How does John 1:40 connect with Matthew 4:18-20 about discipleship? The Setting: Two Snapshots of the Same Brothers • John 1:40 shows Andrew quietly turning toward Jesus at the Jordan. • Matthew 4:18-20 pictures Andrew and Peter dropping their nets on the Galilee shoreline. • Same men, same Lord, two moments—one plants the seed, the other bears decisive fruit. John 1:40 – The Seed of Discipleship Planted “Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother, was one of the two who heard John’s testimony and followed Jesus.” • Andrew hears John the Baptist proclaim, “Look, the Lamb of God!” (John 1:36). • He literally starts walking behind Jesus—simple, immediate, personal. • A private question-and-answer time (John 1:38-39) cements a relationship. • Andrew’s first instinct is evangelistic: he finds his brother and says, “We have found the Messiah” (John 1:41). • Discipleship begins with receptive hearts responding to revealed truth. Matthew 4:18-20 – The Call Fully Embraced “As Jesus was walking by the Sea of Galilee, He saw two brothers, Simon called Peter and his brother Andrew. They were casting a net into the sea, for they were fishermen. ‘Come, follow Me,’ Jesus said, ‘and I will make you fishers of men.’ And at once they left their nets and followed Him.” • Months later, the same Jesus comes to their workplace. • The call shifts from “Come and see” (John 1:39) to “Come, follow Me.” • Immediate obedience—“at once they left their nets”—shows the seed has taken root. • Their vocation is redefined: from catching fish to catching souls. How the Passages Interlock • Chronology: John 1 precedes Matthew 4; the first encounter explains the speed of their later surrender. • Relationship: Andrew’s earlier witness to Peter sets up Peter’s readiness (John 1:41-42). • Continuity: Jesus consistently takes initiative; the brothers consistently respond in faith. • Progression: initial curiosity → growing conviction → total commitment. Key Discipleship Principles • God initiates: Jesus seeks and calls (John 15:16). • Personal response matters: hearing truth must become following a Person (James 1:22). • Evangelism is organic: Andrew models sharing Christ within his own circle first (Acts 1:8). • Obedience is costly yet rewarding: leaving nets, boats, and livelihoods for a greater mission (Luke 14:33). • Purpose is transformed: “fishers of men” signals a life now centered on kingdom impact (2 Corinthians 5:20). Living the Connection Today • Listen for Jesus in the testimony of faithful witnesses—then act. • Move from acquaintance with Christ to wholehearted allegiance. • Share Christ naturally with family and friends, just like Andrew. • Release whatever “nets” keep hands too full to follow. • Trust that the One who calls equips, shaping ordinary work into eternal influence. |
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