We have found him, part 1

Who is Jesus? part 27—John 1:40-41

It’s just eight days after Ascension Day, last Thursday, and I’m filled with joy reflecting on that moment. In my post for that day, I shared the idea that when Jesus ascended, he didn’t disappear into a distant Heaven; instead, he resides in the maker’s head office, a vital part of the creation of “the heavens and the Earth.” Another uplifting analogy is that he is close by, eagerly waiting to return, playfully concealed like someone hiding behind a curtain, ready to surprise us with his presence.

When Andrew says to his brother Simon, “We have found the Messiah,” could he have looked behind the curtain?

⁴⁰ One of the two who heard John speak and followed Jesus was Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother. ⁴¹ He first found his own brother Simon and said to him, “We have found the Messiah” (which means Christ).

John 1:40-41 ESVUK

Sharing your faith is a deeply personal journey. It’s not just about following a structured plan like the Four Spiritual Laws, which held significance in the 1970s when I first embraced Christianity. While this approach can be seen as evangelism, being a true witness is about authentic connection and experience. Paul reminds us in Ephesians 4:11 that SOME are called to be evangelists—it’s important to recognise that this calling is not for everyone.

Andrew is sharing with his brother Simon the events that have unfolded, reflecting the importance of his experience. When someone serves as a witness in a court of law, they recount not only what they have seen and heard, but also how those moments impacted them emotionally. Unlike expert witnesses who lend their specialized knowledge, eyewitnesses are there simply to share their truth and the reality of what took place, emphasizing the significance of their personal perspectives.

Andrew’s heart was filled with cautious curiosity as he approached; he was one of the two disciples of John the Baptist, eager to discover where Jesus, the one John had lovingly referred to as the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world, was staying. In their quiet attempt to get closer to him, they were unexpectedly noticed. Yet, to their relief, Jesus welcomed them with open arms, inviting them to share in his presence for a meaningful moment.

Now observe the transformation in Andrew; filled with uncontainable joy, he rushes towards Simon, his heart racing as he exclaims, “We have seen the Messiah!” Despite Peter’s quiet demeanor as a humble fisherman, with no apparent interest in such astounding news, Andrew can’t help but feel the urgency to share this momentous revelation with someone—a deep need to connect and communicate his excitement.

Andrew has met Jesus, and he is transformed.

There is something important about John’s Gospel: It’s written for us! As John said:

³⁰ Now Jesus did many other signs in the presence of the disciples, which are not written in this book; ³¹ but these are written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name.

John 20:30-31

“We have found the Messiah” beckons us to seek Jesus, who is not distant in aa heaven far far away, but rather close to us, longing for our connection. Often, we struggle to find Him because our hearts are not open or we search in places that lead us astray. Take a moment to open your heart, and gently invite Him in by saying, “Come, Lord Jesus, come.”

Andrew experienced a profound transformation when he met Jesus; his once timid heart was filled with excitement. You too can experience this journey of transformation. Jesus is close and welcoming, always ready to embrace you. Your path may differ from Andrew’s and might not be as dramatic, but rest assured, Jesus will be gentle and understanding as you navigate this personal change.

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