Come and See

Last week we considered the first 2 disciples Jesus called- John the writer of this Gospel and Andrew. Not a great deal is known about Andrew. Yes, he was one of the 12 disciples, and his name is mentioned 12 times in the New Testament. However, most of those times, his name is only listed with the12 disciples. However, there is something which is a bit remarkable about this disciple Andrew; he consistently brought people to Christ — he brought his brother loud mouthed brother Peter to Jesus Christ (John 1:41–42), he presents the boy with the loaves and fish to Jesus during a time when the crowds were hungry (John 6:8–9), and when the Greeks came seeking Jesus (John 12:20–22), Andrew reports this to Jesus.

Andrew’s example shows that effective evangelism doesn't require a loud personality, just a heart that knows the Savior. It appears that Andrew was a background type of guy, not one out in front leading a crowd, but one that quietly and effectively followed Christ.

Our text today then traces the chain of witnesses: Andrew finds Peter, Jesus calls Philip, and Philip finds Nathanael. When Nathanael scoffs, "Can anything good come from Nazareth?" Philip's simple reply is "Come and see" — which we would say in the mountains, well-come and find out for yourself!

From this text may we be reminded that every believer is called to personal witness — starting with those closest to them. When did we last tell someone- “Come and Experience Jesus for yourself?”