The Revelation Of Jesus,The Son Of God

B. Revelation 2: Jesus Is Supreme Over God's House,2:12-22

^{Lesson Scriptures:
12}After this he went down to Capernaum, he, and his mother, and his brethren, and his disciples: and they continued there not many days.
   ¹³And the Jews' passover was at hand, and Jesus went up to Jerusalem.
   ¹⁴And found in the temple those that sold oxen and sheep and doves, and the changers of money sitting:
   ¹⁵And when he had made a scourge of small cords, he drove them all out of the temple, and the sheep, and the oxen; and poured out the changers' money, and overthrew the tables;
   ¹⁶And said unto them that sold doves, Take these things hence; make not my Father's house an house of merchandise.
   ¹⁷And his disciples remembered that it was written, The zeal of thine house hath eaten me up.
   ¹⁸Then answered the Jews and said unto him, What sign shewest thou unto us, seeing that thou doest these things?
   ¹⁹Jesus answered and said unto them, Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up.
   ²⁰Then said the Jews, Forty and six years was this temple in building, and wilt thou rear it up in three days?
   ²¹But he spake of the temple of his body.
   ²²When therefore he was risen from the dead, his disciples remembered that he had said this unto them; and they believed the scripture, and the word which Jesus had said.

(2:12-22) Introduction:Jesus Christ has suremacy over God's house,that is, over the temple or church. He alone has the right to rule over God's house.
   1)Jesus left Cana (vv.12-13)
   2)His discovery of evil in the temple(v14)
   3)His right to cleanse the temple(vv15-17)
   4)His power to erect a new temple(vv18-22)

[1] (2:12-13) Jesus left Cana. He went down to capernaum and stayed there for just a brief time.Then  He left for Jerusalem to attend the passover Feast.
[2] (2:14) Jesus discovered evil in the temple. Note two facts.
    a. He entered the temple

   b. He found the temple being desecrated.It was the Court of the Gentile where so much of the  commercialism took place.There was a regular commercial market place within its walls.How did a commercial market ever get into the temple of God?Very simply,greed.Worshippers needed animals and other things for their sacrifices and offerings,while Pilgrims from foreign nations needed money exchanged.at some point the priest though had decided to take advantage of the market themselves instead of letting retailers on the outside reap all the profits.The priest began to set up booths within the courts of the Gentiles and to lease space to outside retailers,which for the most part were their family members.can you imagine thousands of animals with their various noises and smells and waste within the temple of God?And for what ,so a few can abuse the worship center for the gain of money?It is no wonder why Jesus did what He did.He could do no other wise for He is the Son of God,and they were defiling His Fathers House.There was no hope of worship within the court of the Gentiles.Prayer and worship were impossible.

[3] (2:15-17) Jesus' right to cleanse the temple. Three points show His right.

    a.The scourge of cords. Ths was a symbol of His righteous anger,of His right to be obeyed,of His right to enforce obedience within the temple.The scourge was a symbol of the power and cleansing judgment of God,the kind of power and cleansing judgment that causes men to tremble before God.He ran through the temple doing three things(a) He chased out all who were buying and selling;(b)He threw over the tables of the money changers; and(c)He threw over the chairs of the dove dealers.

Thought 1.The temple(church) can be abused by...

* Forgetting what worship is all about

* Misusing the facilities and buildings of God's house

* Ignoring God's holiness and forgetting ones duty to reverence God.

* allowing questionable,non-worshipful activities

  b. Jesus' unique relationship to God.He called God "My Father" and the temple "My Father's house".

Jesus was saying the temple was God's therefore,it was to be a house of worship for all people.The temple is called the house of worship not the house of sacrifice,offerings teachings,prophecy, or preaching.Everything done in the House of God is to lead to the worship of the Father and communion with the Father.It is not to be used as a commercial center.It is not a place of buying and selling.It is not to be profaned.It is to be a place of sancity,refined and purified by God himself.
[4] (2:18-21) Temple-Church,The death of Jesus predicted;Jesus power to erect a new temple,His authority was questioned by the religionist.They wanted to know what right did He have to do what He was doing.The proof that He was the Son of God with authority over the house of God ws to be given.The sign was to be His body,His death and resurrection.The resurrection was to be the supreme proof of who He is.They were to destroy Him( kill Him) but He would raise from the dead after three days.His death and resurrection was to provide a new temple,a meeting place for God and man.It would be in Him that man would thereafter meet God.The temple of His body was to become the temple of men,the temple whereby men would worship and be reconciled to God.
Conclusion:Cleanse your temple of all that might hinder a true worship experience with the Lord.empty it of all malice,envy,greed, and self-righteousness, and allow the peace of the Lord to abode in your temple that you might dwell in the temple of the Lord forever........ 

