ANDREW: ACTIVE WITNESS

Transcription

1 GET INTO THE STUDY 5 minutes DISCUSS: Draw attention to the picture on PSG page 150 and ask Question #1: How comfortable are you haggling for a bargain? Why? GUIDE: Direct attention to The Bible Meets Life on PSG, page 151, and refer to the uncomfortable experience of buying a car or dealing with any kind of pushy salesperson. The one goal of the seller is: close the deal. SAY: Most people are uncomfortable with evangelism that has a close the deal mentality. Reinforce The Point on PSG page 151: Christ-centered living chooses invitation, not indifference. PRAY: Begin the Bible study with prayer. Ask God to open our minds to the practice of inviting people to meet Jesus that was second nature to the apostle Andrew. SESSION 7 ANDREW: ACTIVE WITNESS The Point Christ-centered living chooses invitation, not indifference. The Bible Meets Life For many believers, evangelism is something we know we should do, but we re uncomfortable with it. The reason is because we think we re supposed to be salespersons, and if we don t close the deal which leads to a conversion, we have not succeeded. The correct model is seen in Andrew. Andrew simply introduced people to Jesus and invited them to make the same discovery about Him that he had made. The Passages John 1:35-42; 12:20-26 The Setting When a delegation came from Jerusalem to question John the Baptist, John denied being the Messiah and identified himself as the Messiah s forerunner preparing His way. John stressed his subservience to the Messiah (1:19-27). When Jesus came to John to be baptized, John identified Him as the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world (v. 29). Jesus baptism had revealed to John Jesus identity as the Messiah, the Son of God (vv ). 150 Session 7

2 John 1: The next day, John was standing with two of his disciples. 36 When he saw Jesus passing by, he said, Look, the Lamb of God! 37 The two disciples heard him say this and followed Jesus. 38 When Jesus turned and noticed them following him, he asked them, What are you looking for? They said to him, Rabbi (which means Teacher ), where are you staying? 39 Come and you ll see, he replied. So they went and saw where he was staying, and they stayed with him that day. It was about four in the afternoon. 40 Andrew, Simon Peter s brother, was one of the two who heard John and followed him. 41 He first found his own brother Simon and told him, We have found the Messiah. (which is translated the Christ ), 42 and he brought Simon to Jesus. When Jesus saw him, he said, You are Simon, son of John. You will be called Cephas (which is translated Peter ). STUDY THE BIBLE John 1: minutes SUMMARIZE: Before reading the passage, set the context by summarizing the information in The Bible Meets Life and The Setting on page 150. LEADER PACK: Point to Item 8: Map Overview to show where these events occurred KEY WORDS: The Lamb of God (1:36) In the Jewish sacrificial system, a flawless lamb was offered for the atonement of sins. Jesus, God s sinless Son, offered Himself to provide forgiveness for sins. Invite those close to you to encounter Jesus. 1 Verses After John the Baptist s discussion with a delegation from Jerusalem, John was standing with two of his disciples. A number of disciples or learners had attached themselves to John as their master or teacher. As Jesus passed by, John directed attention to Jesus and called Him the Lamb of God. Behind John s title for Jesus was the idea of sacrifice, most likely the lamb sacrificed at Passover or the Day of Atonement (John 1:29). The title conveys vicarious suffering and willing self-sacrifice. Early in the Fourth Gospel, the writer introduced the READ: Read or ask a volunteer to read John 1: GUIDE: Refer members to Key Words (PSG, p. 152) to give further insight into the phrase The Lamb of God. SUMMARIZE: Use Bible Commentary 1 to give a brief explanation of the Lamb of God (see John 1:29). SUGGESTED USE WEEK OF NOVEMBER

