Sermon for July 24, 2011 - The Sermon for This Week is

Matthew 6:9-13 - After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever. Amen.

The Sermon for This Week is:

Part One - The Testimony Of John The Baptist - John 1:19-34 - And this is the record of John, when the Jews sent priests and Levites from Jerusalem to ask him, Who art thou? And he confessed, and denied not; but confessed, I am not the Christ. And they asked him, What then? Art thou Elias? And he saith, I am not. Art thou that prophet? And he answered, No. Then said they unto him, Who art thou? that we may give an answer to them that sent us. What sayest thou of thyself? He said, I am the voice of one crying in the wilderness, Make straight the way of the Lord, as said the prophet Esaias. And they which were sent were of the Pharisees. And they asked him, and said unto him, Why baptizest thou then, if thou be not that Christ, nor Elias, neither that prophet? John answered them, saying, I baptize with water: but there standeth one among you, whom ye know not; He it is, who coming after me is preferred before me, whose shoe's latchet I am not worthy to unloose. These things were done in Bethabara beyond Jordan, where John was baptizing. The next day John seeth Jesus coming unto him, and saith, Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world. This is he of whom I said, After me cometh a man which is preferred before me: for he was before me. And I knew him not: but that he should be made manifest to Israel, therefore am I come baptizing with water. And John bare record, saying, I saw the Spirit descending from heaven like a dove, and it abode upon him. And I knew him not: but he that sent me to baptize with water, the same said unto me, Upon whom thou shalt see the Spirit descending, and remaining on him, the same is he which baptizeth with the Holy Ghost. And I saw, and bare record that this is the Son of God.

Part Two - The First Disciples - John 1:35-51 - Again the next day after John stood, and two of his disciples; And looking upon Jesus as he walked, he saith, Behold the Lamb of God! And the two disciples heard him speak, and they followed Jesus. Then Jesus turned, and saw them following, and saith unto them, What seek ye? They said unto him, Rabbi, (which is to say, being interpreted, Master,) where dwellest thou? He saith unto them, Come and see. They came and saw where he dwelt, and abode with him that day: for it was about the tenth hour. One of the two which heard John speak, and followed him, was Andrew, Simon Peter's brother. He first findeth his own brother Simon, and saith unto him, We have found the Messias, which is, being interpreted, the Christ. And he brought him to Jesus. And when Jesus beheld him, he said, Thou art Simon the son of Jona: thou shalt be called Cephas, which is by interpretation, A stone. The day following Jesus would go forth into Galilee, and findeth Philip, and saith unto him, Follow me. Now Philip was of Bethsaida, the city of Andrew and Peter. Philip findeth Nathanael, and saith unto him, We have found him, of whom Moses in the law, and the prophets, did write, Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph. And Nathanael said unto him, Can there any good thing come out of Nazareth? Philip saith unto him, Come and see. Jesus saw Nathanael coming to him, and saith of him, Behold an Israelite indeed, in whom is no guile! Nathanael saith unto him, Whence knowest thou me? Jesus answered and said unto him, Before that Philip called thee, when thou wast under the fig tree, I saw thee. Nathanael answered and saith unto him, Rabbi, thou art the Son of God; thou art the King of Israel. Jesus answered and said unto him, Because I said unto thee, I saw thee under the fig tree, believest thou? thou shalt see greater things than these. And he saith unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Hereafter ye shall see heaven open, and the angels of God ascending and descending upon the Son of man.

Part - The Testimony Of John The Baptist - John 1:19-34 - See Above

INTRODUCTION:

1. In the prologue to John’s gospel, we were introduced to John the Baptist:

a. A man sent from God - John 1:6 - There was a man sent from God, whose name was John.

b. Who came to bear witness of the Light - John 1:7-8 - The same came for a witness, to bear witness of the Light, that all men through him might believe. He was not that Light, but was sent to bear witness of that Light.

c. Who bore witness to the preeminence and preexistence of the Light - John 1:15 - John bare witness of him, and cried, saying, This was he of whom I spake, He that cometh after me is preferred before me: for he was before me.

2. As John begins the narrative portion of his gospel, he starts with John the Baptist:

a. His testimony to priests and Levites from the Pharisees in Jerusalem - John 1:19-28 - And this is the record of John, when the Jews sent priests and Levites from Jerusalem to ask him, Who art thou? And he confessed, and denied not; but confessed, I am not the Christ. And they asked him, What then? Art thou Elias? And he saith, I am not. Art thou that prophet? And he answered, No. Then said they unto him, Who art thou? that we may give an answer to them that sent us. What sayest thou of thyself? He said, I am the voice of one crying in the wilderness, Make straight the way of the Lord, as said the prophet Esaias. And they which were sent were of the Pharisees. And they asked him, and said unto him, Why baptizest thou then, if thou be not that Christ, nor Elias, neither that prophet? John answered them, saying, I baptize with water: but there standeth one among you, whom ye know not; He it is, who coming after me is preferred before me, whose shoe's latchet I am not worthy to unloose. These things were done in Bethabara beyond Jordan, where John was baptizing.

b. His testimony the next day when he saw Jesus - John 1:29-34 - The next day John seeth Jesus coming unto him, and saith, Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world. This is he of whom I said, After me cometh a man which is preferred before me: for he was before me. And I knew him not: but that he should be made manifest to Israel, therefore am I come baptizing with water. And John bare record, saying, I saw the Spirit descending from heaven like a dove, and it abode upon him. And I knew him not: but he that sent me to baptize with water, the same said unto me, Upon whom thou shalt see the Spirit descending, and remaining on him, the same is he which baptizeth with the Holy Ghost. And I saw, and bare record that this is the Son of God.