The Revelation Of Jesus,The Son Of God

A. Revelation 1: Creative Power, John 2:1-11

John 2

   ¹And the third day there was a marriage in Cana of Galilee; and the mother of Jesus was there:
   ²And both Jesus was called, and his disciples, to the marriage.
   ³And when they wanted wine, the mother of Jesus saith unto him, They have no wine.
   ⁴Jesus saith unto her, Woman, what have I to do with thee? mine hour is not yet come.
   ⁵His mother saith unto the servants, Whatsoever he saith unto you, do it.
   ⁶And there were set there six waterpots of stone, after the manner of the purifying of the Jews, containing two or three firkins apiece.
   ⁷Jesus saith unto them, Fill the waterpots with water. And they filled them up to the brim.
   ⁸And he saith unto them, Draw out now, and bear unto the governor of the feast. And they bare it.
   ⁹When the ruler of the feast had tasted the water that was made wine, and knew not whence it was: (but the servants which drew the water knew;) the governor of the feast called the bridegroom,
   ¹⁰And saith unto him, Every man at the beginning doth set forth good wine; and when men have well drunk, then that which is worse: but thou hast kept the good wine until now.
   ¹¹This beginning of miracles did Jesus in Cana of Galilee, and manifested forth his glory; and his disciples believed on him.
Introduction:this was the first miracle Jesus performed.It demonstrated His very purpose for coming to earth:to reveal the creative power of God.He had the power to create and produce what was needed to meet man's need.
1. The setting: a wedding in Cana of Galilee (vss.1-2)
2. The concern of Jesus' creative power (vss.3-5)
3.The revelation of Jesus' creative power (vss.6-8)
4. The result of Jesus' creative power (vss.9-11)

[1] (2:1-2) Jesus Christ,Family -Marriage: there was a marriage in Cana of Galilee.
    a. The marriage took place on the third day after Jesus came into Galilee, or two days after Nathanael's encounter with Jesus.
    b. Mary, the mother of Jesus was there.
    c. Jesus and His disciples attended the wedding.Marriage was a joyful,happy time,a festive occasion     and it was one of the largest social events in a community.This tells us two things about Jesus.
       1) Jesus was a sociable person:He liked people and people liked Him.He enjoyed the company of people; He was not anti-social.
       2) Jesus honored marriage. He demonstrated His approval and honor in two ways;by attending the marriage feast and by meeting the urgent need of the bridegroom.
[2] (2:3-5) Jesus Christ,Hour of social Concerns, Needs:the concern of Jesus' creative power. The need that arose was extremely serious,for the wine was already gone and the celebration had just begun.There was a whole week of celebration yet to go.The couple was to have open house and to provide wine and refreshments for the week.What were they to do? Mary, naturally,was concerned about the matter,but note the point.Mary's concern was a social concern,a concern for seeing that the needs of the social group were met.Jesus' deeper concern: to meet man's spiritual need for regeneration
Jesus was always focused upon His purpose for coming to earth:to face His hour,to die for man's salvation.
[3] (2:6-8) Cleansing- Conversion:the revelation of Jesus' creative power.Note three things.
     a. The six waterpots were used both for drinking water and for the purifying and cleansing of the Jews, that is, the ceremonial and religious cleansing of the hands and utensils.Jesus used the waterpots to show that He had the power....to purify,cleanse,and satisfy men, and to create and produce whatever was necessary to cleanse and satisfy men.
     b. Jesus had come to meet man's need for spiritual purification and inner cleansing,and He was to do it through His Hour(the cross).Here He seized the opporunity to reveal His creative power,His power to create man anew.
Thought 1. We either believe Christ is the Messiah or not.We either believe He has the power to create anew or not.Jesus simply instructed that the preparations be made,and when He was obeyed, everyone experienced His creative power.We must obey Christ's instructions if we wish to be cleansed and created spiritually.Changed from the inside out.
[4] (2:9-11) Jesus Christ,Power; Results:the results were three fold.
    a. The bridegrooms needs were met. What he needed was supplied.
    b. Christ's glory was revealed. His power to create anew was demonstrated.
    c. The faith of the disciples was strengthened. They "believed on Him" even more.He had given evidence that He was the Messiah.

