Bible Pathway - November 1
Read John 1
Highlights:
Deity of Christ; Jesus announced as the Lamb of God; first miracle in Cana; cleansing of the Temple; Nicodemus and the new birth.
And looking upon Jesus . . . he (John the Baptist) saith, Behold the Lamb of God! . . . . One of the two which heard John speak, and followed him, was Andrew, Simon Peter's brother. He first findeth his own brother Simon, and saith unto him, We have found the Messias, which is, being interpreted, the Christ. And he brought him to Jesus (John 1:36, 40-42).
Andrew had been a follower of John the Baptist, who spoke of Jesus in such a way that his faith, adoration, and worship were directed toward Christ. Realizing that Jesus was the Messiah, Andrew left John the Baptist and became a faithful witness of “the Lamb of God.” Andrew set an example for us today. We may have important work that we are doing. However, how does that work compare when it comes to matters of eternity? Andrew was already involved in the work of the Lord. He was about to go further than his current circumstances could ever take him. Following Jesus is the greatest thing we could ever do with our lives. Then said Jesus unto His disciples, If any man will come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me (Matt. 16:24).
Andrew's brother, Peter, is especially noted for his great preaching on the day of Pentecost and his writing of I and II Peter. We sometimes tend to think Peter's ministry was more important than the person-to-person witness of Andrew. But we must not forget that Andrew shared in all of Peter's accomplishments. If Andrew had failed to tell his brother about Christ, there might never have been a ministry such as that of Peter's.
Many times we feel the work we are doing is not great in the big picture of what God is doing. We may see our part of the plan as insignificant and small. Nothing could be further from the truth. That thing you are doing for God may make a huge impact. And He called unto Him His disciples, and saith unto them, Verily I say unto you, That this poor widow hath cast more in, than all they which have cast into the treasury (Mark 12:43).
Andrew was just an average Christian, not a great soul winner, but he did what we all can do. God keeps a record of all the “Andrews” who are never recognized for a great ministry, but who do as the Holy Spirit directs in telling others, We have found the Messias, the Savior.
The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life; and he that winneth souls is wise (Prov. 11:30).
Thought for Today:
God never said a Christian has to be great — Just faithful.
Cross References:
For John 1:23: See Is. 40:3; Mal. 3:1. John 2:17: See Ps. 69:9.
Word Studies:
1:5 the darkness comprehended it not, did not take it in; the unbelieving world cannot see its need for a Savior; 1:39 tenth hour, 4 p.m. by Jewish time, two hours before evening.
Prayer Suggestion: Seek God as more important than food to satisfy your hunger (Prov. 3:13-18).
Memory Verse for the Week: Psalms 119:33-34
