Inviting: When You See Jesus You Share Jesus

One of the things I find fascinating about the Bible is that you can read or listen to a passage and the first time through you’re trying to get a basic sense of what’s going on, what’s the point, what’s happening. When you go over it again, more slowly, all of a sudden you begin to see and hear much more that you missed or didn’t notice. There’s a part of you that says, “How did I miss that the first time!” John 1:29-49 is a passage that’s so dense with images and meaning you have to really take your time to begin to appreciate all that’s there.

I invite you to walk with me through this passage.

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January 10, 2016
John 1.29-49, Inviting: When You See Jesus You Share Jesus
Pastor Doug Scalise, Brewster Baptist Church

Listen closely, “The next day he saw Jesus coming toward him and declared,
“Here is the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!

This is he of whom I said, ‘After me comes a man who ranks ahead of me because he was before me.’ I myself did not know him; but I came baptizing with water for this reason, that he might be revealed to Israel.” And John testified, “I saw the Spirit descending from heaven like a dove, and it remained on him. I myself did not know him, but the one who sent me to baptize with water said to me, ‘He on whom you see the Spirit descend and remain is the one who baptizes with the Holy Spirit.’ And I myself have seen and have testified that this is the Son of God.”

The next day John again was standing with two of his disciples, and as he watched Jesus walk by, he exclaimed, “Look, here is the Lamb of God!” The two disciples heard him say this, and they followed Jesus. When Jesus turned and saw them following, he said to them, “What are you looking for?” They said to him, “Rabbi” (which translated means Teacher), “where are you staying?” He said to them, “Come and see.” They came and saw where he was staying, and they remained with him that day. It was about four o’clock in the afternoon. One of the two who heard John speak and followed him was Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother. He first found his brother Simon and said to him, “We have found the Messiah” (which is translated Anointed or Christ). He brought Simon to Jesus, who looked at him and said, “You are Simon son of John. You are to be called Cephas” (which is translated Peterl).”

43 The next day Jesus decided to go to Galilee. He found Philip and said to him, “Follow me.” 44 Now Philip was from Bethsaida, the city of Andrew and Peter. 45 Philip found Nathanael and said to him, “We have found him about whom Moses in the law and also the prophets wrote, Jesus son of Joseph from Nazareth.” 46 Nathanael said to him, “Can anything good come out of Nazareth?” Philip said to him, “Come and see.” 47 When Jesus saw Nathanael coming toward him, he said of him, “Here is truly an Israelite in whom there is no deceit!” 48 Nathanael asked him, “Where did you get to know me?” Jesus answered, “I saw you under the fig tree before Philip called you.” 49 Nathanael replied, “Rabbi, you are the Son of God! You are the King of Israel!”

When we’re reading the Bible one of things to look for are repeated words, phrases, or images. Did you notice any in John 1:29-49?

This passage is about Seeing and Sharing Jesus. Did you hear all the words and phrases related to seeing? (review the references in the scripture above). We see a lot in these verses and I want to focus on three major things today.

• The titles or images used for Jesus and what they tell us about him (which helps him to appeal to many different people).
• The character and humility of John the Baptist who was willing to lose his disciples and his place of prominence.
• The response of the disciples – in their excitement and willingness to find other people and to tell them about Jesus and bring them to him.

What do we “see,” what do we learn about Jesus in John 1:29-49? The titles used to describe him tell us a lot and they demonstrate how Jesus can appeal to and meet the needs of all kinds of people. First, John the Baptist calls Jesus (1:29, 36) “the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!” This is John’s way of announcing that Jesus’ life will be offered as a sacrifice for the sake of others. In Isaiah 53:7 we read about the Suffering servant of whom it’s said, “He was oppressed, and he was afflicted, yet he did not open his mouth; like a lamb that is led to the slaughter, and like a sheep that before its shearers is silent, so he did not open his mouth.” John the Baptist uses this image from the prophet to describe Jesus as the one through him we are forgiven.

