John 1:41 The first thing Andrew did was to find his brother, Simon, and tell him, “We have found the Messiah” (which means Christ).
In the first chapter of John we learn about John the Baptist. He was the one sent to pave the way for Jesus, to prepare everyone for his coming. The Jewish leaders sent priests to John to ask who he was and what he was doing. He was a strange man who didn’t fit in and was spreading some interesting news about the coming Messiah. The leaders were concerned because they were expecting a political leader as well as a spiritual leader in the Messiah and this man “paving the way” did not fit with their expectations. This was not the way the Messiah was supposed to save them! The beauty of Jesus coming to save the world was that he did not come for just one group of people. He came for ALL. Jesus did not start his ministry by meeting with the Jewish leaders and setting up a political agenda or meeting with those in high social standing. Instead, he was obedient to God and was baptized by John even though John was not worthy to “be his slave or untie the straps of his sandal”. They had been waiting for the Messiah and He was finally here. In John 1:41 Andrew couldn’t wait to tell his brother Simon that they found the Messiah. Once they knew Him they started following him immediately. Can you imagine the excitement in his voice as he shared the good news with his brother? Everything was going to change for them and they were hopeful as they saw the prophecy being fulfilled.
There is a book we have read with our kids over the years and it is one of my absolute favorites! It is “The Jesus Storybook Bible” written by Sally Lloyd-Jones and Illustrated by Jago. It is simple to read and I often pick it up on my own before bed or when I just want something sweet and simple. From this book I learned that the whole Bible is the story of Jesus, the Messiah. The front cover says “Every story whispers his name”. Each chapter of the Bible points to God’s plan to save through Jesus. From Genesis to Revelation, it is about Jesus. Without Him, we would not have our salvation and our relationship with God. In the book Jesus is referred to as the “rescuer” which is a perfect way to describe our Messiah.
Do you know your “rescuer” and are you eager to tell others that you found him like Andrew did in John 1:41? It is the best news we can give in a time of uncertainty and unrest. Jesus came as the Messiah for ALL!
Shelly