Read Lesson 016 on pages 225-235

“Walking With Jesus”

Lesson Objectives:

We will learn how to point others to Jesus.

Jesus invites some men to follow Him and learn about Him.

Jesus shows us how to become more like Him.

Jesus knows all about us, even when we don’t think He is around!

Lesson Commentary

016 - JESUS WINS HIS FIRST DISCIPLES

The Call of God’s Disciple - Evangelism

Whether you are starting a ministry or a business, sooner or later you have to start winning followers (or customers).

No minister can serve if he has no congregation.

Listen to Others Who Know Him! – John 1:35-37

The “next day” John is talking to Andrew (and John?). Jesus comes by and John points Him out as the “Lamb of God”. They become instant “groupies” and start to follow Jesus around. Jesus notices that He has gained a following and initiates a conversation.

Spend Time With Him Yourself – John 1:38-39, 43

These were followers of John the Baptist. They didn’t seem to have any problem leaving John and following Jesus. John’s ego was not dependent upon keeping his following, but in persuading them to follow Jesus!

We should never become so devoted to a minister or leader that we cannot accept another person in that position. Humans are imperfect. Some ministers are able to lead you so far. Then others come along and take you further than the other one can. Some are too overwhelming for a new believer, so each has their place. Our allegiance is 1 to Christ, 2 to the local church and then 3 to the leadership of that church and 4 to the minister.

Tell Others About Him! – John 1:40-46

Andrew tells his brother – Simon – John 1:41-42

Jewish time starts at 6:00 am. Roman time starts at midnight. The 10th hour is 4 pm Jewish time or 10 am Roman time. Andrew only sticks around long enough to see where Jesus is staying and then immediately leaves and recruits Simon to come and join him. What are you doing to recruit others to follow Jesus? It is very easy to tell others about someone or something that you are excited about. How excited are you about Jesus?

(Andrew = man. Simon = listener) Jesus gives Simon the name, Peter (Cephas – “Rock”). Your name has meaning! Often reflected in your personality! Ashanti Tribe in Africa – middle name after the day of the week on which they are born. Babies born on Wednesday = Quakoo = mean, violent quick tempered = over 50% of the criminals. Parents, be careful what you call your children!

Philip calls a Friend – Nathanael – John 1:43-46

Jesus calls Philip who also comes from Bethsaida, as do Simon (Peter) and Andrew. Like Andrew summoning Simon, Philip recruits Nathanael. Jesus calls three and gets 5 in the process.

He has found the “…one Moses wrote about in the Law”. This is a direct reference to the Messiah! The fact is that Jesus is the true Messiah!

Nathanael is a skeptic but he is also very honest! Jesus sees the potential for great good in him and speaks to his honesty and integrity. “Guile” = deceit, falsehood. Nathanael is not false or deceitful!

You have great value! Jesus’ goal is to bring that out and allow you to use your life for His glory and honor. Also, integrity and honesty are an important qualities to have!

Believe in Him! – John 1:47-51

Jesus knows something about Nathanael that reveals who Jesus is to him! Nathanael knows that people from Nazareth have a very bad reputation. Therefore, he questions how anything good can come from there.

We have no clue what Jesus is referring to regarding the event under the fig tree, but Nathanael knows exactly what He is talking about. The point is that God sees you doing those things that you don’t want God to see you doing! Be careful what you do! God Knows!

Nathanael is surprised, but his honesty causes him to confess with Jesus. He is persuaded by Jesus’ words and his personal observation. Jesus advises Nathanael that he will see things far greater than Jesus knowing about some incident under a fig tree! This is a reference to Jacob’s dream that is told about in Genesis. Our faith is greater than Nathanael’s eyewitness!

“Jesus is the Son of God, the King of the Jews and Son of Man”. He uses “Son of Man” over 80 times to describe Himself in the Gospels.

CONCLUSION

Jesus has a lot more to show us to establish that He is more than just a mere king. Not only will we see great miracles, but also we will even see Him ascending into heaven!

Next Week: Jesus attends a wedding of a friend. What will His wedding gift be for the bride and groom?

Questions for Thought, Discussion and Application

Questions for Homework

(You will possibly need a concordance and other translations of the New Testament for this homework. Other study tools may be helpful but are not required.) You may have to write your answers on a separate sheet and insert it here in your book.