John 1:35-51 One Reaching One

Assessment comment: Would like to see more being saved, growth.

How does it happen? Pastor? Big stuff that people will be interested and just walk in (like old time tent revivals)? Put up a sign?

Growth is more a reflection of individual outreach than corporate programs

People reaching people.

Model in the earliest NT times. In John chapter one as Jesus’ ministry begins, we see people reaching people – people bringing people to Jesus.

And so it began. And so it continues ---- One reaching one

I. Reaching those closest to us

The Question: Do we care about their condition?

Illustration: Dog lost in park – eyes looking for someone – later the empty eyes of people in Boston at Christmas

A. Those you influence

John pointing those under his influence /his disciples to Jesus

(ESV) John 1 35 The next day again John was standing with two of his disciples, 36 and he looked at Jesus as he walked by and said, “Behold, the Lamb of God!” 37 The two disciples heard him say this, and they followed Jesus.

B. Your family

Andrew pointing his brother to Jesus

(ESV) John 1 40 One of the two who heard John speak and followed Jesus was Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother. 41 He first found his own brother Simon and said to him, “We have found the Messiah” (which means Christ).

C. Your friends

Philip pointing his friend to Jesus

(ESV) John 1 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 of whom Moses in the Law and also the prophets wrote, Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph.”

II. Delivering a relevant message

The Question: How will they know if we don’t tell them?

Illustration: Going back to Tennessee after Christmas in Texas. Our usual ice storm. Two lane roads. As we approached the top of a hill – every care we met began to flash their lights. Something was wrong. My dad slowed way down and as we passed over the crest of the hill and began to descend we saw the wreck at the bottom of the hill and we began to slide on the black ice. For what seemed forever we descended with little control sliding toward the mess of cars at the bottom of the hill. However, because we were going so slow, we regained traction at the last minute. So we were able to move into another lane as we slid past the carnage. We were safe only because the ones who came before us, had flashed a relevant warning.

So in life. Sometimes people need a warning. Sometimes people need hope. Sometimes people need purpose. But whatever the need, in all cases Jesus will provide that need.

They need someone to deliver that message to them.

They need to

A. Know the means to forgiveness

(ESV) John 1 36 and he (John) looked at Jesus as he walked by and said, “Behold, the Lamb of God!”

1. Put self aside

2. Pointed to Jesus

3. Told of the forgiveness of God

They need to

B. Know the one who sets free

(ESV) John 1 41 He first found his own brother Simon and said to him, “We have found the Messiah” (which means Christ). 42 He brought him to Jesus.

1. Priority action

2. Brought him to Jesus

3. Told of the Lordship of God

a. Prophet – hear from God – future secure /direction from God

b. Priest – access to God - sins forgiven

c. King – protection / security / bring justice to the world

They need to

C. Find the solution for spiritual hunger

(ESV) John 1 45 Philip found Nathanael and said to him, “We have found him of whom Moses in the Law and also the prophets wrote, Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph.” 46 Nathanael said to him, “Can anything good come out of Nazareth?” Philip said to him, “Come and see.”

1. Normal reaction

2. Invited him to see for himself

3. Told how Jesus was the reality behind religion

III. See Jesus respond

The Question: Do we believe Jesus will really provide their need?

Illustration: reluctant to recommend spiritual things at work – what if it disappoints – reflect on me – business – friends – unsure -

But it was not up to me to meet people’s needs. If I could point them to Jesus He would meet their needs. I just needed to point them to Him.

People have different needs. Jesus can meet every one of them.

A. Provides needed companionship

John recognized that the companionship / his discipling capabilities were limited.

When Jesus came by he pointed Andrew and (perhaps) John to the one who could really meet their deep need for intimacy and companionship

(ESV) John 1 37 The two disciples heard him say this, and they followed Jesus. 38 Jesus turned and saw them following and said to them, “What are you seeking?” And they said to him, “Rabbi” (which means Teacher), “where are you staying?”

39 He said to them, “Come and you will see.” So they came and saw where he was staying, and they stayed with him that day, for it was about the tenth hour.

1. What are you seeking (in life)?

2. An invitation for fellowship

B. Give purpose, value, and direction

Andrew knew his brother Simon. Was he a reckless, outspoken, loose cannon that needed purpose value direction? Andrew took Simon to Jesus.

(ESV) John 1 42 He brought him to Jesus. Jesus looked at him and said, “You are Simon the son of John. You shall be called Cephas” (which means Peter).

1. Looking beyond the surface

2. An invitation for service

C. Provide on-going access to God

Philip knew his friend Nathanael. Was he a sincere seeker of God. Andrew took Nathanael to Jesus.

(ESV) John 1 47 Jesus saw Nathanael coming toward him and said of him, “Behold, an Israelite indeed, in whom there is no deceit!” 48 Nathanael said to him, “How do you know me?” Jesus answered him, “Before Philip called you, when you were under the fig tree, I saw you.” 49 Nathanael answered him, “Rabbi, you are the Son of God! You are the King of Israel!”

50 Jesus answered him, “Because I said to you, ‘I saw you under the fig tree,’ do you believe? You will see greater things than these.” 51 And he said to him, “Truly, truly, I say to you, you will see heaven opened, and the angels of God ascending and descending on the Son of Man.”

1. Looking into the depths of the heart

2. An invitation for access to God

IV. An intentional witness

A. Reach out to those we know best

a. Care for them

b. Pray for them

B. Speak about Jesus

a. Watch for opportunities

b. Speak to them

c. Invite them personally

d. Point them in their area of need to the One who can meet that need

C. Let Jesus do the rest

a. He will pursue them Himself

b. He will be all they need