[What did John the Baptist testify concerning Jesus? What lessons might we glean from his testimony? We note first of all that John the Baptist proclaimed...]

I. I AM NOT THE CHRIST:

A. HIS TESTIMONY ABOUT HIMSELF:

1. He confessed he was not the Christ - John 1:19-20 - And this is the record of John, when the Jews sent priests and Levites from Jerusalem to ask him, Who art thou? And he confessed, and denied not; but confessed, I am not the Christ. And they asked him, What then? Art thou Elias?

a. Many people wondered if he were the Christ - cf. Luke 3:15 - And as the people were in expectation, and all men mused in their hearts of John, whether he were the Christ, or not;

b. John clearly asserts that he was not the Christ

2. He was not literally Elijah as foretold by Malachi - John 1:21a - Art thou that prophet? And he answered, No.

a. Some thought Elijah would return in person, whom John denies - cf. Malachi 4:5 - Behold, I will send you Elijah the prophet before the coming of the great and dreadful day of the LORD:

b. John did fulfill the prophecy, which was figurative

1) As foretold by the angel Gabriel - cf. Luke 1:l7 - And he shall go before him in the spirit and power of Elias, to turn the hearts of the fathers to the children, and the disobedient to the wisdom of the just; to make ready a people prepared for the Lord.

2) As testified by Jesus - cf. Matthew 11:11-15 - Verily I say unto you, Among them that are born of women there hath not risen a greater than John the Baptist: notwithstanding he that is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he. And from the days of John the Baptist until now the kingdom of heaven suffereth violence, and the violent take it by force. For all the prophets and the law prophesied until John. And if ye will receive it, this is Elias, which was for to come. He that hath ears to hear, let him hear. - Matthew 17:10-13 - And his disciples asked him, saying, Why then say the scribes that Elias must first come? And Jesus answered and said unto them, Elias truly shall first come, and restore all things. But I say unto you, That Elias is come already, and they knew him not, but have done unto him whatsoever they listed. Likewise shall also the Son of man suffer of them. Then the disciples understood that he spake unto them of John the Baptist.

3. He was not the Prophet foretold by Moses - John 1:21b - Art thou that prophet? And he answered, No.

a. Moses foretold a Prophet like him would come - cf. Deuteronomy 18:15-18 - The LORD thy God will raise up unto thee a Prophet from the midst of thee, of thy brethren, like unto me; unto him ye shall hearken; According to all that thou desiredst of the LORD thy God in Horeb in the day of the assembly, saying, Let me not hear again the voice of the LORD my God, neither let me see this great fire any more, that I die not. And the LORD said unto me, They have well spoken that which they have spoken. I will raise them up a Prophet from among their brethren, like unto thee, and will put my words in his mouth; and he shall speak unto them all that I shall command him.

b. Many people were anticipating the arrival of this Prophet - cf. John 6:14 - Then those men, when they had seen the miracle that Jesus did, said, This is of a truth that prophet that should come into the world. - John 7:40 - Many of the people therefore, when they heard this saying, said, Of a truth this is the Prophet.

c. This Prophet was indeed Jesus, not John - cf. Acts 3:22-26 - For Moses truly said unto the fathers, A prophet shall the Lord your God raise up unto you of your brethren, like unto me; him shall ye hear in all things whatsoever he shall say unto you. And it shall come to pass, that every soul, which will not hear that prophet, shall be destroyed from among the people. Yea, and all the prophets from Samuel and those that follow after, as many as have spoken, have likewise foretold of these days. Ye are the children of the prophets, and of the covenant which God made with our fathers, saying unto Abraham, And in thy seed shall all the kindreds of the earth be blessed. Unto you first God, having raised up his Son Jesus, sent him to bless you, in turning away every one of you from his iniquities.

4. He was the one foretold by Isaiah - John 1:22-23 - Then said they unto him, Who art thou? that we may give an answer to them that sent us. What sayest thou of thyself? He said, I am the voice of one crying in the wilderness, Make straight the way of the Lord, as said the prophet Esaias.

a. The voice of one crying in the wilderness - cf. Isaiah 40:1-3 - Comfort ye, comfort ye my people, saith your God. Speak ye comfortably to Jerusalem, and cry unto her, that her warfare is accomplished, that her iniquity is pardoned: for she hath received of the LORD'S hand double for all her sins. The voice of him that crieth in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the LORD, make straight in the desert a highway for our God.

b. Sent to prepare the way of the Lord - cf. Luke 1:16-17 - And many of the children of Israel shall he turn to the Lord their God. And he shall go before him in the spirit and power of Elias, to turn the hearts of the fathers to the children, and the disobedient to the wisdom of the just; to make ready a people prepared for the Lord. - Luke 1:76-79 - And thou, child, shalt be called the prophet of the Highest: for thou shalt go before the face of the Lord to prepare his ways; To give knowledge of salvation unto his people by the remission of their sins, Through the tender mercy of our God; whereby the dayspring from on high hath visited us, To give light to them that sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the way of peace.