3 THE POINT Christ-centered living chooses invitation, not indifference. SUMMARIZE: Use Bible Commentary 2 to share insights in verses 37-39: The two disciples of John left John and started following Jesus They made a commitment to follow Jesus They called him Rabbi or teacher They expressed a desire to go to where He was staying They spent most of the day with Him SAY: This is our introduction to Andrew, a fisherman, and the brother of the most famous disciple, Simon Peter. The first thing Andrew did after meeting and spending time with Jesus was to find his brother to tell him we have found the Messiah and he brought Simon to Jesus. DISCUSS: Question #2 (PSG, p. 153): How did someone introduce you to Jesus? concept of a suffering Messiah. In the dominant Jewish expectation, the Messiah would be a military/political leader from David s line who would conquer the Jews oppressors and restore the nation to prominence. Some Jews looked for a priestly Messiah, but most longed for a mighty warrior/ deliverer. The messianic expectation had no room for a Messiah who would suffer and die. 2 Verse 37. When the two disciples heard John exclaim Jesus was the Lamb of God, they followed Him. Followed can present two ideas: (1) The two disciples left John and started after Jesus. (2) They made a commitment to become Jesus disciples. The word likely has both senses. Verse 38. Jesus looked back and saw the two disciples following Him. His question had to do with their purpose. What were they looking for? What did they want? Were they curious about Him or did they have a deeper purpose? The disciples answered Jesus question with a question of their own. They addressed Him as Rabbi, and the Gospel writer translated the Aramaic word into Greek for an audience that included Gentiles: Teacher. Disciples were students who attached themselves to teachers to learn from them. John s two disciples, perhaps now intending to follow Jesus or at least seriously considering doing so, asked Jesus where He was staying temporarily abiding. Their answer likely indicates they wanted to engage in a lengthy private conversation with Jesus. Verse 39. Jesus invited the two men to accompany Him to the place He was staying. They could see for themselves. They went with Him and stayed with him that day indicates the conversation was lengthy. The precise note of time in the phrase about four in the afternoon has been taken as evidence of an eyewitness s account. Verse 40. One of the two men who heard John (the Baptist) proclaim Jesus to be the Lamb of God, followed Him, and talked with Him was Andrew, Simon Peter s brother. This identification probably reflects Peter s elevated status and notoriety at the time the Fourth Gospel was written. The reference also may indicate Andrew was less wellknown. Mark s Gospel states the brothers were fishermen (Mark 1:16). The other man was not identified by name. The strong likelihood is that he was John, the writer of the 152 Session 7

4 Fourth Gospel. That would explain details that point to an eyewitness account. Verse 41. This is one of the many places in which we might find the Scriptures silence frustrating and intriguing. What did Jesus and the two men talk about? Whatever transpired in the hours-long conversation, Andrew was convinced Jesus was the Messiah. We can only imagine the excitement that intensified as the two men realized they were talking with God s long-awaited Deliverer. Andrew first found his own brother Simon. The term first can have the idea of before any other action immediately. In the Greek text, the form of the word found conveys the result of intense search. To Peter, Andrew joyfully declared he and John had made a momentous, lifechanging discovery: We have found the Messiah. The phrase have found can mean have discovered, recognized, or have seen. The amazing discovery was the result of the long conversation with Jesus. 3 The Hebrew word for Messiah means anointed. Again, John added explanation to help his Gentile audience: which is translated the Christ, the Greek equivalent of the Hebrew term. In Hebrew thought, the Messiah was God s supreme Anointed One, who would deliver His people. As the succession of kings failed to deliver the Israelites, the people began to look for a descendant of David who would fulfill God s covenant with him in 2 Samuel 7: When Jesus came on the scene, the Jews held on to the Davidic covenant and intensely awaited the promised Messiah, God s Deliverer who would free them from Roman domination and restore the nation s fortunes. As so often is the case in the Scriptures (and in our lives), God delights in doing the unusual and the least expected. Who could have anticipated that God s Anointed One would be a carpenter from Nazareth who made Himself known first to an Elijahlike prophet and his two fishermen disciples? In His time and in His way, God fulfilled His promise of a Deliverer who would provide freedom on an infinitely deeper level than anyone anticipated. Verse 42. As often occurs in the Scriptures, a momentous event is stated in dramatic brevity. Andrew found his brother Simon and announced the Messiah s arrival. Then Andrew brought Simon to Jesus. Andrew s act rivals Barnabas s gaining Saul entrance into the Christian community and enlisting him in ministry as the most highly significant helpings acts in Christ s cause. Neither Andrew nor Barnabas could have imagined the far-reaching effects of his effort. GUIDE: Refer group members to the paragraph on PSG page 153 that begins Let s not miss the gravity of this statement. Point out how the people of that time expected a military-political Messiah one who would throw off the yoke of slavery to Rome and reestablish the kingdom of David. LEADER PACK: Use Item 13: Messiah to provide more details about the Messiah. SUMMARIZE: Use Bible Commentary 3 for more information on Messiah. GUIDE: Refer group members to PSG pages to see what Andrew did: he simply invited his brother Simon to come with him to meet Jesus for himself. For us to follow the example of Andrew: We must sincerely love those closest to us. We must believe Jesus is truly compelling. 153

