One of the two who heard John speak and followed Jesus was Andrew, Simon Peter's brother. He first found his own brother Simon and said to him, “We have found the Messiah” (which means Christ). John 1: 40-41
In the early days of Jesus' ministry He came to the village of Capernaum situated on the northeastern shore of the Sea of Galilee. Now known as a favorite stop of tourists, the village was then known for its fishing trade. It also was not far from the homes of the young 'Sons of Thunder', James and John - and two other brothers, Andrew and Peter (Bethsaida) - all four of whom were fishermen, zealous after God, and called out by Christ to follow Him and become disciples.
In John the Apostle's recording of Christ's earliest encounter with these men there exists a set of arresting lines that captivate me. They comprise our first example of evangelical witness - or at least its seeds - and read thusly, 'we have found the Messiah (which means Christ, or the one 'anointed').
Thinking today of the countless sermons I have preached and of the many times I've attempted to offer a witness, I suspect I might have fared better had I kept it simply this - "We have found him! Come and see!" Yes! I know that there an assumption made in the statement. To say 'we have found him' assumes 'we' were looking. But... it has been my experience that this is yet and universally true. People I meet are looking - looking for someone, something, and often for both. So to begin a conversation using the words, 'hey!' I have found Him!" if it is true, is an absolutely perfect place to begin.
As you spend your Christmas celebrating the advent of our LORD, why not consider adding the words of the good brother Andrew to your Christmas greeting... "Merry Christmas. I have found Him! Have you?"
For perhaps, like Andrew, you may have the joy of bringing someone to Jesus, too. :-)
Pastor Sam