B. LESSONS FROM HIS TESTIMONY:

1. John’s example is a powerful one for all Christians, especially ministers

2. As followers of Christ, our task is similar to his role as forerunner:

a. To deflect attention away from ourselves, and point people to Christ!

b. Let us never forget, no matter how honored we may be, we are not the Christ!

[As John continues with his testimony, he proclaims concerning Jesus...]

II. HE IS PREFERRED BEFORE ME:

A. HIS TESTIMONY ABOUT CHRIST:

1. Given in response to those from the Pharisees - John 1:24-25 - And they which were sent were of the Pharisees. And they asked him, and said unto him, Why baptizest thou then, if thou be not that Christ, nor Elias, neither that prophet?

John 1:28 - These things were done in Bethabara beyond Jordan, where John was baptizing.

a. Why did he baptize, if not Christ, Elijah, or the Prophet?

b. For he had been baptizing in Bethabara (or Bethany) beyond the Jordan

2. The One coming after him is preferred before him - John 1:26-27 - John answered them, saying, I baptize with water: but there standeth one among you, whom ye know not; He it is, who coming after me is preferred before me, whose shoe's latchet I am not worthy to unloose.

a. Even One who was in their midst as he spoke!

b. Whose sandal strap not even John was not worthy to loose!

3. The reason Jesus was preferred before him?

a. “For He was before me” (i.e., because of His preexistence) - cf. John 1:15 - John bare witness of him, and cried, saying, This was he of whom I spake, He that cometh after me is preferred before me: for he was before me. - John 1:30 - This is he of whom I said, After me cometh a man which is preferred before me: for he was before me.

b. “Who is mightier than I” (i.e., because of His power) - cf. Mark 1:7 - And preached, saying, There cometh one mightier than I after me, the latchet of whose shoes I am not worthy to stoop down and unloose.

4. John would later reaffirm Jesus' preference over himself

a. “He must increase, but I must decrease” - John 3:30

b. He is “above all” - John 3:31 - He that cometh from above is above all: he that is of the earth is earthly, and speaketh of the earth: he that cometh from heaven is above all.

B. LESSONS FROM HIS TESTIMONY...

1. We should not hesitate to exalt Jesus over self - cf. Luke 9:23-24 - And he said to them all, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me. For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: but whosoever will lose his life for my sake, the same shall save it.

a. He is preferred before us

b. While we may be the body of Christ, He is the head! - cf. Ephesians 1:22-23 - And hath put all things under his feet, and gave him to be the head over all things to the church, Which is his body, the fulness of him that filleth all in all.

2. Jesus deserves our humble service and adoration

a. Because of His power - cf. Colossians 1:16 - For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him:

b. Because of His preexistence - cf. Colossians 1:17 - And he is before all things, and by him all things consist.

c. Because of His headship over the body, the church - cf. Colossians 1:18 - And he is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all things he might have the preeminence.

[On the next day, John the Baptist had another opportunity to testify concerning Jesus, in which he declared...]

III. BEHOLD! THE LAMB OF GOD:

A. HIS TESTIMONY ABOUT CHRIST:

1. Declaring Jesus as “the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!” - John 1:29 - The next day John seeth Jesus coming unto him, and saith, Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world.

a. As foretold by Isaiah - cf. Isaiah 53:4-7 - Surely he hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows: yet we did esteem him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted. But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed. All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and the LORD hath laid on him the iniquity of us all. He was oppressed, and he was afflicted, yet he opened not his mouth: he is brought as a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before her shearers is dumb, so he openeth not his mouth. - Isaiah 53:10-12 - Yet it pleased the LORD to bruise him; he hath put him to grief: when thou shalt make his soul an offering for sin, he shall see his seed, he shall prolong his days, and the pleasure of the LORD shall prosper in his hand. He shall see of the travail of his soul, and shall be satisfied: by his knowledge shall my righteous servant justify many; for he shall bear their iniquities. Therefore will I divide him a portion with the great, and he shall divide the spoil with the strong; because he hath poured out his soul unto death: and he was numbered with the transgressors; and he bare the sin of many, and made intercession for the transgressors.

b. As later proclaimed by the apostles - cf. 1 Corinthians 15:3 - For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; - 1 Peter 2:24 - Who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye were healed. - 1 John 2:2 - And he is the propitiation for our sins: and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world.

2. Identifying Jesus as the “Man who is preferred before me” - John 1:30 - This is he of whom I said, After me cometh a man which is preferred before me: for he was before me.

a. Because He was before John (i.e., His preexistence)

b. Even more so now as the Savior of the world!

B. LESSONS FROM HIS TESTIMONY:

1. We should never forget the basis of our salvation!

a. We are not saved on the basis of our good deeds - cf. Titus 3:5 - Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost;

b. We are saved by the blood of the Lamb! - cf. Revelation 1:5 - And from Jesus Christ, who is the faithful witness, and the first begotten of the dead, and the prince of the kings of the earth. Unto him that loved us, and washed us from our sins in his own blood, - Revelation 5:9 - And they sung a new song, saying, Thou art worthy to take the book, and to open the seals thereof: for thou wast slain, and hast redeemed us to God by thy blood out of every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation; - Romans 5:1 - Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ:

2. We should ever point the world to Jesus!

a. He is their only hope for forgiveness of sins! - cf. 1 Timothy 2:5-6 - For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus; Who gave himself a ransom for all, to be testified in due time.

b. We should proclaim Jesus Christ and Him crucified! - cf. 1 Corinthians 2:2 - For I determined not to know any thing among you, save Jesus Christ, and him crucified.

