Our scripture this week is John 1:29-42
The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him and said, “Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world! This is the one I meant when I said, ‘A man who comes after me has surpassed me because he was before me.’ I myself did not know him, but the reason I came baptizing with water was that he might be revealed to Israel.” Then John gave this testimony: “I saw the Spirit come down from heaven as a dove and remain on him. And I myself did not know him, but the one who sent me to baptize with water told me, ‘The man on whom you see the Spirit come down and remain is the one who will baptize with the Holy Spirit.’ I have seen and I testify that this is God’s Chosen One.” The next day John was there again with two of his disciples. When he saw Jesus passing by, he said, “Look, the Lamb of God!” When the two disciples heard him say this, they followed Jesus. Turning around, Jesus saw them following and asked, “What do you want?” They said, “Rabbi” (which means “Teacher”), “where are you staying?” “Come,” he replied, “and you will see.” So they went and saw where he was staying, and they spent that day with him. It was about four in the afternoon. Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother, was one of the two who heard what John had said and who had followed Jesus. The first thing Andrew did was to find his brother Simon and tell him, “We have found the Messiah” (that is, the Christ). And he brought him to Jesus. Jesus looked at him and said, “You are Simon son of John. You will be called Cephas” (which, when translated, is Peter ).
John 1:29-42
John the Baptist has pointed people to Jesus, and now Andrew and others are coming to Him to learn what He teaches. Jesus calls us all, but it is up to us to obey that call and do our best to ensure others hear it as well. Jesus gives us His outstretched hand in invitation, we must choose to take it.
Andrew models this for us, going with Jesus but then returning to bring his brother Simon (Peter) to meet Jesus as well. This example fills the commands we have received to love God, love neighbor and make disciples. Jesus has much more to teach those who follow Him, but this is how a relationship with Him begins.
How are we accepting the invitation Jesus sends and the call He places on our lives? He has much for us to do, not because He needs our help but that we might be part of His wonderful ministry to all people. Jesus has a task for every one of us, right here, right now.
Wise and wonderful God, we are grateful that You call us into Your plan, that You involve us in what You are doing in the world. Help us to be strong and productive as we answer Your call. Amen.