Chapter 1 wrap up:The witness to the revelation of Jesus Christ

A) Jesus the Living Word: The first witness of John the Apostle, 1:1-5

Christ is eternal.Note three profound statements made about Christ, the Word.Christ was preexistent. This means He was there before creation.He always existed." In the beginning" does not mean from the beginning.Jesus Christ was already there.He did not become;He was not created;He never had a beginning.He "was in the beginning with God".The testimony of John was that Jesus Christ was the word, the one who always existed. He is the Son of the living God.Christ was coexistent.He was and is face-to -face with God forever.Jesus Christ (the Word) was both with God and acting with God. He was "with God" : by God's side, acting, living,and moving in the closest of relationships.John did not say that "the Word"was the God. He says "the Word" was God. John was saying that "the Word,"  Jesus Christ.Is the very nature and character of God the Father; Christ is the creator.Christ was the one who created all things- one by one.Among the God head, He was the active Agent,the person who made all things.Creation was his function and work.(see col.1:16)Christ is life Christ is the source of light. "The Life [Christ] was the light of men" From the very beginning man was to know that life,to know God personally and intimately.Christ is the answer to darkness.Christ life did shine in the darkness. Since man had brought darkness into the world(by sin)the life of Christ was the light of man,the beam that showed man the way ,truth, and the life.He show man the way God intended for him to live. He showed man the truth of life, that is the truth about God and man and the truth about the world of man. Christ showed man the life, that is how to save his life and avoid the things that can cause him to stumble and lose his life.

Jesus the Light of the World :The special witness of John the Baptist (John 1:6-8)The man ,however,was "sent from God",and he was sent on a very special mission.We to who have been called of God out of the darkness into his marvelous light,are also sent on a special mission.We too are to bear witness to the light.We were saved to go tell others about the saving power of Jesus Christ.A man with a mission,he came to bear witness of the Light.He was sent with a very specific message,and that message was to proclaim the Light,Christ Himself.The servant of God is not left to come up with his/her own message.He does not depend on his own reasoning,thoughts or ideals. His message is Christ the light of the world. God's only message to a dying world.The servant of God has one primary purpose: to lead men to believe in Christ Jesus,the Light of the world.His purpose is to lead men to believe in Christ Jesus.Everything else is method not purpose.Men have too often confused purpose with method,and the result has been that millions haven't been reached,thousands are being decieved by confusing methods of religion with the purpose of God:which is the salvation of man through the belief in his Son.
Jesus the light of men: The second witness of John the Apostle (1:9-13)

Jesus Christ,Light; Mission: Christ was the true light."other men may claim to be lights, claiming they can lead men to the truth.Some may claim they can reveal God and his truths to men. They may claim to be able to show the nature,meaning,and destinity of other things.To guide men out of darkness of sin,shame, doubt,despair,to be able to eliminate the darkness entirely.Christ was tragically rejected by the world.Christ was in the world,he had made the world, and He loved and cared deeply for the world;therefore, He was actively working to help the world and its people from the very beginning.Christ gave the light of order,and purpose,he gave the light of living to a dark world yet the world would not receive the light.Christ was wonderfully received by some persons.Not everyone rejected Christ,most did,but few received Him.How men receive Christ,"they believe on His name".The result of receiving Christ, A person is given the power to become a son of God.When a person receives Christ as Lord,Christ gives that person the power to become something he is not,A child of God.This is a result of a new birth,not of flesh and blood or the will of man,but a spiritual birth that can only come from God.

Jesus the word made flesh:The third Witness of John the Apostle, 1:14-18
Jesus Christ,Incarnation: Christ became flesh.The incarnation did take place.The Son of God was actually made flesh.He came to earth in the person of Jesus Christ. There is no doubt about John's meaning here.The word flesh(sarx) is the same word that Paul used to describe man' nature with all of it's weakness and tendency to sin.Jesus His living word, our revelation as to th ewill and purpose of God.Even though he was wrapped in the flesh of man ,he was still God's word,and he died in the flesh that we might be able to live in the spirit.

Jesus the Messiah,the Lord:The Witness of John the Baptist,1:19-28

The witness of John the Baptist is a dynamic example for every servant of God.John was questioned by the religionist who were very suspicious of him.These were fact finders sent from Jersalem.Too often we are suspicious of and question those who seem different from us.Many times those who are serious about there walk with the Lord, are often challenged by those who have there own agenda's.You will find the closer one gets to the Lord,the more opposition he is met with by others who claim the same faith.The messenger was a man who knew who he was. Others questioned who he was ,but not John.He knew God had sent him into the world with a specific ministry.He was from God, and commissioned by God, therefore,He knew exactly who he was and what he was doing.
Jesus the Lamb of God,the Son of God:The Third Witness of John the Baptist,1:29-34
John's witness about Jesus Christ is one of the greatest witnesses ever given by man.John was unmistakable in his proclamation of the Lord Jesus Christ (Luke 4:18-19).Jesus Christ,Lamb of God:Jesus Christ  is the Lamb of God.The Lamb is a picture of Christ our passover who was sacrificed for us."For even Christ our passover is sacrificed for us"1cor.5:7