[If Jesus is truly “preferred before” us, we will never hesitate to offer Him as the Lamb who takes away the sin of the world. Finally, we note John’s testimony concerning Jesus that...]

IV. THIS IS THE SON OF GOD:

A. HIS TESTIMONY ABOUT CHRIST:

1. “I did not know Him” - John 1:31 - And I knew him not: but that he should be made manifest to Israel, therefore am I come baptizing with water. - John 1:33 - And I knew him not: but he that sent me to baptize with water, the same said unto me, Upon whom thou shalt see the Spirit descending, and remaining on him, the same is he which baptizeth with the Holy Ghost.

a. Though related, Jesus lived in Nazareth, John in the Judean desert

b. Even if there had been a casual acquaintance, John did not know Jesus as the Messiah

c. Yet John came baptizing with water

1) That the Christ might be revealed to Israel

2) For upon whom the Spirit would descend, would be the One who baptizes with the Holy Spirit - cf. Matthew 3:11 - I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance: but he that cometh after me is mightier than I, whose shoes I am not worthy to bear: he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost, and with fire:

2. “I saw the Spirit descending...and He remained upon Him” - John 1:32 - And John bare record, saying, I saw the Spirit descending from heaven like a dove, and it abode upon him.

a. Just as John was told to anticipate - John 1:33 - And I knew him not: but he that sent me to baptize with water, the same said unto me, Upon whom thou shalt see the Spirit descending, and remaining on him, the same is he which baptizeth with the Holy Ghost.

b. Which occurred when Jesus was baptized by John - cf. Matthew 3:16 - And Jesus, when he was baptized, went up straightway out of the water: and, lo, the heavens were opened unto him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove, and lighting upon him:

3. “I have seen and testified that this is the Son of God.” - John 1:34 - And I saw, and bare record that this is the Son of God.

a. John saw the Spirit descend upon Jesus like a dove - cf. Matthew 3:16 - And Jesus, when he was baptized, went up straightway out of the water: and, lo, the heavens were opened unto him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove, and lighting upon him:

b. John testified to the same truth as spoken from above: “This is My beloved Son” - cf.

Matthew 3:17 - And lo a voice from heaven, saying, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.

B. LESSONS FROM HIS TESTIMONY:

1. We must be willing to confess Jesus as did John - cf. Matthew 10:32-33 - Whosoever therefore shall confess me before men, him will I confess also before my Father which is in heaven. But whosoever shall deny me before men, him will I also deny before my Father which is in heaven.

2. We must confess Him to be the Son of God:

a. As did Nathanael - cf. John 1:49 - Nathanael answered and saith unto him, Rabbi, thou art the Son of God; thou art the King of Israel.

b. As did Peter - cf. John 6:68-69 - Then Simon Peter answered him, Lord, to whom shall we go? thou hast the words of eternal life. And we believe and are sure that thou art that Christ, the Son of the living God.

c. As did Martha - cf. John 11:27 - She saith unto him, Yea, Lord: I believe that thou art the Christ, the Son of God, which should come into the world.

3. We must believe Jesus to be the Son of God in order to be saved:

a. As John declares in his gospel - John 20:31 - But these are written, that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing ye might have life through his name.

b. As the Ethiopian eunuch confessed in order to be baptized - cf. Acts 8:37 - And Philip said, If thou believest with all thine heart, thou mayest. And he answered and said, I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God.

CONCLUSION:

1. Jesus would later describe the testimony of John:

a. He bore witness to the truth - John 5:33 - Ye sent unto John, and he bare witness unto the truth.

b. He was the burning and shining light - John 5:35 - He was a burning and a shining light: and ye were willing for a season to rejoice in his light.

c. In which some were willing to rejoice - John 5:35 - He was a burning and a shining light: and ye were willing for a season to rejoice in his light.

2. Are we willing to rejoice in the testimony of John...?

a. Knowing that John was not the Christ?

b. Understanding that Jesus is preferred above John and all others?

c. Accepting Jesus to be the true Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world?

d. Willing to confess along with John that Jesus is the Son of God?

If we are willing to accept the testimony of John the Baptist and obey the Son of God, eternal life can be ours! - cf.. John 3:36 - But I have greater witness than that of John: for the works which the Father hath given me to finish, the same works that I do, bear witness of me, that the Father hath sent me. - Hebrews 5:9 - And being made perfect, he became the author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey him; - Mark 16:16 - He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned.