5 THE POINT Christ-centered living chooses invitation, not indifference. DISCUSS: Question #3 (PSG, p. 154): What experiences have you had sharing your faith with family members? (Alternate: Is it easier or harder to talk about Jesus with those closest to us?) TRANSITION: Introducing people to Jesus seemed to come naturally to Andrew. In fact, almost every time we see Andrew in the Gospels, he was inviting other people to see Jesus. STUDY THE BIBLE John 12: minutes READ: Read or ask a volunteer to read John 12: SUMMARIZE: Use Bible Commentary 4 to add further clarification to the encounter with the Greeks (Gentiles). Saw conveys more than noticed or observed. It has the idea of an earnest gaze, a searching look. In our vernacular, Jesus sized him up. Jesus said, You are Simon, son of John, Simon s full name by which he was commonly called. Jesus may have learned his name in the long conversation with Andrew (see 1:39). Jesus sensed what Simon could become, a potential he would realize over the course of time. Jesus declared to Simon, You will be called Cephas. The Aramaic term Cephas means Rock. John translated this into Greek for Gentiles: Peter, which means Rock. In our vernacular, Simon s nickname was Rocky. The phrase will be called has a note of prophecy. Peter would become rocklike in his commitment to and service for Christ. When Andrew was convinced Jesus was the promised Messiah, he immediately felt the urge to tell his brother this greatest of all news. Today, people closest to us may need to hear the good news of the Savior who has the power to transform them and make them productive in His service. Tactfully and lovingly, we can tell of our encounter with Jesus and of the change He has worked in our lives. John 12: Now some Greeks were among those who went up to worship at the festival. 21 So they came to Philip, who was from Bethsaida in Galilee, and requested of him, Sir, we want to see Jesus. 22 Philip went and told Andrew; then Andrew and Philip went and told Jesus. Invite those seeking answers to encounter Jesus. Verse 20. Andrew answered Jesus call to discipleship and followed Him throughout His ministry. Behind the scenes Andrew consistently helped people connect with Jesus. When Jesus fed 5,000 people it was Andrew who found a boy that had a small lunch and brought the boy to Jesus. Jesus used the boy s loaves and fish to feed the crowd (John 6:8-13). 4 In the last week of Jesus earthly ministry. Jesus had made His royal entry into Jerusalem. Present in Jerusalem 154 Session 7

