Come and See

Come and See (John 1:35-51)

Genesis 1 begins with the week that created the world. John 1 begins with a week that recreated a world. That week reveals the Master's methods with men in gathering the first followers. That week reveals the striking variety of men Jesus calls. That week also reveals the unchanging content of Christian testimony.

Although the Master's methods and men vary, the content of Christian testimony never varies.

The Master's Method with Men Varies

For the thoughtful He answers life's big question: "What do you want?" (v. 38)

For the compromised He offers new character: "You are Simon . . . . You will be called Cephas" (v. 42).

For the reluctant He takes firm initiative: "Finding Philip, He said to him, 'Follow me' " (1:43).

For the cynical He reveals supernatural insight: "I saw you while you were still under the fig tree" (v. 48).

Summary: Men come for the same faith in Christ through many different methods.

The Marks of the Master's Men Vary

The Master's men vary in potential and personality.

The Master's men vary in understanding their Master.

The Meaning of the Message Never Varies

The personal center of the message never varies.

Christian testimony relates to Christ alone (vv. 36, 46).

The personal priority of the message never varies: "The first thing Andrew did was find his brother" (v. 41).

The personal proximity of the message never varies: "Philip, like Andrew and Peter, was from the town of Bethsaida" (v. 44).

Start with those closest.