Jesus the Messiah, the Christ:The Witness Of Andrew, 1:35-42The experience of Andrew,his experience was simple,somewhat like that of many of us who come to the knowledge of Christ.Andrew stood where preaching was John had been holding his campaign around the Jordan.Andrew,who had an ache for the word of God,had become interested in what was happening, had attended the meetings,and became a follower of this preacher of righteousness.The point to see is that Andrew hungered for righteousness;therefore, he availed himself of the opportunity to hear preaching.He "stood" right in the midst of preaching.He was there to hear the Messiah proclaimed. Andrew "heard him (the preacher) speak, and faith comes by hearing.

Jesus the One Prophesied:The Witness of Philip, 1:43-45
Jesus Himself went forth and sought Philip,Philip was not seeking Jesus.The initiative came from Jesus entirely.Jesus made a move to find and save Philip and to enlist Philip in His mission.Every person must heed the seeking of Christ when they feel Him seeking them.The person must respond immediately, for God spirit does not always strive with man.We must respond when we feel the pull of the Lord on our hearts other wise the feeling leaves.Every believer should be willing to go any distance to reach people,no matter how far or how deeply depraved the person may be.To many whom Jesus died for are considered "untouchable": the alcoholic, drug addict, immoral,poor, prisoner, lowly and diseased.
Jesus the Son of God, The King of Israel: The Witness of Nathanael, 1:46-49Nathanael's confrontaion with Jesus was dramatic.Nathanael was a man of prejudice and strong feelings,yet he knew despair and hopeless;therefore,he was difficult to lead to Christ.However, despite all, his freind Phillip persisted and refused to give up in witnessing to him.As a result, Nathanael was won to Christ.No matter what the sin is, we must still go and invite men to "come and see" Jesus. Because phillip went to  his dear friend,Nathanael did come to Jesus,despite his despair and prejudice.
Think what Nathanael would have missed if he would had let his prejudices keep him from Jesus, or allowed his wallowing in despair keep him from coming to Jesus.The way to lead a man to Christ is not by argument,but by confronting him with Christ.

Jesus the Son Of Man,God's Mediator:The Witness of Jesus Himself;  John 1:50-51
Jesus Christ is the mediator between God and man.This is seen in the picture Jesus painted by the words," ye shall see Heaven open,and the angels of God ascending and descending upon the Son of man. Man can approach God and enter heaven through Christ (Jn14:6). the gulf of loneliness and the alienation which man knows have been bridged.Man has access to God only through Jesus and man can have constant communication with God.Jesus is the Son of Man.this does not mean that Jesus was born of a man.It means that  He is more than what an ordinary man is, more than a son of some man.Jesus is what every man ought to be,the Son of man Himslf. Jesus Christ is the Ideal Man: the perfect man,the pattern ,the embodiment of everything a man ought to be.Jesus is the perfect picture of a man.everything God wants a man to be is seen perfectly in Jesus Christ. Jesus Christ is the Ideal Servant of man.The term Ideal servant stresses Jesus' symphathy for the poor, the broken-hearted,the captives, the blind,the brusied,the outcasts and the bereaved.Jesus is the model, the pattern of concern and caring.He served other people like every man should serve other people.

  

The Witness To The Revelation Of Jesus Christ

Jesus the Son Of Man,God's Mediator:The Witness of Jesus Himself;  John 1:50-51


John 1:50-51:(1:50-51) Introduction: Jesus bore witness to Himself.He clearly declared who He is.
   ⁵⁰Jesus answered and said unto him, Because I said unto thee, I saw thee under the fig tree, believest thou? thou shalt see greater things than these.
   ⁵¹And he saith unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Hereafter ye shall see heaven open, and the angels of God ascending and descending upon the Son of man.


1.The response of Jesus to Nathanael(see vv 46-49).
2.Jesus is the revelation of God:the One who reveals greater things(v50).
3.Jesus is the mediator:the One who opens the doors to Heaven(v51).
4.Jesus is the Son of Man:the pattern,the perfect representative of man (v51).