6 were some Greeks. These were not Greek-speaking Jews but Gentiles. They may have been proselytes or God-fearers. Proselytes were non-jews who had attached themselves to Judaism. They underwent baptism, and the males were circumcised. Proselytes also offered sacrifices in the Jerusalem temple for forgiveness of their sins. They could not become full Jews but could be part of the Jewish community. God-fearers were Gentiles who were attracted to Judaism. Some went on to become proselytes, but some males refused to undergo circumcision to become proselytes. Possibly many of these attached to and involved in Judaism had made their way to Jerusalem for Passover. The Gentiles had come to worship ( bow the knee in reverence for) God. The festival was Passover. Annually, the Jews celebrated their deliverance from slavery in Egypt. The death angel passed over the Israelites homes but killed every firstborn in Egypt, and Pharaoh let the Israelites go. The Israelites viewed this event as God forging them into a nation. In obedience to God s command, His people celebrated Passover each year (Ex. 12:14). Verse 21. The Gentiles approached Philip, one of Jesus disciples. Philip was from Bethsaida in Galilee. Bethsaida means house of fish (or fishermen) and was the hometown of Andrew and Peter (John 1:44). Why did the Gentiles approach Philip to gain an audience with Jesus? He had a Greek name, so perhaps he would be more inclined to help them. The Gentiles who wanted to talk with Jesus probably thought he was the most likely disciple to help them. The Gentile seekers addressed Philip respectfully as Sir and made their request: We want to see Jesus. Their request was equally respectful. The sense of the word requested is that they began to ask or repeatedly asked. It could have meant, they did not give up easily. By the word see, the group desired to have an audience with. They wanted to converse with Him, perhaps to interview Him. Verse 22. Philip took this request to Andrew, who was practical-minded and knew how to bring people into Jesus presence. Andrew, however, also seemed uncertain how Jesus would respond to the request. So, he and Philip went and told Jesus. True to his nature, Andrew was instrumental in helping people who sought an encounter with Jesus. Although we have no record of a meeting between Jesus and the Gentile group, Jesus reply to His two disciples included reference to His sacrificial death for all people (12:32). Earlier Jesus had said He had sheep (believing Gentiles) outside the fold of believing Jews whom He had to GUIDE: Refer group members to the paragraphs on PSG page 155 that give explanation to John 12: It was Passover week Many Greeks who were God-fearing, came to Jerusalem to worship. These Gentiles wanted to see Jesus. They approached Philip (possibly because he had a Greek name) and made their request Philip found Andrew and they went and told Jesus GUIDE: Refer group members to PSG pages and highlight the problem many believers have today of not being in contact with people who need to meet Jesus. Consider these suggestions: Talk with your neighbors on a walk instead of being silent. Talk to the person next to you at the gym instead of using headphones. Start conversations with other parents at your kids sporting events. 155

7 THE POINT Christ-centered living chooses invitation, not indifference. DISCUSS: Question #4 (PSG, p. 156): What kind of questions might a nonbeliever have about Christ? (Alternate: How much do we have to know about Jesus before we can talk about Him with someone else?) STUDY THE BIBLE John 12: minutes READ: Read or ask a volunteer to read John 12: SUMMARIZE: Use Bible Commentary 5 to explain the following statements: The hour has come for the Son of Man to be glorified The metaphor of the wheat that must die before it produces an abundant harvest. SUMMARIZE: Use Bible Commentary 6 for insight on what it means to lose your life to follow Jesus. bring in (10:16). We can be confident He was sympathetic to the Gentiles request. John 12: Jesus replied to them, The hour has come for the Son of Man to be glorified. 24 Truly I tell you, unless a grain of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains by itself. But if it dies, it produces much fruit. 25 The one who loves his life will lose it, and the one who hates his life in this world will keep it for eternal life. 26 If anyone serves me, he must follow me. Where I am, there my servant also will be. If anyone serves me, the Father will honor him. Be clear about what it means to follow Jesus. 5 Verse 23. Jesus reply to the two disciples relayed request was unexpected. Instead of granting an audience, He began to talk about His approaching sacrificial death. Jesus response may have been directed to Andrew and Philip, but it probably included others nearby. Jesus well may have viewed the Gentiles seeking to talk with Him as symbolic of the many Gentiles who would become His followers after His death and resurrection to provide salvation. Jesus realized that the group s coming signaled His hour had come. His hour was the time of His sacrificial death on the cross. Throughout His ministry, Jesus used the title Son of Man to avoid the military/political baggage the Jews attached to the term Messiah. The title stressed His humanity and His Deity. In His voluntary, sacrificial death, Jesus would be glorified. He would complete His redemptive mission and in doing so would demonstrate God s sacrificial love for all people. Jesus glory was showing His character (and God s) as being redemptive. Verse 24. Jesus used a metaphor from agriculture to stress the purpose of His approaching death on the cross. Truly 156 Session 7