Secondly, John the Baptist says Jesus is (1:33) “the one who baptizes with the Holy Spirit.” Jesus is the one who connects us to the Holy Spirit and with the power of God giving us strength.

Third, John the Baptist, calls Jesus (1:34) “the Son of God.” Jesus is uniquely related to God. So John the Baptist has seen Jesus and he tells others about him and calls him the Lamb of God, the one who baptizes with the Holy Spirit, and Son of God. So if a person is burdened by guilt or shame, knowing Jesus is the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world, including my own, is a great relief. If a person is looking for spiritual power, the idea that Jesus baptizes us with the Holy Spirit and power – that he gives us power for living is very appealing. The statement that Jesus is the Son of God – there is no one who is closer to the Father than he is and who knows the heart and desire of God and shares it with us so we know the truth about God is satisfying.

Andrew and another disciple of John the Baptist call Jesus, (1:38) “Rabbi” (which translated means Teacher). He is the one who teaches us the way to live and who is himself the Way to Life.

Andrew says to his brother Simon, they’ve found (1:41) the Messiah” (which is translated Anointed or Christ). It’s translated for the Greek speaking reader. After the death and resurrection of Jesus, by the time John’s Gospel is written, Messiah became a title used for Jesus.

Philip says to Nathanael, (1:44) “We have found him about whom Moses in the law and also the prophets wrote.” Jesus is the fulfillment of the scriptures. He is the one to whom the Bible points our attention.

Jesus is the (1:45) “son of Joseph from Nazareth.” He was the earthly son of Joseph and Mary and came from a specific place, Nazareth.

Nathanael, says, Verse 1:49, “Rabbi, you are the Son of God! You are the King of Israel!”

The titles or images used for Jesus tell us a lot about him and make Jesus appealing to many different kinds of people. Whether we’re looking for forgiveness, spiritual power, a Teacher, God’s anointed, the Messiah, the fulfillment of scripture, the Son of God, all in a real person who lived in a specific place – Jesus is it! Many of us if asked don’t have the most multi-dimensional understanding of Jesus. We might say, “He’s the Son of God,” or “He’s the Christ.” In the first chapter of the Fourth Gospel, John is trying to get us to look at Jesus like a multi-faceted jewel. As he lifts Jesus up and we see him through the eyes of John, Andrew, Philip, and Nathanael we see various aspects of Jesus’ identity. What speaks to one person may not have the same impact on someone else.

The second thing I want to highlight is the character of John the Baptist. He had to have a certain amount of happiness and satisfaction in seeing Jesus and telling people about him. Yet John also demonstrates great humility in not only telling people who Jesus is, but in his openness and willingness to relinquish the leadership and prominence of a position that was quite visible. Even the King knew who he was, thousands came to hear him speak. Who knows how many people came to John to be baptized, how many people counted themselves as his disciples, but whatever the number it was not insignificant. Now his impact and influence will diminish and he’s portrayed as yielding his role with grace and spiritual contentment. He’s like the best man at a wedding who rejoices to see the bridegroom arrive and who is happy that groom is taking center stage. John has a lot to teach us about humility and taking joy in the success of others. That is a key to happiness in life – being able to enjoy the success of other people – if we can do that we’ll be a lot happier and avoid a lot of jealously, envy, resentment, and bitterness.

 

Third, this passage teaches us: When You See Jesus You Share Jesus. That’s what John the Baptist did, it’s what Andrew did, and it’s what Philip did. When you follow Jesus and get to see who he is, what he says and does, you come to believe in him, admire him, and trust him. When you come to Jesus, he knows who you are and he knows your real name, your true identity. Jesus knows Peter is going to be Rock, even though he isn’t one yet.