Part Two: The First Disciples - John 1:35-51 - Again the next day after John stood, and two of his disciples; And looking upon Jesus as he walked, he saith, Behold the Lamb of God! And the two disciples heard him speak, and they followed Jesus. Then Jesus turned, and saw them following, and saith unto them, What seek ye? They said unto him, Rabbi, (which is to say, being interpreted, Master,) where dwellest thou? He saith unto them, Come and see. They came and saw where he dwelt, and abode with him that day: for it was about the tenth hour. One of the two which heard John speak, and followed him, was Andrew, Simon Peter's brother. He first findeth his own brother Simon, and saith unto him, We have found the Messias, which is, being interpreted, the Christ. And he brought him to Jesus. And when Jesus beheld him, he said, Thou art Simon the son of Jona: thou shalt be called Cephas, which is by interpretation, A stone. The day following Jesus would go forth into Galilee, and findeth Philip, and saith unto him, Follow me. Now Philip was of Bethsaida, the city of Andrew and Peter. Philip findeth Nathanael, and saith unto him, We have found him, of whom Moses in the law, and the prophets, did write, Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph. And Nathanael said unto him, Can there any good thing come out of Nazareth? Philip saith unto him, Come and see. Jesus saw Nathanael coming to him, and saith of him, Behold an Israelite indeed, in whom is no guile! Nathanael saith unto him, Whence knowest thou me? Jesus answered and said unto him, Before that Philip called thee, when thou wast under the fig tree, I saw thee. Nathanael answered and saith unto him, Rabbi, thou art the Son of God; thou art the King of Israel. Jesus answered and said unto him, Because I said unto thee, I saw thee under the fig tree, believest thou? thou shalt see greater things than these. And he saith unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Hereafter ye shall see heaven open, and the angels of God ascending and descending upon the Son of man.

INTRODUCTION:

1. The ministry of John the Baptist was to prepare the way to Jesus:

a. He came to bear witness of the Light, that all might believe - John 1:6-8 - There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. The same came for a witness, to bear witness of the Light, that all men through him might believe. He was not that Light, but was sent to bear witness of that Light.

b. John indeed did bear witness of Jesus

1) As the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world - John 1:29 - The next day John seeth Jesus coming unto him, and saith, Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world.

2) As the Son of God who baptizes with the Holy Spirit - John 1:32-34 - And John bare record, saying, I saw the Spirit descending from heaven like a dove, and it abode upon him. And I knew him not: but he that sent me to baptize with water, the same said unto me, Upon whom thou shalt see the Spirit descending, and remaining on him, the same is he which baptizeth with the Holy Ghost. And I saw, and bare record that this is the Son of God.

2. Due to the testimony of John the Baptist, Jesus began to attract disciples:

a. The first disciples were those who had been disciples of John - John 1:35-36 - Again the next day after John stood, and two of his disciples; And looking upon Jesus as he walked, he saith, Behold the Lamb of God!

b. Because of John’s testimony, they began to follow Jesus - John 1:37-39 - And the two disciples heard him speak, and they followed Jesus. Then Jesus turned, and saw them following, and saith unto them, What seek ye? They said unto him, Rabbi, (which is to say, being interpreted, Master,) where dwellest thou?

[In his gospel, John the apostle describes those who were “The First Disciples”, beginning with...]

I. TWO BROTHERS

A. ANDREW:

1. His background:

a. From Bethsaida of Galilee - cf. John 1:44 - Now Philip was of Bethsaida, the city of Andrew and Peter.

b. Brother of Simon Peter, sons of Jonah - cf. John 1:42 - And he brought him to Jesus. And when Jesus beheld him, he said, Thou art Simon the son of Jona: thou shalt be called Cephas, which is by interpretation, A stone.

c. A fisherman - cf. Matthew 4:18 - And Jesus, walking by the sea of Galilee, saw two brethren, Simon called Peter, and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the sea: for they were fishers.

2. His call to discipleship and then apostleship:

a. He was first a disciple of John the Baptist, who pointed him to Jesus - John 1:35-40 - Again the next day after John stood, and two of his disciples; And looking upon Jesus as he walked, he saith, Behold the Lamb of God! And the two disciples heard him speak, and they followed Jesus. Then Jesus turned, and saw them following, and saith unto them, What seek ye? They said unto him, Rabbi, (which is to say, being interpreted, Master,) where dwellest thou? He saith unto them, Come and see. They came and saw where he dwelt, and abode with him that day: for it was about the tenth hour. One of the two which heard John speak, and followed him, was Andrew, Simon Peter's brother.

1) This happened in Bethabara beyond the Jordan - cf. John 1:28 - These things were done in Bethabara beyond Jordan, where John was baptizing.

2) Some think the other disciple was John the apostle

3) He stayed with Jesus that day and then found his brother Simon - John 1:39-41 - He saith unto them, Come and see. They came and saw where he dwelt, and abode with him that day: for it was about the tenth hour. One of the two which heard John speak, and followed him, was Andrew, Simon Peter's brother. He first findeth his own brother Simon, and saith unto him, We have found the Messias, which is, being interpreted, the Christ.

b. Later, Jesus officially called them to be His disciples - Matthew 4:18-20 - And Jesus, walking by the sea of Galilee, saw two brethren, Simon called Peter, and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the sea: for they were fishers. And he saith unto them, Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men. And they straightway left their nets, and followed him.