[1] (1:50)Nathanael:Nathanael's experience with Jesus(v44-49) was the background for what Jesus said in this passage.
[2] (1:50) Jesus Christ,Revelation of God:Jesus Christ is the revelation of God,the One who reveals greater things.
****Note two points:
A)It was belief in Jesus that brought greater things into Nathanael's life.Nathanael believed Jesus therefore,he could expect to receive greater things,to receive more and more from God.
Matthew 17:20:   ²⁰And Jesus said unto them, Because of your unbelief: for verily I say unto you, If ye have faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye shall say unto this mountain, Remove hence to yonder place; and it shall remove; and nothing shall be impossible unto you.
Mark 9:23:   ²³Jesus said unto him, If thou canst believe, all things are possible to him that believeth.
John 10:10:
   ¹⁰The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.
Ephesians 3:17-19:
   ¹⁷That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that ye, being rooted and grounded in love,
   ¹⁸May be able to comprehend with all saints what is the breadth, and length, and depth, and height;
   ¹⁹And to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fulness of God.
B) It is Jesus Himself who is the revelation of God; therefore,it is Jesus who reveals the "greater things" of life.
     1) Jesus is the embodiment of revelation.
John 1:¹In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.
   ²The same was in the beginning with God.
John 14:⁶Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.
Colossians 2:⁹For in him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily.
  2) Jesus Christ is the communicator of revelation.
John 1:¹In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.
   ²The same was in the beginning with God.
   ³All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made.
   ⁴In him was life; and the life was the light of men
John 14  ⁹Jesus saith unto him, Have I been so long time with you, and yet hast thou not known me, Philip? he that hath seen me hath seen the Father; and how sayest thou then, Show us the Father?  ¹⁰Believest thou not that I am in the Father, and the Father in me? the words that I speak unto you I speak not of myself: but the Father that dwelleth in me, he doeth the works.
    3) Jesus Christ is the liberator of revelation.
John 8:³¹Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on him, If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed; ³²And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.
John 10:¹⁰The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.

[3] (1:51) Jesus Christ ,Mediator: Jesus Christ is the mediator between God and man.This is seen in the picture Jesus painted by the words," ye shall see Heaven open,and the angels of God ascending and descending upon the Son of man.(v51).
Thought 1.
Man can approach God and enter heaven through Christ (Jn14:6). the gulf of loneliness and the alienation which man knows have been bridged.
2) man has access to God only through Jesus(John 14:6)
3) man can have constant communication with God.
[4] (1-51) Jesus Christ,Son Of Man. Jesus is the Son of Man.this does not mean that Jesus was born of a man.It means that  He is more than what an ordinary man is, more than a son of some man.Jesus is what every man ought to be,the Son of man Himslf.
a) Jesus Christ is the Ideal Man: the perfect man,the pattern ,the embodiment of everything a man ought to be.Jesus is the perfect picture of a man.everything God wants a man to be is seen perfectly in Jesus Christ.
b) Jesus Christ is the Ideal Servant of man.The term Ideal servant stresses Jesus' symphathy for the poor, the broken-hearted,the captives, the blind,the brusied,the outcasts and the bereaved.Jesus is the model, the pattern of concern and caring.He served other people like every man should serve other people.
 Matthew 8:²⁰And Jesus saith unto him, The foxes have holes, and the birds of the air have nests; but the Son of man hath not where to lay his head.
Matthew 9:⁶But that ye may know that the Son of man hath power on earth to forgive sins, (then saith he to the sick of the palsy,) Arise, take up thy bed, and go unto thine house.
Matthew 20:²⁸Even as the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many.
Matthew 24:²⁷For as the lightning cometh out of the east, and shineth even unto the west; so shall also the coming of the Son of man be.
Mark 8:³⁸Whosoever therefore shall be ashamed of me and of my words in this adulterous and sinful generation; of him also shall the Son of man be ashamed, when he cometh in the glory of his Father with the holy angels.

---

---

The Witness To The Revelation of Jesus Christ

Jesus the Son of God, The King of Israel: The Witness of Nathanael, 1:46-49

   ⁴⁶And Nathanael said unto him, Can there any good thing come out of Nazareth? Philip saith unto him, Come and see.
   ⁴⁷Jesus saw Nathanael coming to him, and saith of him, Behold an Israelite indeed, in whom is no guile!
   ⁴⁸Nathanael saith unto him, Whence knowest thou me? Jesus answered and said unto him, Before that Philip called thee, when thou wast under the fig tree, I saw thee.
   ⁴⁹Nathanael answered and saith unto him, Rabbi, thou art the Son of God; thou art the King of Israel.

