4 January:Gospel: John 1:35-42: We have found the Messiah.

4 January

I. Reading: 1John 3:7-10: He cannot sin when he has been begotten by God.

Gospel: John 1:35-42: We have found the Messiah.

Jesus the Messiah, the Christ: The Witness of Andrew

This was Andrew’s discovery of Jesus. He discovered that Jesus was the Messiah, the Christ (Mk 3:18 for more discussion).

1.     Andrew’s experience (v.35-37)

a.     He stood in the midst of John the Baptist’s preaching

b.     He heard John proclaim that Jesus was the Lamb of God (the victorious Lamb won over sin and death- Rev 5-7, the sin offering lamb-Is 53:7; Ex 12-the Pascal Lamb).

c.      He followed Jesus

2.     Andrew’s critical hour (v.38-39)

a.     Jesus turned: Symbol of initiative

b.     Jesus asked the basic question of life: What do you want?

c.      Jesus extended an invitation: Come

3.     Andrew’s great decision: He went and saw Christ and remained with Christ (v.39-40)

4.     Andrew’s first concern: His brother (v.41)

5.     Andrew’s conviction: Jesus was the Messiah (v.41)

6.     Andrew’s fruits: Simon was brought to Jesus and was reaped (v.42)

Thought:

i.                   A person must stand where the Word, Christ himself is preached.

ii.                 A person must hear the Word, the announcement: the Lamb of God has come to take away the sin of the world.

iii.              A person must follow Jesus.

iv.              If a person doesn’t stand with Jesus and doesn’t hear the Word of God, will miss Christ in life.