Overcoming Disciples’ Challenges series
John 1:35-42
Some say that they want to bring people to Jesus, but they’re not confident enough to do it, simply because they don’t have the tools and are not equipped for it. To be equipped you need to consistently listen to sermons; actively engage in your group Bible studies; and consistently study the Bible every day. If you’ve been doing this, then you know by heart the foundational truths that are needed for sharing the gospel.
Having said that, the evangelism tool that I’m going to share with you towards the end of this sermon cannot replace those mentioned above. This tool is only meant to make your sharing of the gospel a lot easier and systematic, with the hope that the Lord would bring people to salvation.
1. Know God’s plan of salvation.
“35 The next day John was there again with two of his disciples.36 When he saw Jesus passing by, he said, “Look, the Lamb of God!” 37 When the two disciples heard him say this, they followed Jesus. 38 Turning around, Jesus saw them following and asked, “What do you want?” They said, “Rabbi” (which means “Teacher”), “where are you staying?” 39 “Come,” he replied, “and you will see.” So, they went and saw where he was staying, and they spent that day with him. It was about four in the afternoon. 40 Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother, was one of the two who heard what John had said and who had followed Jesus.” John 1:35-40
• Andrew showed interest in knowing the connection of Jesus with the Lamb of God.
• Jewish people would provide their own lambs to offer at the temple as a way to come close to the Holy God.
• Also, sacrificial lambs were offered for the redemption and restoration of the individual with the Lord.
In the Jewish mind, the animal sacrifice was a substitution for bad to good. See Animal Sacrifice in Judaism: From spiritual ecstasy to self-perfection, https://www.jpost.com/judaism/animal-sacrifice-in-judaism-from-spiritual-ecstasy-to-self-perfection-626424
• Andrew was spiritually seeking for answers and spent a day with Jesus.
• Andrew begins to understand what John the Baptist meant when he pointed to Jesus is the Lamb of God; the Passover feast and their daily lamb sin offering, all points to Jesus.
• God has planned the salvation of his people long-ago.
• God used humble servants to bring lost people to Him.
• It was the Lord who convinced people to believe.
2. Go find receptive people.
“23 “I am the voice of one calling in the wilderness, ‘Make straight the way for the Lord.’”… 36 When he saw Jesus passing by, he said, “Look, the Lamb of God!” John 1:23; 36.
• John the Baptist ministry: preached repentance and pointed people to Jesus.
• From the two of the disciples, who followed Jesus, Andrew appeared to be the most interested in knowing Jesus.
• Search in your relationship tree for possible open-minded relatives and friends.
• Who could be the first one you can invite to listen to your message?
3. Share the Good News.
“41 We have found the Messiah” (that is, the Christ).” John 1:41.
• “In bringing his brother Simon Peter to Christ, no man did a greater service than Andrew.” The Bible Knowledge Commentary, 275.
There are many ways and many tools for pointing people to Jesus and share your faith. One of them is Life On Mission, from NAMB. This is an app that is free to download to your cellphone. It uses a three-circle diagram to start a gospel conversation.