In the last year or so I’ve got to know several Jewish rabbi’s. Ironically it was a Muslim sheikh who introduced us. Last year he also defended a Christian pastor in court charged with incitement for statements he made about Islam. And earlier this year I supported him in a court hearing where he himself had been accused of harassment by a fellow Christian. By facing our differences honestly and constructively, a number of close friendships have been forged. The Lord is now using these friendships to strengthen the harmony between the faith communities in Ireland where relations are being threatened by Brexit and the rise of religious extremism. Peacemaker Mediators are needed more than ever.
The simple fact is the best way to introduce Muslims to Jesus is not to denigrate Islam or cast aspersions on Mohammed. And the best way to introduce Jews to Jesus is not to denigrate Judaism or demonise Israel. The best way is the simplest way. To show people the love of Jesus and invite them to meet him. These Sunday evenings leading to Easter, we are exploring John’s Gospel together and discovering that Jesus is indeed God’s love in person. So far we have discovered from John 1, that Jesus is nothing less than God on earth and that Jesus is the Lamb of God, the one who takes away our sin. Today I want us to realise that Jesus is also the Jewish Messiah, the King of Israel.
As we sit at the feet of the Master, notice three parts:
Andrew tells Peter and they follow Jesus (John 1:35-42)
Philip tells Nathaniel and they follow Jesus (John 1:43-49)
Jesus confirms their faith and promises more (John 1:50-51)
In each encounter we discover more about Jesus. In each we discover how to share Jesus with others.
- Jesus is recognized as the Jewish Messiah
“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.” (John 1:35-36)
John describes Jesus here as the Lamb of God. At Passover each family would bring a lamb to atone – to hide their sin temporarily, from before God’s eyes. Until the next annual sacrifice. But here John describes Jesus as The Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world. Not just hides, not just covers but literally takes away. And not just Israel’s but also the sins of the whole world. No wonder the disciples who heard John say this, followed Jesus.
“Turning around, Jesus saw them following and asked, “What do you want?” They said, “Rabbi” (which means “Teacher”), “where are you staying?” “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. Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother, was one of the two who heard what John had said and who had followed Jesus.” (John 1:38-40)
Notice how Jesus responds when they begin to tag along. He simply asks “What do you want?” Why are you here? Why are you here? Because someone brought you? Because you’ve got nothing better to do? Because it is expected of you? Or because you want to find out more about Jesus? Andrew and John, spend the day with Jesus – talking, listening, eating, resting. That is all it takes. See the impact.
“The first thing Andrew did was to find his brother Simon and tell him, “We have found the Messiah” (that is, the Christ). And he brought him to Jesus. Jesus looked at him and said, “You are Simon son of John. You will be called Cephas” (which, when translated, is Peter). (John 1:41-42)
After spending an ordinary day with Jesus, what is ‘the first thing’ Andrew does? He finds his brother Simon and tells him, “We have found the Messiah”” (John 1:41). Notice the sequence.
- He tells Simon about Jesus.
- He brings Simon to meet Jesus.
- He and Simon follow Jesus.
Jesus is recognized as the Jewish Messiah. And so far he has three disciples. What happens next?
2. Jesus is declared to be the King of Israel
“The next day Jesus decided to leave for Galilee. Finding Philip, he said to him, “Follow me.” Philip, like Andrew and Peter, was from the town of Bethsaida.” (John 1:43-44)
On this occasion, the challenge comes from Jesus. “Follow me.” A simple, clear, personal, direct, command. “Follow me.” Philip obeyed. What happened next?
“Philip found Nathanael and told him, “We have found the one Moses wrote about in the Law, and about whom the prophets also wrote—Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph.” “Nazareth! Can anything good come from there?” Nathanael asked. “Come and see,” said Philip.” (John 1:45-46)
How does Philip describe Jesus? As someone who can be identified by his location – Nazareth, by his reputed father – Joseph, but above all, by the Scriptures. The first disciples identified Jesus as the Messiah. Their heritage was rooted in the Hebrew Scriptures, in God’s self-revelation, and in his repeated promises to send a deliverer, a Saviour, a Redeemer. They recognized Jesus because they realized the Scriptures pointed to him. It is fascinating to realise that in John 1:21 there is an allusion to Deuteronomy 18:15-19 and verse 51 an allusion to Genesis 28. The point is, the coming to earth of the Messiah, the Son of the Living God, was not an accident.
It was not unexpected. It was not a surprise. When Nathaniel hesitates and argues with Philip, how does he respond? Philip says the same thing Jesus said, “Come and see” (John 1:39). On another occasion. Jesus would invite all in the Temple “Come to me and drink” (John 7:37), and later to his disciples by the Sea of Galilee “Come and have breakfast” (John 21:12). “Come” is the great invitation to experience God.
Notice the steps Philip took.
- He tells Nathaniel about Jesus “We have found the one…”
- He urges Nathaniel to meet Jesus “Come and see…”
- He brings Nathaniel to Jesus.
