Bringing Your Brother to Jesus – Andrew
“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.”
– John 1:40-42
Transformed. Meeting Jesus changed them. It still does. As we continue our sermon series exploring the people Jesus encountered in his ministry, this week we study the first disciple, Andrew. John’s gospel recounts how the first thing Andrew did was to find his brother, Simon, and bring him to Jesus.
Many of you have recently been bringing friends and neighbors to church with you. You are bringing your brothers and sisters to Jesus. It is encouraging to witness how their spirits are lifted by seeking God’s presence in worship together. Thank you.
There are times when, instead of bringing people to Jesus, our example, our words, our opinions, push them farther away from him. How can we reach out and speak the truth in love? How can we share our faith in ways that are welcoming and not excluding?
As we celebrate and honor the life and legacy of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. this weekend, I encourage us to bring our brothers and sisters to Jesus. We have endured conflict in our country and even in our congregation regarding race in America. My prayer for us as a congregation is not that we would change who we are, but that we would support and love our brothers and sisters in Christ of all languages, nationalities, and race. Let’s bring our brothers to Jesus.
Lord, we ask for your wisdom, for your strength and power to be constantly present within us. We pray you make us strong and courageous for the road ahead. Forgive us for apathy and neglecting to love and protect our brothers and sisters of every language, race, and nationality. Give us ability beyond what we feel able, let your gifts flow freely through us, so that you would be honored by our lives, and others would be drawn to you. In Jesus Name, Amen. (A prayer by Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.)