Introduction:Nathanael's confrontaion with Jesus was dramatic.Nathanael was a man of prejudice and strong feelings,yet he knew despair and hopeless;therefore,he was difficult to lead to Christ.However, despite all, his freind Phillip persisted and refused to give up in witnessing to him.As a result, Nathanael was won to Christ.

[1] (1:46) Nathanael, Prejudice,Witnessing: Nathanael's experience.Note three facts.
    a) It was Nathanael's close friend Phillip who shared the good news with him(jn.1:45). He had the
privilege of hearing the gospel from someone who cared for him very deeply.He was so loved by Phillip that he was the first one with whom Phillip shared the most important experience of his life.
    b) Nathanael was a man gripped by despair and predjudice.
        1) The despair is seen in his response to phillip.He rejected Phillip's testimony and did it in a negative,skeptical,reactionary spirit:"Can there any good thing come out of Nazareth?" He struck out at  what Phillip had said.He questioned it;he would not accept it nor believe it. There was a sense of hopelessness,of despair and skepticism in his question.
Thought 1 So many voices in the world  promise the path to life and fulfilment and joy and satisfaction.
However their claims are soon discovered to be false,and they still leave the human heart empty and wondering.
Job 10¹My soul is weary of my life; I will leave my complaint upon myself; I will speak in the bitterness of my soul.Psalm 31:10:¹⁰For my life is spent with grief, and my years with sighing: my strength faileth because of mine iniquity, and my bones are consumed.
Jeremiah 2:25: ²⁵Withhold thy foot from being unshod, and thy throat from thirst: but thou saidst, There is no hope: no; for I have loved strangers, and after them will I go.
1 Thessalonians 4:13:¹³But I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them which are asleep, that ye sorrow not, even as others which have no hope.
Ephesians 2:12:¹²That at that time ye were without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope, and without God in the world:

2) The prejudice of Nathanael is seen in his slur against Jesus because Jesus was from Nazareth. Nathanael was apparently a crowd-follower.He had allowed himself to be influenced by the world's foolish prejudices.Prejudice is a great failing;it disregards the wrong within oneself and with one's own place.It overlooks personal wrongs, shortcomings,weaknesses, and error.

   c) Nathanael was still invited to follow Jesus.His sin, despair,and prejudice did not discourage or keep Phillip from inviting his friend and neighbor to "come and see" Jesus.Note also, Phillip did not argue with Nathanael.He simply confronted him with Jesus.

Thought 2. Note three trhings.
1) No matter what the sin is, we must still go and invite men to "come and see" Jesus. Because phillip went to  his dear friend,Nathanael did come to Jesus,despite his despair and prejudice.
2)Think what Nathanael would have missed if he would had let his prejudices keep him from Jesus, or allowed his wallowing in despair keep him from coming to Jesus.
3)The way to lead a man to Christ is not by argument,but by confronting him with Christ.
Acts 4:20:²⁰For we cannot but speak the things which we have seen and heard.
Titus 2:15:¹⁵These things speak, and exhort, and rebuke with all authority. Let no man despise thee.
Psalm 66:16:¹⁶Come and hear, all ye that fear God, and I will declare what he hath done for my soul.
[2] (1:47-48) Guilelessness-Jesus Christ,Knowledge-Sin, Exposed: Nathanael's confrontation. Two very significant things happened in Nathanael's confrontation with Jesus.
a) Jesus knew Nathanael,his beliefs and character.

    1) Jesus knew his beliefs. This is seen in Jesus calling Nathanael an "Israelite indeed."He believed the promises of God.He tried to live up to the covenant name, the standard God had set for Israel,and he was looking for that blessed hope and glorious appearing of the Messiah.

Christ knows the beliefs of all men,that upon which the man has set his heart.He knows both the good and bad beliefs,both the godly and the evil thoughts of the human heart.
John 2:25:²⁵And needed not that any should testify of man: for he knew what was in man.

1 John 3:20:²⁰For if our heart condemn us, God is greater than our heart, and knoweth all things.
Jeremiah 17:10:¹⁰I the LORD search the heart, I try the reins, even to give every man according to his ways, and according to the fruit of his doings.

    2) Jesus knew Nathanael's Character.He was a man without guile.This means he did not deceive, bait, or mislead people.He did not hide what he thought; he said what he thought and acted what he felt. He was straight forward,open and honest, not deceptive or hypocritical.This trait was shown to Phillip as he did not hide his true thoughts.

Many people deceive,bait and mislead others.Few are straight forward, open and honest,free of deception and hypocrisy.

  b) Jesus knew Nathanael's innermost being,all things about him.Jesus knows everything about every man.Nothing escapes His watchful eye,not even a single thought.This offers great hope to all who will cast themselves upon Christ.Christ can help them by meeting their needs and giving them purpose and direction.This is also a great warning to those who goes merrily on their way,thinking his sins is hid and he will not be judged.