- He sees Nathaniel trust in Jesus.
“When Jesus saw Nathanael approaching, he said of him, “Here truly is an Israelite in whom there is no deceit.” “How do you know me?” Nathanael asked. Jesus answered, “I saw you while you were still under the fig tree before Philip called you.” Then Nathanael declared, “Rabbi, you are the Son of God; you are the king of Israel.” (John 1:47-49)
When Nathaniel came to Jesus, he discovers that the Lord already knows all about him. What a shock. Nathaniel moves from bring a doubting skeptic to a convinced believer within minutes of meeting Jesus. In one sentence, Nathaniel acknowledges Jesus to be:
When Nathaniel came to Jesus, he discovers that the Lord already knows all about him. What a shock. Nathaniel moves from bring a doubting skeptic to a convinced believer within minutes of meeting Jesus. In one sentence, Nathaniel acknowledges Jesus to be:
Rabbi – my teacher (John 1:49)
Son of God – Divine (John 1:49)
King of Israel – Royalty (John 1:49)
This was no small step. For a devout Jew to declare that another human being was not only the king of Israel but divine as well was utterly remarkable. As significant as when a Muslim or a Jew recognises that Jesus is not merely a prophet but God in human form. Jesus is recognized as the Jewish Messiah.
Jesus is declared to be the King of Israel. Finally,
3. Jesus himself attests to being the Son of Man
“Jesus said, “You believe because I told you I saw you under the fig tree. You will see greater things than that.” He then added, “Very truly I tell you, you will see ‘heaven open, and the angels of God ascending and descending on’ the Son of Man.” (John 1:50-51)
“Jesus said, “You believe because I told you I saw you under the fig tree. You will see greater things than that.” He then added, “Very truly I tell you, you will see ‘heaven open, and the angels of God ascending and descending on’ the Son of Man.” (John 1:50-51)
The title “Son of Man” was our Lord’s favourite way of referring to himself. Jesus uses it 83 times in the gospels. Although on the surface it sound an innocuous, humble title, it actually speaks of both his deity and humanity. The term “Son of Man” appears in one of Daniel’s visions of heaven.
“In my vision at night I looked, and there before me was one like a son of man, coming with the clouds of heaven. He approached the Ancient of Days and was led into his presence. He was given authority, glory and sovereign power; all nations and peoples of every language worshiped him. His dominion is an everlasting dominion that will not pass away, and his kingdom is one that will never be destroyed.” (Daniel 7:13-14)
Jesus links Daniel’s “Son of Man” to the dream of Jacob’s ladder in Genesis 28. Jacob sees a stairway from heaven to earth with angels ascending and descending.
Jesus says “I am the ladder”. He is God’s mediator between heaven and earth. Jesus is nothing less than the bridge between heaven and earth. Collectively, the experiences of John the Baptist, and of Andrew, Peter, John, Philip and Nathaniel, together, give us an awesome picture of Jesus:
- The Lamb of God – The Passover sacrifice (John 1:35)
- The Messiah – God’s Anointed One (John 1:41
- The One Moses and the Prophets wrote about (John 1:45)
- Rabbi – my teacher (John 1:49)
- Son of God – Divine (John 1:49)
- King of Israel – Royalty (John 1:49)
- The Son of Man (John 1:51)
No wonder the first disciples are eager to tell their friends.
What can we learn from them? It is really quite simple.
And rather unsophisticated.
- It was spontaneous
- It was natural
- It was effective
Why? Because they had met the Lord Jesus Christ.
They could not help but tell others about him. This is why young Christians are often most effective in bringing their friends to Jesus. Why?
- The change in their life is often dramatic.
- They are naturally grateful and enthusiastic.
- They still have plenty of non-Christian friends.
If you want to become more fruitful in leading others to Jesus, you don’t need lots of training. There is a much simpler more natural way. Peter wrote,
“Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect.” (1 Peter 3:15).
Or does it? That’s only half the verse. The verse begins,
“But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord…”
We tend to put the emphasis on being ready and knowing what to say, but Peter, perhaps remembering his first encounter with Jesus says “revere Christ as Lord….” If you want to lead people to Jesus, there is no substitute for a regular time alone with Jesus, listening to His words, talking to him in prayer. And there is no substitute for meeting weekly with Jesus and his family in a Bible study group and in our services on Sundays. If you want to be fruitful, spend time with Jesus and others will know you have been with Jesus. “Come and see” is the most effective invitation I know. Then watch Jesus do his transforming work in your friends and family. In the Acts of the Apostles, what was it that confounded the religious authorities?
“When they saw the courage of Peter and John and realized that they were unschooled, ordinary men, they were astonished and they took note that these men had been with Jesus.” (Acts 4:13).
They had been with Jesus. That’s why their witness was so contagious. Why their courage so inexplicable. They had been with Jesus the Messiah. Would that the people who know us reach the same conclusion this week.
Let’s pray.