others to Jesus
John 1:35-42
Primary Purpose: To learn from Andrew the importance of bringing others
to Jesus
Andrew is the disciple that everyone has heard of and nobody remembers. At least 5 times he is listed as a disciple and three of those times
he is remembered as Peter’s brother. It seems that even though Andrew brought Peter to Jesus-- he will always be remembered in the light of his more
charismatic brother. We know that Andrew was a simple fishermen with Peter and in partnership with John and James. They were close friends and
business partners (Matt 4:18-20). We also know that he was a disciple of John the Baptist before following Jesus. In this story we read of his first full day with Jesus and how he introduced Peter to Jesus. (Read Scripture)
1. The humility of John the Baptist- He understood his purpose was to shine the light on Jesus. He pointed out his two disciples who Jesus was and watched them walk away from him. v.37 He doesn’t hesitate even though it means he will become less important in their eyes. He identifies Jesus as
“The Lamb of God” clearly telling his disciples that this is one who will suffer as a sacrifice.
2. The offer of Jesus v.38,39. We have a God who wishes to be found. Jesus doesn’t make it hard on the disciples. Jesus takes the initiative. They
respond to Jesus by saying “Where are you staying?” In other words, they don’t just want to talk for a minute on the road. They want to spend the day
with him. They want to know Him. They want to be close to Him. Clearly, Jesus isn’t offended by their question. He isn’t too busy. He invites them to
“Come, and you will see.” Jesus told his disciples later, “Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to
you. For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened.” Matthew 7:7-8 Andrew and possibly John
asked and Christ opened the door for them. This offer still stands for us today. The one who seeks him will find him.
3. The response of Andrew- Andrew can’t keep Christ to himself. He goes and finds his brother Peter. When he tells him about Jesus he tells him
“We have found the Messiah.” Joy compels him to share the good news of what he has found with those he loves.
Andrew was always bringing people to Jesus. When the 5,000 were hungry and in need of food in John 6:8, it was Andrew who brought the young boy to Jesus with 5 small loaves and 2 small fish.
When the Greeks wanted to see Jesus, Philip told Andrew and together they took their request to Jesus (John 12:22).
Most of us have never heard of Edward Kimball. He was the Sunday School teacher who led D.L. Moody to Christ. He went one day to where
Moody worked as a boy in a Boston shoe shop and shared Christi with him.
About the conversation Kimball said, “I never could remember just what I did say: something about Christ and His love; that was all.” He said it was a
“weak appeal”. But, Moody gave his heart to Christ through it. As a result, Moody went on to preach great revivals in America and England. He
founded Moody Bible Institute in Chicago, which still operates today and has trained thousands of missionaries, evangelists and others. All of this because of one person like Edward Kimball.
Andrew was like that. He never sought the spot light for himself. He was content to point others to Christ. Yet, because he was faithful and
unselfish in his witness, Peter came to Christ. This is how our neighbors and friends and family will be won to the Lord one at a time. I may not be able to
reach everyone, but I can reach someone for Christ.
Andrew was one who sought the truth. When he found the truth in Jesus he couldn’t keep it to himself. His heart was filled to overflowing at
joy. He told Peter “We have found the Messiah”. Messiah means Christos in the Greek or anointed one. Peter saw something in his brother that day. He
saw he had been with Jesus and so he went with his brother and they both became disciples. Later, when Jesus calls them both to become fishers of
men, there is no hesitation. They drop their nets and leave their boat and follow Him without reservation (Matthew 4:18-20).
A story is often told about a young salesman who was disappointed after losing a big sale. As he talked with the sales manager he complained, “I
guess it just proves you can lead a horse to water, but you can’t make him drink.” The sales manager replied, “Your job is to make him thirsty.”
I think this is why Jesus referred to us as “salt” in Matthew 5:13. We should wet people’s appetitite for the person of Jesus. They should be able to tell that we have been with him. Because when you get down to it our faith isn’t about a list of rules and regulations, but about relationship. We should be about the business of Andrew and John the Baptist, pointing others to Jesus. Sharing our faith. Sharing the good news that we have found the
Messiah.