(Luke 12:2:)²For there is nothing covered, that shall not be revealed; neither hid, that shall not be known.(Jeremiah 2:22:)²²For though thou wash thee with nitre, and take thee much soap, yet thine iniquity is marked before me, saith the Lord GOD.(Hosea 7:2:)²And they consider not in their hearts that I remember all their wickedness: now their own doings have beset them about; they are before my face.

[3] (1:49) Confession-Decision:Nathanael's conviction,He confessed that Jesus was the Rabbi(Prophet), the son of God, the King of Israel. Note two things
   a) How readily Nathanael confessed Jesus as his Lord.
   b) How clearly Nathanael grasped who Jesus was.
*********** Don't let the actions of a non-believer keep you from sharing the good news of salvation with him..................................

The Witness to the Revelation of Jesus Christ

 Jesus the One Prophesied:The Witness of Philip, 1:43-45

 ⁴³The day following Jesus would go forth into Galilee, and findeth Philip, and saith unto him, Follow me.
 ⁴⁴Now Philip was of Bethsaida, the city of Andrew and Peter.
 ⁴⁵Philip findeth Nathanael, and saith unto him, We have found him, of whom Moses in the law, and the prophets, did write, Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph.
Introduction:Philip's discovery and witness of Jesus Christ was unmistakable.Jesus was the One prophesied in scripture: He was the promised Messiah.

[1] (1:43-45) Salvation-Discipleship-Jesus Christ,Seeking Man:Philip's experience involved three signifacant points.
   a. Jesus Himself went forth and sought Philip,Philip was not seeking Jesus.The initiative came from Jesus entirely.Jesus made a move to find and save Philip and to enlist Philip in His mission.
  1) Jesus traveled a long distance to find Philip.Galilee was a long distance away, and note the stated purpose for Jesus going to Galilee was to find Philip.This is a picture of how far Christ will go to reach a soul.To reach a man ,Christ will go any distance..........
    . to any sin,no matter how terrible or awful.He will prick and prick at the mind and heart of a person.
    . to any place,no matter how hidden or shameful He will send a thought or memory or person of righteousness to remind and warn a person.
    . to any condition,no matter how hopeless or helpless.He will see that the message of hope and help crosses a person's path.
    . to any person,no matter how shameful or guilty.He will see that a person hears the word of salvation if he repents; and hears the word of judgment if he does not repent.
Christ will go any distance to reach people.He will go any place,to any condition,to any person.He will see that every person has some chance of turning to God.The word of delieverance can come from any number of people or sources.Christ seeks every person and will g any distance to reach them, no matter the difficulty.
*** Every person must heed the seeking of Christ when they feel Him seeking them.The person must respond immediately,for God spirit does not always strive with man.We must respond when we feel
the pull of the Lord on our hearts other wise the feeling leaves.
*** Every believer should be willing to go any distance to reach people,no matter how far or how deeply depraved the person may be.To many whom Jesus died for are considered "untouchable": the alcoholic, drug addict,immoral,poor,prisoner,lowly and diseased.
2) Jesus is seen fulfilling His misson in seeking and saving Philip.He came into the world for the purpose of seeking and saving that which was lost. Jesus Himself called Philip,He called Philip to follow Him.Philip was called by Jesus because.....
  1. he had done something about the longing and aching for delieverance within his soul.( the statement in vs.45 suggest they were seeking salvation)
  2. he had sought the fellowship of those who were seeking for God"s salvation.
  3. he had placed himself where the message would reach him when it came.

[2] (1:45) Witnessing:Philip's first concern was to reach his friend Nathanael.Philip "findeth" Nathanael.Jesus had challenged Philip to follow Him,to become just like Him,and Philip did.He went out and did exactly what Jesus had done to him.Jesus sought and found Him.Now following the example of his Lord,He went out and found his friend Nathanael.Philip became a personal soul-winner just like his Lord.
[3] (1:45) Conviction-Decision:Philip's conviction- the one prophesied was Jesus Christ."We have found Him,of whom Moses in the law, and the prophets,did write,Jesus of Nazareth,the son of Joseph." Note four points.1) Philip was extremely joyful."We have found him".There was jubilation,excitement and rejoicing beating in the chest of Philip. Jesus had met the needs of his craving heart(we should all rejoice when we find the Lord).2)God's eternal plan for man and his world is recorded in scripture.It is there for man's direction. 3)Philip and Nathanael knew the scripture.They were familar with the prophesis of the promised Messiah. 4) Jesus of Nazareth was definitely identified as the Messiah.