1) This occurred by the Sea of Galilee

2) After John the Baptist was cast into prison - cf. Matthew 4:12 - Now when Jesus had heard that John was cast into prison, he departed into Galilee;

c. Then he was selected to be one of the twelve apostles - Matthew 10:2 - Now the names of the twelve apostles are these; The first, Simon, who is called Peter, and Andrew his brother; James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother;

1) Pointed Jesus to the lad with five loaves and two fish - John 6:8-9 - One of his disciples, Andrew, Simon Peter's brother, saith unto him, There is a lad here, which hath five barley loaves, and two small fishes: but what are they among so many?

2) Assisted Philip in introducing some Greeks to Jesus - John 12:20-22 - And there were certain Greeks among them that came up to worship at the feast: The same came therefore to Philip, which was of Bethsaida of Galilee, and desired him, saying, Sir, we would see Jesus. Philip cometh and telleth Andrew: and again Andrew and Philip tell Jesus.

3) Among those who questioned Jesus about the destruction of Jerusalem - Mark 13:1-4 - And as he went out of the temple, one of his disciples saith unto him, Master, see what manner of stones and what buildings are here! And Jesus answering said unto him, Seest thou these great buildings? there shall not be left one stone upon another, that shall not be thrown down. And as he sat upon the mount of Olives over against the temple, Peter and James and John and Andrew asked him privately, Tell us, when shall these things be? and what shall be the sign when all these things shall be fulfilled?

4) Listed among those in Jerusalem after the ascension of Christ - Acts 1:12-13 - Then returned they unto Jerusalem from the mount called Olivet, which is from Jerusalem a sabbath day's journey. And when they were come in, they went up into an upper room, where abode both Peter, and James, and John, and Andrew, Philip, and Thomas, Bartholomew, and Matthew, James the son of Alphaeus, and Simon Zelotes, and Judas the brother of James.

3. According to apocryphal (doubtful) literature (cf. ISBE)

a. His mother was Joanna, and was of the tribe of Reuben

b. Like Thomas, compelled to believe in the resurrection of Jesus by touching His feet

c. Various sources attribute missionary work in Bithynia, Scythia, Greece, Ephesus

d. Thought to have been crucified in Greece, on a cross in the form of an X

-- A disciple first of John the Baptist, then of Jesus, reveals his spiritual character as one devoted to serving the will of God

B. SIMON:

1. His background:

a. From Bethsaida of Galilee - cf. John 1:44 - Now Philip was of Bethsaida, the city of Andrew and Peter.

b. Brother of Andrew, sons of Jonah - cf. John 1:42 - And he brought him to Jesus. And when Jesus beheld him, he said, Thou art Simon the son of Jona: thou shalt be called Cephas, which is by interpretation, A stone.

c. A fisherman - cf. Matthew 4:18 - And Jesus, walking by the sea of Galilee, saw two brethren, Simon called Peter, and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the sea: for they were fishers.

2. His call to discipleship and then apostleship:

a. Introduced to Jesus by his brother Andrew - John 1:40-42 - One of the two which heard John speak, and followed him, was Andrew, Simon Peter's brother. He first findeth his own brother Simon, and saith unto him, We have found the Messias, which is, being interpreted, the Christ. And he brought him to Jesus. And when Jesus beheld him, he said, Thou art Simon the son of Jona: thou shalt be called Cephas, which is by interpretation, A stone.

1) In Bethabara beyond the Jordan - cf. John 1:28 - These things were done in Bethabara beyond Jordan, where John was baptizing.

2) Jesus named him “Cephas” (Aramaic), “Peter” (Greek), meaning “a rock”

b. Later, Jesus officially called him to be His disciple

1) As he was fishing by the Sea of Galilee - Luke 5:1-9 - And it came to pass, that, as the people pressed upon him to hear the word of God, he stood by the lake of Gennesaret, And saw two ships standing by the lake: but the fishermen were gone out of them, and were washing their nets. And he entered into one of the ships, which was Simon's, and prayed him that he would thrust out a little from the land. And he sat down, and taught the people out of the ship. Now when he had left speaking, he said unto Simon, Launch out into the deep, and let down your nets for a draught. And Simon answering said unto him, Master, we have toiled all the night, and have taken nothing: nevertheless at thy word I will let down the net. And when they had this done, they inclosed a great multitude of fishes: and their net brake. And they beckoned unto their partners, which were in the other ship, that they should come and help them. And they came, and filled both the ships, so that they began to sink. When Simon Peter saw it, he fell down at Jesus' knees, saying, Depart from me; for I am a sinful man, O Lord. For he was astonished, and all that were with him, at the draught of the fishes which they had taken:

2) Along with his partners, James and John - Luke 5:10-11 - And so was also James, and John, the sons of Zebedee, which were partners with Simon. And Jesus said unto Simon, Fear not; from henceforth thou shalt catch men. And when they had brought their ships to land, they forsook all, and followed him.

c. Then he was selected to be one of the twelve apostles - Luke 6:13-14 - And when it was day, he called unto him his disciples: and of them he chose twelve, whom also he named apostles; Simon, (whom he also named Peter,) and Andrew his brother, James and John, Philip and Bartholomew,

1) His prominence evident by his name mentioned first in the lists

2) Included among the “inner circle” - cf. Matthew 17:1-2 - And after six days Jesus taketh Peter, James, and John his brother, and bringeth them up into an high mountain apart, And was transfigured before them: and his face did shine as the sun, and his raiment was white as the light. - Matthew 26:37 - And he took with him Peter and the two sons of Zebedee, and began to be sorrowful and very heavy.

