Coming to Him

The first disciples who came to Jesus, Andrew and John, heard John the Baptist proclaim Jesus as the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world. As a result, they sought out Jesus for themselves (see John 1:35–39). Next, Simon Peter was brought to Jesus by his brother Andrew. In contrast, we don’t read of anyone bringing Philip. Instead, we read that Jesus actually went up to him and said, “‘Follow Me'” (John 1:43).

That is probably closer to my story than any of the others. To my recollection, no one ever really took the time to break the gospel down for me. Deep inside, I desperately wanted someone to talk to me about the Lord. It was looking at the lives of Christians that attracted me to their message. And of course, it was the work of the Spirit that brought me to Christ. Maybe that’s how some of you came to the Lord. If there are no people to do His bidding, thank God that He can still get through to a person, just as He did with Philip.

Nathanael, in turn, was sought out by the newly converted Philip. And when Nathanael approached the Lord, Jesus gave him a special word (see John 1:45–51).

So to put it all together. The first disciples found Jesus through John’s message, pointing them to Christ. Then others came to Jesus as a result of the personal work of another believer. And in one case, there was no human instrument that God used, which, by the way, is the exception rather than the rule.

God’s primary way of reaching people is through people. It always has been. And it always will be. Are you reaching out to bring others to Him?

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You can listen to a special conversation with Greg Laurie and Chuck Swindoll on A New Beginning today, as they discuss having a passion for the gospel. If you don’t know which station carries A New Beginning in your area, click here to find a station or listen online.