“Andrew, the brother of Simon Peter, was one of the two disciples who heard what John said and followed Jesus. He first found his own brother Simon and told him, ‘We have found the Messiah!’ (which is translated Christ). Andrew brought Simon to Jesus. Jesus looked at him and said, ‘You are Simon, the son of John. You will be called Cephas’ (which is translated Peter).
“On the next day Jesus wanted to set out for Galilee. He found Philip and said to him, ‘Follow me.’ (Now Philip was from Bethsaida, the town of Andrew and Peter.) Philip found Nathanael and told him, ‘We have found the one Moses wrote about in the law, and the prophets also wrote about—Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph.’” —John 1:40–45
Ever had some really good news that you were busting at the seams to share? The arrival of a new baby, the marriage of a child, a job promotion, an unexpected call or visit by someone you love—you name the good news—whatever it may be—and chances are you will want to share it.
This is exactly what we find in our verses for today. Both Andrew and Philip, having found Jesus, had to make it known! Andrew is convinced of the truth of Jesus, and those who are convinced cannot help but share especially with those nearest and dearest to them. Paul tells us:
“For the love of Christ controls us, since we have concluded this, that Christ died for all; therefore all have died. And he died for all so that those who live should no longer live for themselves but for him who died for them and was raised.” —2 Corinthians 5:14
“I am a debtor both to the Greeks and to the barbarians, both to the wise and to the foolish. Thus I am eager also to preach the gospel to you who are in Rome. For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is God’s power for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek. For the righteousness of God is revealed in the gospel from faith to faith, just as it is written, ‘The righteous by faith will live.’” —Romans 1:14–17
A heart filled with Jesus will spill out to others in both words and in deeds. So excited over his discovery of the Messiah, Andrew brings Simon to Jesus. Next, Philip is found by the Messiah and subsequently shares the good news with Nathanael, unable to keep quiet over this wonderful truth he has discovered. The One on whom we have so long been waiting and wishing—He has come, He has come, we have found Him! What an experience of pure joy!
Become More
The wonderful news of Jesus is exciting to share. Because we have freely received, we must also freely give.
Share your Good News!
“Nothing taken for granted; everything received with gratitude; everything passed on with grace.” —G. K. Chesterton
Further Reflections
“He is your friend who pushes you nearer to God.” —Abraham Kuyper
“One man with beliefs is equal to a thousand with only interests.” —John Stuart Mill
“There is no joy in the world like the joy of bringing one soul to Christ.” —William Barclay