I always feel a little for Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother. Do you know anyone with a famous brother or sister or parent? Every time he’s introduced, it’s, “This is Andrew. You know, Peter’s brother.” It’s as if he has no identity of his own. That was poor Andrew’s predicament, but Andrew excelled at intentional, relational evangelism. Andrew was comfortable investing in and inviting others to Jesus. Repeatedly in these verses we hear that once someone came to know Jesus they “found” someone else and told them about him. Do you know anyone who could benefit from hearing the good news that there is a God who loves them and who sent His Son Jesus to teach them how to live abundantly and joyfully as God’s children and who as the Lamb of God died so that we might be forgiven and have the opportunity for eternal life?

Paul said in Romans 10:14, “But how can people call for help if they don’t know who to trust? And how can they know who to trust if they haven’t heard of the One who can be trusted? And how can they hear if nobody tells them?”^[1]

For people to get the message, someone has to explain it to them. The different descriptions of who Jesus is in John 1 give us a good outline to use. 1 Peter 3:15-16 says, “In your hearts sanctify Christ as Lord. Always be ready to make your defense to anyone who demands from you an accounting for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect.” The truth of the Christian faith is demonstrated by a life that has been noticeably marked by God’s love and leadership. “Christians are to be good news before they share the good news.”[2]

As a local church we strive to have an environment of love, forgiveness, and acceptance and to provide a host of opportunities for you to invite friends to – including worship, special events, and group activities for folks of all ages. We also have a website, radio messages, and a Facebook page with all kinds of information to get the word out about BBC, but nothing can top the influence you have with people you know.

Being a Christian in general means putting others first; looking not to our own interests but to the interests of others. We earn the right to be heard by investing our lives in the lives of others. This year I hope we can all make it a goal to influence and invite at least one other person to become involved in BBC by coming to worship, a ministry, a group, a class, or a mission opportunity.

What you can do:

Pray for the outpouring of the Holy Spirit, pray for Boldness and Love to Share the Good News. Pray for sensitivity and awareness of the people God brings across your path. See encounters with people whether family, friends, co-workers, customers, class mates as divine appointments and opportunities not something that is random or chance.

Very specifically you can write down the names of three individuals folks for whom you’ll begin praying – that God would open opportunities for you. Who can you spend time with and build a bridge of friendship with that Jesus can walk across? We’re all invited by God to come and see Jesus for ourselves and to discover that Jesus is the One we can truly trust.

God simply calls us to be a witness, a witness simply testifies to what he or she has seen, heard, and experienced. John the Baptist was a witness, Andrew was a witness, and Philip was a witness. We are not called to be a prosecutor or a judge. The verdict is not up to us. It’s the Holy Spirit who ultimately enables conviction and conversion, faith and following. Always remember most people are loved into a relationship with Jesus, not argued into a relationship with Jesus.

Prayer: “Lord open my eyes today to a person who needs to know you,

And give me your words to say. Lord, what is it you want to do through me to build relationships, transform lives, and influence my community?”

Questions for Discussion or Reflection:

1. When you get good news, who is the first person you like to share it with? Why do we like to tell others about something good that’s happened?
2. John the Baptist describes Jesus as “the Lamb of God.” What other words or titles are used for Jesus in John 1:29-49? How would you describe Jesus to someone who didn’t know him?
3. Why were the disciples drawn to follow Jesus? What about Jesus draws or compels you to want to follow him and be with him?
4. Of the five people who were called to follow Jesus in John 1:35-48, how was the contact made for each one?
5. Do you have a John the Baptist or Andrew in your life who helped connect you with Jesus? Who is/was s/he? How can you be like John or Andrew and invite someone else to consider following Jesus?
6. Make a list of 1-3 people for whom you will pray and ask God to help you invite them to follow Jesus and to attend an event at BBC.

 

j Or Christ

l From the word for rock in Aramaic (kepha) and Greek (petra), respectively

j Or Christ

^[1]Peterson, E. H. 2003. The Message : The Bible in Contemporary Language . NavPress: Colorado Springs, Colo.

[2] Joe Aldrich,, Lifestyle Evangelism.