The Life Of Discipleship - The Andrew Model Beholding The Best

In “Becoming A Christ-Centered Disciple-Making Church” Let’s Consider...

“5. The Life Of Discipleship: The Andrew Model – Beholding The Best”

Text: John 1:35-40

Theme – Purpose - Introduction

Theme: Thus far in our study “Becoming A Christ-Centered, Disciple-Making Church,” the emphasis has been upon the comprehensive “Lesson Of Discipleship” that we call the “Sermon on the Mount” found in Matthew 5 thru 7. Now, however, our theme will change a bit as we focus upon the committed “Life Of Discipleship.” We have laid the groundwork of discipleship in Christ’s teaching. Now we’re looking at the goal of discipleship, which is reaching others. In this section of our series, we’re going to use the disciple named Andrew as our case study.

Purpose: The Amy Foundation, co-founded by Jim Russell and his wife Phyllis, has defined a disciple as “an obedient follower of Jesus Christ who is actively engaged in making disciples by teaching obedience to everything Jesus commanded in self, family, congregation, and neighborhood.” I don’t believe there is anyone in the New Testament who more instructively exemplifies that definition than Andrew. Over the next few sessions we’ll see how reproductive discipleship was manifested in Andrew’s life, but we begin today by magnifying how Andrew himself (and, in today’s lesson, John the beloved) became a disciple of the Lord Jesus.

Introduction: Several years ago I was invited to join a group of about 20 other pastors in traveling to Pensacola Christian College for a campus visit. I later learned that this was something they did a couple of times each year as part of their public relations program. Upon our arrival, we checked into the campus house, which was the equivalent of a nice motel. Then for the next two days we toured the facilities, sat in on various classes and chapel services, and enjoyed some first class dining followed by a question and answer session with the president of the college. All of this was done for the purpose of prompting pastors to encourage their churches’ young people to attend Pensacola Christian College. They realized that nothing would be more effective than for someone to come and see for themselves what the school was really all about.

Here in our text, we have a similar situation. Two young preachers named John and Andrew have finished their undergraduate studies at John the Baptist Bible College, and now they’re looking for a good post graduate seminary. Their pastor and Bible professor, John the Baptist, has been telling them to take a look at, or “Behold,” the Lamb of God Seminary. So they decide to go for a campus visit and see for themselves. The scriptural record of their encounter really reveals the inauguration of Jesus’ discipleship ministry.

Main Message

A. We See An Involvement In Discipleship

The Bible says in John 1:35, “Again the next day after John stood, and two of his disciples.” Then verse 40 says that “one of the two which heard John speak... was Andrew.” The other we believe to be John the beloved who wrote this gospel account and seldom referred to himself by name. Before these two men became disciples of Jesus, they had already been helpers in the ministry of John the Baptist, for they were called “disciples” of John. As well, verse 40 mentions that these are the “two which heard John speak,” so they have been hearers of the message of John the Baptist.

B. We See An Interest In Discipleship

Discipleship includes drawing believers, who are already involved in some degree of service, into a deeper relationship with Christ. In their peripheral positions with John they heard about Christ, but the Baptist has twice encouraged them to “Behold the Lamb of God” (vs. 29 & 36), so they not only want to know about Him – they want to know Him! Notice, “They said unto Him, Rabbi, (which is to say, being interpreted, Master)” (vs. 38). Matthew Henry said, “In calling him Rabbi, they intimated that their design in coming to Him was to be taught by Him.” They had an interest in Christ’s teaching. In response to Jesus’ question, “What seek ye?” they said, “Where dwellest thou?” (vs. 38). They had an interest in Christ’s territory – where He lives, where He abides. May every disciple of Jesus be interested in what He says and where He is!

C. We See An Invitation In Discipleship

These two asked Jesus where He lived. Jesus could have said, “None of your business.” But no – His thrilling and encouraging answer is, “Come and see” (vs. 39). This simple invitation tells us a couple of things about Jesus. The Greek word used for “Come” (erchomai) is rendered elsewhere in the New Testament as “accompany.” This tells us that Jesus desires our accompaniment. He who has known the company of God and angels desires to spend time with us! Then, the Greek word used for “see” (eido) is rendered elsewhere in the New Testament as “be aware,” “perceive,” and “understand.” This tells us that Jesus desires our awareness. He wants us to understand some things about Himself, and that comes through discipleship.

Conclusion

We in the south just ooze with hospitality and cordiality. And frequently we might say to someone, “Come and see me sometime.” That, though, is usually nothing more than a casual remark of kindness. But when Jesus says it, He means it – with sincerity and immediacy! He has invited us. “Come and see” where Jesus dwells.

Andrew and John had been listening to preaching, and it cultivated within their hearts a desire to know more. They started seeking Jesus; and the day that Andrew responded to the invitation, “Come and see,” he waded deeper into the river of truth than he had ever been before. He not only “abode with Him that day” (vs. 39), but he began a lifelong and life-changing journey with Jesus. Are you interested in responding to Christ’s invitation to personal discipleship? If so, then “Come and see,” and behold the best life imaginable!