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3. The first six disciples (John 1:35-51)
JOHN 1:40-42
40 One of the two who heard John, and followed him, was Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother. 41 He first found his own brother, Simon, and said to him, “We have found the Messiah!” (which is, being interpreted, Christ). 42 He brought him to Jesus. Jesus looked at him, and said, “You are Simon the son of Jonah. You shall be called Cephas” (which is by interpretation, Peter).
Andrew, Peter’s brother, was a fisherman from Beit Saida on the shores of Lake Tiberias. He had come to the Baptist for repentance from sin, and to await the Messiah’s coming. Andrew accepted the witness of the Baptist, and followed Jesus. His heart was filled with joy; he was unable to keep his discovery to himself, but sought his brother first, rather than strangers. So Andrew, the elder brother, on finding his energetic brother broke the good news saying, "We have found the promised Christ and Savior, the Lord, the Lamb of God." Peter may have had his doubts, but Andrew persuaded him. Eventually, Peter accompanied him and went to Jesus still somewhat troubled.
When Peter entered the house, He called him by name. Jesus probed into his thoughts, having given him a new surname – "the Rock". Jesus knew all about Peter’s past, present and future, who was prone to recklessness. Jesus knows hearts that are open to him. Peter understood and yielded instantly at Jesus’ glance. Jesus began patiently to transform the impetuous fisherman to solid rock. He became in Christ a foundation for the Church. So in a sense Andrew became the pioneer disciple.
Another disciple too was instrumental in leading his blood brother. John led James, his brother, to Jesus though he conceals both names in his gospel, a sign of modesty. In fact Andrew and John were the first two disciples in time sequence.
The beauty of these introductory verses is in the analogy with sunrise – the dawn of a new epoch. These believers were not selfish, but led their brothers to Christ. At this stage they were not going into the highways and byways to evangelize, but focused on their relatives and led them to Christ. They did not pursue skeptics or politicians, but sought out these who were hungry for God, broken-hearted and penitent.
Thus we learn how to pass on the good news of grace, not with excess of zeal, but with joy that springs from contact with Jesus. These early disciples did not found theological schools, nor did they write their own biographies, but witnessed by word of mouth of their experience. He had seen Jesus and heard him, touched his hand and trusted him. This intimate fellowship was the source of their authority. Have you met Jesus in his gospel? Have you led your friends patiently and persuasively?
PRAYER: Lord Jesus, we thank you for joy in our hearts. Move us by the sweetness of your fellowship, to lead others to you. Grant us the impulse to evangelize with love. Forgive our cowardice and shyness so that we might witness in your name boldly.
QUESTION:
- How did the first disciples broadcast the name of Jesus?