Come and See: Tranforming Lives in 2025

Bottom Line: Evangelism is not about convincing people with arguments, but inviting them to experience the transformative power of Jesus for themselves.

In John 1:40-51, we see three powerful examples of individuals whose encounters with the risen Savior led them to share the good news with others. These testimonies provide us with a clear model for how we, too, can be active in evangelism.

John the Baptist's Testimony

The passage begins with John the Baptist, a man whose role, though seen in a few chapters, significantly impacts the entire New Testament. Earlier in this chapter, John shares a powerful testimony about who Christ is, and in an act of humility, he baptizes Jesus. John is the perfect example of one who understands that his role is to point others to Christ. As he says in John 3:30, "He must increase, but I must decrease."

John the Baptist’s humility challenges us to follow his example by making much of Jesus in our lives, not seeking attention or glory for ourselves. He points others to Christ, recognizing that Jesus is the source of salvation. His life shows us that the most important thing we can do is point others to Jesus.

Andrew and Peter’s Testimony

Next, we see Andrew, a disciple of John the Baptist, who encounters Jesus. In verses 40-42, Andrew finds his brother, Simon Peter, and says, "We have found the Messiah" (which means Christ). Andrew’s testimony is simple but profound: "He brought him to Jesus."

This is a beautiful picture of how evangelism often starts in the context of relationships. Andrew didn’t have a big speech or a theological argument; he simply shared what he had found in Jesus. He told his brother, "We have found the Messiah," and then brought him to Jesus. Andrew’s life had been transformed, and the natural response was to invite his loved one to experience the same Savior. This act of love, sharing what Jesus had done for him, brought his brother to faith.

Philip and Nathanael’s Testimony

The third example comes in verses 45-46, where we see Philip finding Nathanael. Like Andrew, Philip’s first instinct is to go to someone he loves and share the good news: "We have found him of whom Moses in the Law and also the prophets wrote, Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph." Nathanael’s response is skeptical: "Can anything good come out of Nazareth?" But Philip responds simply, "Come and see."

This interaction shows us that evangelism doesn’t have to be perfect or filled with answers to every objection. Philip didn’t try to argue or convince Nathanael right away; he just invited him to come and see. Evangelism is not about having all the answers—it’s about inviting others to encounter Jesus for themselves.

Three Key Elements of Evangelism

In these examples, we see three essential elements of biblical evangelism:

A Life-Changing Encounter with Jesus

Evangelism begins with a personal encounter with Jesus that transforms our lives. Both Andrew and Philip were changed by meeting Jesus, and that transformation altered the course of their lives. We can’t share what we don’t have. To be effective in evangelism, we must first experience the life-changing power of Jesus in our own hearts.

Your life should reflect the message you share. If we are going to reach others, it must start with us. Evangelism is not about perfection but authenticity. Matthew 5:16

Matthew 5:16 ESV

In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.

tells us, “Let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.” Our lives should back up our words, demonstrating love, holiness, and integrity, which reinforces the credibility of the gospel.

Share the Truth Boldly

Living a godly life is crucial, but it’s not enough. People need to hear the gospel. In this passage, both Andrew and Philip share what they have experienced—Andrew with his brother, and Philip with Nathanael. But notice they don’t just live godly lives; they speak up. Evangelism involves sharing the gospel message—the holiness of God, the sinfulness of humanity, the death and resurrection of Jesus, and the call to repentance and faith.

Romans 1:16 reminds us, “For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes.” We must share the good news with boldness and without apology. Living for Christ is important, but the gospel needs to be communicated clearly. Evangelism is about sharing the message of salvation through Jesus Christ.

Romans 1:16 ESV

For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek.

Tell Your Story

The third element of evangelism is telling your story. Both Andrew and Philip were eager to tell others what they had found. Andrew simply said, "We have found the Messiah," and Philip invited Nathanael with, "Come and see."

Your personal testimony can be one of the most powerful tools in evangelism. Think of a time when a friend shared something with you that made a lasting impact—perhaps it was a recommendation, a piece of advice, or an invitation to something new. That’s the power of personal testimony. When we share our experiences with Jesus, we invite others to encounter His transformative power as well.

I once heard about a beach in Alabama called Fort Morgan. I wasn’t particularly excited about going, but after hearing my friends rave about it, I decided to go. Their enthusiasm and personal experience made me want to check it out. This is the power of testimony. When we share our experiences with Jesus, we invite others to come and see.

You don’t have to have all the answers to be an effective witness. Just like Andrew brought Peter and Philip brought Nathanael, we can bring others to Jesus by simply saying, “Come and see.”

Practical Application

As we reflect on these testimonies, I want to challenge you to take action today. Evangelism begins with you. Do you have a personal encounter with Jesus? If you do, let your life reflect that transformation. If you haven’t yet encountered Jesus in a life-changing way, today is the day to seek Him. John 1:12 says, "To all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God."

John 1:12 ESV

But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God,

Then, be bold in sharing the truth. Speak up about what you’ve experienced. Don’t wait for someone to ask. The world needs to hear the gospel, and you are the messenger. Tell others the gospel: The holiness of God, the sinfulness of man, the sacrifice of the savior, and that they need to repent and believe in Jesus. That the bold truth we need to share.

Finally, share your story. God has been working in your life, and your testimony could be the thing that changes someone else’s eternity. Take a moment this week to pray for someone in your life who needs to hear the good news, and then take the step to share with them.

Conclusion

Evangelism is simply inviting others to encounter Jesus. We see in John 1:40-51 how three individuals—John the Baptist, Andrew, and Philip—shared their stories and pointed others to Christ. They didn’t wait for the perfect moment or the perfect words. They just invited people to come and see.

Bottom Line: Evangelism is not about convincing people with arguments, but inviting them to experience the transformative power of Jesus for themselves. Let’s follow their example. Let’s allow the transformative power of Christ in our lives to lead us to share the gospel boldly, telling our story, and inviting others to encounter Jesus for themselves.