3) Known for his denial of Christ, and subsequent restoration - cf. John 18:25 - And Simon Peter stood and warmed himself. They said therefore unto him, Art not thou also one of his disciples? He denied it, and said, I am not. - John 21:15 - So when they had dined, Jesus saith to Simon Peter, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me more than these? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee. He saith unto him, Feed my lambs.

4) A key figure in the first half of the book of Acts

3. According to apocryphal (doubtful) literature (cf. ISBE):

a. Supposedly died a martyr at Rome about 67 AD

b. Purported to have been crucified by Nero, upside down at his own request

-- The wealth of information about Peter in the Gospels and Acts reveal the power of the gospel to transform a simple, flawed man into a true rock of discipleship

[With two brothers now as His disciples, Jesus next calls...]

II. TWO FRIENDS

A. PHILIP:

1. His background:

a. From Bethsaida of Galilee - John 1:44 - Now Philip was of Bethsaida, the city of Andrew and Peter. - John 12:21 - The same came therefore to Philip, which was of Bethsaida of Galilee, and desired him, saying, Sir, we would see Jesus.

b. Greek name suggests Greek connections - cf. also John 12:20-22 - And there were certain Greeks among them that came up to worship at the feast: The same came therefore to Philip, which was of Bethsaida of Galilee, and desired him, saying, Sir, we would see Jesus. Philip cometh and telleth Andrew: and again Andrew and Philip tell Jesus.

2. His call to discipleship and then apostleship:

a. Initial call to follow Jesus occurs here in Bethabara beyond the Jordan - John 1:43-44 - The day following Jesus would go forth into Galilee, and findeth Philip, and saith unto him, Follow me. Now Philip was of Bethsaida, the city of Andrew and Peter.

b. He immediately tells Nathanael about Jesus - John 1:45-46 - Philip findeth Nathanael, and saith unto him, We have found him, of whom Moses in the law, and the prophets, did write, Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph. And Nathanael said unto him, Can there any good thing come out of Nazareth? Philip saith unto him, Come and see.

1) That he has found Him of whom Moses and the prophets wrote

2) Inviting skeptical Nathanael to “Come and see”

c. Selected to be one of the twelve apostles - Luke 6:13-14 - And when it was day, he called unto him his disciples: and of them he chose twelve, whom also he named apostles; Simon, (whom he also named Peter,) and Andrew his brother, James and John, Philip and Bartholomew,

1) Asked by Jesus about bread in feeding the 5,000 - John 6:5-7 - When Jesus then lifted up his eyes, and saw a great company come unto him, he saith unto Philip, Whence shall we buy bread, that these may eat? And this he said to prove him: for he himself knew what he would do. Philip answered him, Two hundred pennyworth of bread is not sufficient for them, that every one of them may take a little.

2) Approached by Greeks who wished to see Jesus - John 12:20-22 - And there were certain Greeks among them that came up to worship at the feast: The same came therefore to Philip, which was of Bethsaida of Galilee, and desired him, saying, Sir, we would see Jesus. Philip cometh and telleth Andrew: and again Andrew and Philip tell Jesus.

3) It was he who asked, “Lord, show us the Father” - John 14:8 - Philip saith unto him, Lord, shew us the Father, and it sufficeth us.

3. According to apocryphal (doubtful) literature (cf. ISBE):

a. Supposedly of the tribe of Zebulun

b. Some identify him as the one who wanted to first bury his father - cf. Matthew 8:21 - And another of his disciples said unto him, Lord, suffer me first to go and bury my father.

c. Spent latter part of his life in Phrygia, crucified there

-- Philip’s invitation for Nathanael to “Come and see” is an illustration of personal evangelism

B. NATHANAEL:

1. His background

a. Of Cana in Galilee - John 21:2 - There were together Simon Peter, and Thomas called Didymus, and Nathanael of Cana in Galilee, and the sons of Zebedee, and two other of his disciples.

b. Probably a fisherman also - cf. John 21:1-3 - After these things Jesus shewed himself again to the disciples at the sea of Tiberias; and on this wise shewed he himself. There were together Simon Peter, and Thomas called Didymus, and Nathanael of Cana in Galilee, and the sons of Zebedee, and two other of his disciples. Simon Peter saith unto them, I go a fishing. They say unto him, We also go with thee. They went forth, and entered into a ship immediately; and that night they caught nothing.

2. His call to discipleship, and (possibly) apostleship:

a. Approached by Philip, who told him of Jesus - John 1:45 - Philip findeth Nathanael, and saith unto him, We have found him, of whom Moses in the law, and the prophets, did write, Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph.

b. Nathanael was at first skeptical, because Jesus was of Nazareth - John 1:46 - And Nathanael said unto him, Can there any good thing come out of Nazareth? Philip saith unto him, Come and see.

1) “Can anything good come out of Nazareth?”

2) Cf. “Will the Christ come out of Galilee?” - John 7:41 - Others said, This is the Christ. But some said, Shall Christ come out of Galilee?

3) Cf. “Search and look, for no prophet has arisen out of Galilee” - John 7:52 - They answered and said unto him, Art thou also of Galilee? Search, and look: for out of Galilee ariseth no prophet.