8 translates a double use of a Greek term that means most certainly. The repetition emphasizes that what follows is important and demands attention. The unplanted grain of wheat remains by itself and unproductive. Sown into the soil, it dies (germinates) and produces an abundant harvest. The implied message is clear: Jesus willing, sacrificial death would result in innumerable people s receiving life. 6 Verse 25. Most of us love life and consistently give thanks for each day that comes as God s gift. What did Jesus mean by the words anyone who loves his life will lose it? In this context, to love life is to place self-interests above God s redemptive purpose the advancement of His kingdom (His rule over people s lives). The person who makes self the center around which everything and everyone else revolves is in the process of losing (destroying) life. The individual s life will come to ruin; it will issue in eternal separation from God. On the other hand, hating one s life in this world ensures keeping it for eternal life. To hate life does not mean self-loathing or low self-esteem; it is to make the advancement of God s beneficent rule the priority. The term hate can mean to love less, but in this context it means deliberately refusing to place self first. The phrase in this world refers to a world order or economy opposed to God. In the context of a world alien to God, the person whose priority is His rule of grace has and will keep real life. The person who puts God s redemptive purpose first will manifest the eternal life already received. The phrase eternal life refers to the quality of life Jesus gives in the present and to never-ending life. Living in faithful commitment to God s purpose issues in unending life. Verse 26. Should a person choose to serve Christ on a continuing basis, that individual must follow Him in sacrificial, self-giving living that might involve suffering. The words me, I, and my emphasize that following Him is having a personal relationship with Him. The individual who serves Christ out of a genuine faith-commitment to Him will experience His presence in this life and will be with Him in eternity. God also will honor that person. Christ s faithful follower will share His glory. GUIDE: Refer group members to PSG pages to these words about followers of Jesus counting the costs: Following Jesus is a pathway of self-denial. Following Jesus is the pathway to life. Following Jesus is the pathway to being with Jesus. DISCUSS: Question #5 (PSG, p. 158): What would you tell someone about the challenges and benefits of following Christ? (Alternate: What are some ways people sugarcoat the gospel to make it more palatable?) DO: Encourage group members to take a few minutes to complete the activity Tell Your Story on PSG page 158. GUIDE: Refer group members to PSG page 156: God is constantly at work in us and throughout the world. The gospel is the only hope for every man and woman, boy and girl. We are God s chosen means to spread His message of good news. 157

9 THE POINT Christ-centered living chooses invitation, not indifference. LIVE IT OUT 5 minutes GUIDE: Emphasize The Point: Christ-centered living chooses invitation, not indifference. REVIEW: Review Live It Out (PSG, p. 159); (see text to the right). Encourage each group member to follow through this week with at least one of the applications. LIVE IT OUT Andrew was certainly not the most famous disciple. We have no record of him preaching to an enormous crowd or writing a theological letter. But when we see him, he is almost always bringing others to Jesus. Andrew, the active witness, shows us that evangelism is not like selling used cars. Instead, simply inviting others to see Jesus should be second nature to those who deeply love and treasure Jesus Christ. > > Who introduced you to Jesus? Call or write and express your gratitude to the person. > > In your current schedule, what opportunities do you have to interact with people who are not Christians? If none, reevaluate how you can make room for those introductions. > > Are you confident enough in Jesus to introduce someone else to Him? Think of one specific person who needs that introduction, and resolve to make it when you see the person this week. WRAP IT UP GUIDE: Emphasize that for it to become our second nature to share the gospel, we need to cultivate a relationship with Jesus that makes inviting people to meet Him very natural for us, it s just what we do. PRAY: Father, help us to invite our family and friends to come to meet you. Thank you for sending Jesus into the world to be our Lord and to save us from our sins. 158 Session 7