Footnote: There is nothing that will keep Christ from seeking out to save that which is lost, but we each must make the conscience desicion as to follow Him. It has to be one of commitment and of obedience. We should also look to lead our family and friends to the salvation of the Lord with great rejoicing when we have found Him.He is worthy..........

The Witnesses To The Revelation of Jesus Christ

  Jesus the Messiah, the Christ:The Witness Of Andrew, 1:35-42

 ³⁵Again the next day after John stood, and two of his disciples;
   ³⁶And looking upon Jesus as he walked, he saith, Behold the Lamb of God!
   ³⁷And the two disciples heard him speak, and they followed Jesus.
   ³⁸Then Jesus turned, and saw them following, and saith unto them, What seek ye? They said unto him, Rabbi, (which is to say, being interpreted, Master,) where dwellest thou?
   ³⁹He saith unto them, Come and see. They came and saw where he dwelt, and abode with him that day: for it was about the tenth hour.
   ⁴⁰One of the two which heard John speak, and followed him, was Andrew, Simon Peter's brother.
   ⁴¹He first findeth his own brother Simon, and saith unto him, We have found the Messias, which is, being interpreted, the Christ.
   ⁴²And he brought him to Jesus. And when Jesus beheld him, he said, Thou art Simon the son of Jona: thou shalt be called Cephas, which is by interpretation, A stone.
Introduction: Here we have Andrew's discovery of Jesus.He discovered Jesus was the Messiah,the Christ.

 [1] (1:35-37) Andrew:there was his experience,his experience was simple,somewhat like that of many of us who come to the knowledge of Christ.Andrew stood where preaching was(vs.35) John had been holding his campaign around the Jordan.Andrew,who had an ache for the word of God,had become interested in what was happening and had attended the meetings,and at some poit became a follower of this preacher of righteousness.The point to see is that Andrew hungered for righteousness;therefore, he availed himself of the opportunity to hear preaching.He "stood" right in the midst of preaching.He was there to hear the Messiah proclaimed.Andrew "heard him (the preacher) speak." He was listening to the message,not allowing his mind to ramble elsewhere.He was alert and awake; therefore,when the announcement of the Messiah came, he was ready.Note also the message:"Behold the lamb of God".It was the message of the Messiah's sacrificial death.Andrew then followed Jesus.The word followed (ekolouthesan) is in the greek aorist tense,meaning a once and for all act.Andrew was turning to Jesus, ready to make a commitment to him.He wanted to become a disciple of Jesus.

These same 3 steps must be taken by each of us:
  1) We must stand where the word,Christ himself is preached.Hunger and thirst for the word.
  2) We must hear the word; the announcement,the lamb of God who taketh away the sins of the world
  3) We must follow Jesus.

[2] (1:38-39) Andrew seeking Christ, Invitation:There was Andrew's critical hour.This is the most graphic picture;it shows the great eagerness of Jesus to reach men.Jesus longs for men to come to him, and He longs to reach out to help them in their coming.Note: Jesus was walking some distance away and Andrew and his friends were following behind Jesus.Jesus did three things that shows His great eagerness.(1) Jesus turned to face them.This is a clear showing of His open arms,His willingness, and His eagerness for them to join Him.(2) He asked a basic question "what seek ye", they asked where He lived,they wanted to join Him in the quiet of His home.They wanted Him to meet the crying need of their hearts and to do such in the quiet confines of His dwelling.(3) Jesus extended the invitation: He said "come and see".The invitation was immediate,they were invited to Jesus while they sensed their need.

[3] (1:39-40) Decision:there was Andrew's great decision.He came and saw and remained with Jesus. Andrew came to Jesus,he accepted the invitation.Andrew and his friends took Jesus at His word" Ye shall see",this word was a promise that if they followed Him they would see and learn the truth of life. They received of Him and He met their needs.

[4] (1:41) Witnessing-Family:Andrews first concern was his brother Peter.As quickly as he could, as soon as he met Jesus for himself,Andrew rushed to find and tell his brother Peter.There was conviction "We have found the Messiah",Andrew was a great witness, he was always seen bringing someone to Jesus(John 6:8,-12:22).

[5] (1:42) Bearing fruit:Andrew's witness bore fruit,Simon was reached for Jesus and reaped. Andrew saw his brother Simon come to Jesus.We too, who have come to know Christ as our personal savior, should also bring our families that they too might be reaped of the Lord.Let ur life also bear fruit and fruit that will last.