-- People were not expecting anything good coming from Nazareth of Galilee

c. Jesus convinces Nathanael - John 1:47-51 - Jesus saw Nathanael coming to him, and saith of him, Behold an Israelite indeed, in whom is no guile! Nathanael saith unto him, Whence knowest thou me? Jesus answered and said unto him, Before that Philip called thee, when thou wast under the fig tree, I saw thee. Nathanael answered and saith unto him, Rabbi, thou art the Son of God; thou art the King of Israel. Jesus answered and said unto him, Because I said unto thee, I saw thee under the fig tree, believest thou? thou shalt see greater things than these. And he saith unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Hereafter ye shall see heaven open, and the angels of God ascending and descending upon the Son of man.

1) Identifying him as an Israel in whom is no deceit

2) Telling how He saw him under the fig tree before Philip called him

-- Perhaps Jesus saw him engaged in private devotion

d. Prompting Nathanael to proclaim...

1) “Rabbi, You are the Son of God!” - cf. Matthew 14:33 - Then they that were in the ship came and worshipped him, saying, Of a truth thou art the Son of God.

2) “You are the King of Israel!” - cf. Matthew 21:5 - Tell ye the daughter of Sion, Behold, thy King cometh unto thee, meek, and sitting upon an ass, and a colt the foal of an ass. - Matthew 27:11 - And Jesus stood before the governor: and the governor asked him, saying, Art thou the King of the Jews? And Jesus said unto him, Thou sayest.

-- Nathanael is convinced that this teacher (Rabbi) is the Messiah

e. Jesus Promises Nathanael greater blessings due to his faith

1) Greater evidences of His Messiahship

2) E.g., heaven opening and angels of God ascending and descending upon Him

a) An allusion to Jacob’s dream? - Genesis 28:12 - And he dreamed, and behold a ladder set up on the earth, and the top of it reached to heaven: and behold the angels of God ascending and descending on it.

b) An implication that Jesus was the way (ladder) to heaven? - cf. John 14:6 - Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.

c) A reference to the day of Judgment, when Jesus comes with His angels? - cf. Matthew 16:27 - For the Son of man shall come in the glory of his Father with his angels; and then he shall reward every man according to his works. - Matthew 25:31 - When the Son of man shall come in his glory, and all the holy angels with him, then shall he sit upon the throne of his glory: - Matthew 26:64 - Jesus saith unto him, Thou hast said: nevertheless I say unto you, Hereafter shall ye see the Son of man sitting on the right hand of power, and coming in the clouds of heaven. - 2 Thessalonians 1:7 - And to you who are troubled rest with us, when the Lord Jesus shall be revealed from heaven with his mighty angels,

-- Note that Jesus refers to Himself as “the Son of Man” (which the gospel writers never do), emphasizing His humility and humanity

f. Nathanael may have been Bartholomew, one of the apostles - cf. Matthew 10:3 - Philip, and Bartholomew; Thomas, and Matthew the publican; James the son of Alphaeus, and Lebbaeus, whose surname was Thaddaeus; - Luke 6:14 - Simon, (whom he also named Peter,) and Andrew his brother, James and John, Philip and Bartholomew,

1) Cf. Bartholomew’s connection with Philip in the apostolic lists

2) The synoptists never mention Nathanael, and John never mentions Bartholomew

3) Bartholomew (“son of Ptolemy”) is not a proper name; perhaps it was Nathanael

-- Leading many to conclude they are one and the same

3. According to apocryphal (doubtful) literature:

a. He was Simon, son of Cleopas (not Bartholomew), and one of the Twelve (ISBE)

b. He was the bridegroom at the marriage of Cana, to which he belonged (Fausett’s Bible

Dictionary)

-- The call of Nathanael reveals more about Jesus than Nathanael himself (see below)

CONCLUSION:

1. “The First Disciples” offered their testimony concerning Jesus:

a. “We have found the Messiah” - John 1:41 - Others said, This is the Christ. But some said, Shall Christ come out of Galilee?

b. “We have found Him of whom Moses in the law, and also the prophets, wrote” - John 1:45 - Then came the officers to the chief priests and Pharisees; and they said unto them, Why have ye not brought him?

c. “thou art the Son of God; thou art the King of Israel” - John 1:49 - Nathanael answered and saith unto him, Rabbi, thou art the Son of God; thou art the King of Israel.

-- As they continued to follow Jesus, their initial affirmations of faith would be confirmed

2. From His initial contacts with these new disciples, we learn:

a. That Jesus knows the heart of men - cf. John 2:25 - And needed not that any should testify of man: for he knew what was in man.

b. That if we have faith in Jesus, it will be continually strengthened; the evidence will grow brighter and brighter - cf. John 1:50-51 - Nicodemus saith unto them, (he that came to Jesus by night, being one of them,) Doth our law judge any man, before it hear him, and know what he doeth?

c. That if we believe his word, we shall yet see full proof that his word is true - cf. John 7:17 - If any man will do his will, he shall know of the doctrine, whether it be of God, or whether I speak of myself.

Does anyone wonder if Jesus is truly the Son of God, and that His words are true? Perhaps the best response one can offer to the honest skeptic is the invitation offered by Philip: “Come and see.”

Come to Jesus as revealed in the gospels and see who He is...!