10 ILLUSTRATOR PHOTO/ DAVID ROGERS/ JEWISH MUSEUM/ NEW YORK (359/25) Torah case, inlaid copper with silver arabesque ornaments. Samaritan inscription contains Bible quotations and: In the name of God. This case for the Holy Scriptures was made in Damascus by Joseph Son of Abaspoh of the tribe of Patar. Under the direction of Rabban Abi Azzai, son of Rabban Joseph in Damascus. Dated In the Gospel of John, Jesus earthly ministry begins with John the Baptist urging his disciples to follow Jesus. When two of them did so, they addressed Jesus as Rabbi (1:38). The next day Nathanael addressed Him by the same title (v. 49). Five more times in John (3:2; 4:31; 6:25; 9:2; 11:8) and six other times in the New Testament (Matt. 26:25; 26:49; Mark 9:5; 10:51; 11:21; 14:45) people called Jesus Rabbi. The New Testament offers little insight into the role of the rabbi. John s Gospel simply states that Rabbi means Teacher (John 1:38). Nicodemus greeted Jesus as a Rabbi, declaring that He was a teacher who has come from God (3:2); Mary called Jesus Rabboni! on encountering Him at the tomb (20:16). Jesus warned His disciples, But you are not to be called Rabbi, because you have one Teacher (Matt. 23:8). Each of these instances uses the Greek word didaskalos meaning teacher. No other description or definition of the title rabbi appears in the New Testament. The Hebrew word rabbi comes from the root word rab, which in Old Testament usage means big or great. This greatness can mean distinguished. The term thus came to refer to persons others recognized for their teaching ability. The excerpt above is from the article Rabbis in the First Century (Fall 2011), which relates to this session. More Biblical Illustrator articles are available that relate to this session. See page 7 about Biblical Illustrator. SHARING THE GOOD NEWS Andrew followed Jesus and helped connect others to Jesus. You can come to Jesus Christ, the Messiah, who changes everything when you follow Him. Each week, make yourself available either before or after the session to speak privately with anyone in your group who wants to know more about becoming a Christian. See the article, Leading Someone to the Greatest Decision of All, on page 2 for guidance in leading a person to Christ. Remind group members that page 2 in the PSG offers guidance in how to become a Christian. Encourage believers to consider using this article as they have opportunities to lead others to Christ. Free additional ideas for your group are available at BibleStudiesforLife.com/AdultExtra 159

11 COMING IN WINTER Jesus Changes Everything This is a seven-week study of the Bible s teaching on the ministry of Jesus as recorded in the Gospel of Mark. The study is written by Robby Gallaty, Senior Pastor at Long Hollow Baptist Church in Hendersonville, Tennessee. SUGGESTED FOR THE WEEK OF December 3 Session 1 Jesus Calls... Mark 1:14-20 December 10 Session 2 Jesus Teaches... Mark 4:1-9 December 17 Session 3 Jesus Rules Mark 4:35-41 December 24 Session 4 Jesus Saves... Luke 2:4-20 December 31 Session 5 Jesus Heals... Mark 5:22-24,35-43 January 7 Session 6 Jesus Provides... Mark 6:34-44 January 14 Session 7 Jesus Corrects... Mark 7:5-15 Made for Something More This is a six-week study written by Jordan Easley, Senior Pastor of Englewood Baptist Church in Jackson, Tennessee, looking at six traits that identify the person living in Christ. January 21 Session 1 I Am Wonderfully Made... Psalm 139:1-6,13-18 January 28 Session 2 I Am a Child of the King... Galatians 4:1-7 February 4 Session 3 I Am a Minister... 2 Corinthians 3:4-12 February 11 Session 4 I Am a Priest... 1 Peter 2:4-10 February 18 Session 5 I Am Just Passing Through... 1 Peter 2:11-17 February 25 Session 6 I Am a Light... Ephesians 5: BIBLE STUDIES FOR LIFE

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13 SAVE 30% on all CSB text Bibles in LifeWay Stores and at LifeWay.com Code: C15266 Valid until 04/30/18