CTG 0023

Small Beginnings

John the baptiser was sent by God to prepare the ground for Jesus to be brought into public view for the Jewish people.

When John baptised him in the Jordan river the heavens opened and the Holy Spirit descended on Jesus, accompanied by God's voice, “This is my Son, whom I love (Matthew 3:17 NIV)." 

John proclaimed, "Look, the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world (John 1:29 NET)!"

On the next day John was standing together with two individuals, who had been greatly influenced by his own ministry, when Jesus passed by. Again he says, "Look, the Lamb of God!"

As a result the both of them follow Jesus and spend the rest of the day with him. One of them is Andrew. The first thing he does is find his brother Simon Peter, telling him, "We have found the Messiah." And he brings him to Jesus.

Back in Galilee, Jesus finds Philip and says to him, "Follow me." He in turn looks for Nathaniel and encourages him to come and meet Jesus.

The above description, of Jesus simply starting to gather disciples, is an encouragement for us not to despise small beginnings.

Amid the normal chat, banter and communications that we are involved in, the best conversations that we can have are about Jesus. About who he is and what he has said and done. People need to hear the message if they are going to have the opportunity to believe. If we are willing the Holy Spirit will help us.

FOR FURTHER READING:
Luke 3:21-22
John 1:29-51; 2:30
Romans 10:5-15