July 30, 2021: SOAP #4257:  Isaiah 60-62; John 1

SCRIPTURE:  John (NIV) 1:35 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….
40 Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother, was one of the two who heard what John had said and who had followed Jesus. 41 The first thing Andrew did was to find his brother Simon and tell him, “We have found the Messiah” (that is, the Christ).

OBSERVATION: The previous day, Jesus had been baptized by John and the Spirit in the form of a dove descended onto Jesus.  Quite probably John’s two disciples were with him and were witnesses.  Now on the next day, John was back in the area with two disciples.  “When he saw Jesus passing by” he drew his disciples’ attention to “the Lamb of God.”  With that announcement, John lost his two disciples, Andrew and probably John.  They became the first disciples of Jesus. 

Matthew 4 shows Jesus calling Andrew and Simon from their work as fishermen.  It seems logical to me that the above encounter happened earlier and prepared them to leave everything to follow Jesus. 

John’s assignment was to prepare the way for Jesus.  (John 1:7-8.15,23)   Many people came to hear him and be baptized.  He was not called to build a large organization of many disciples.  He was not called to build an evangelistic center.  He was not offended that his disciples were following Jesus.  That was His purpose in ministry. 

APPLICATION:  The same must be true of my ministry.  If they are going after Jesus, it is my purpose and joy.  When children leave our home to follow what Jesus is showing them and to go where He is calling them…that is our joy.  We have fulfilled our assignment in their lives. 

PRAYER: Holy Spirit, help me keep in focus the purpose for my life to introduce people to Jesus.  Use me for your glory.  Amen

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity!