Second Week of Epiphany

Listen. Epiphany means to “reveal” and during this season of Epiphany we learn Jesus’ true identity from events in his life. John the Baptist is an important prophet during Epiphany because he has much to tell us about Jesus. His whole baptizing mission is to reveal Jesus to Israel.

Read John 1:29-35.

• What does John have to tell us about Jesus?
• Who is he?
• What has he come to do?

It is one thing to know who Jesus is, it is another thing to respond to him. The demons knew Jesus’ identity, and yet they did not bow the knee to the King. In John 1:35-40, Andrew models for us what it looks like to respond to the coming of Jesus the Son of God and the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world.

• What two things does Andrew do when he discovers Jesus’ true identity?

Respond. Give some thought to Andrew’s response to Jesus. How can you walk in Andrew’s shoes? For Andrew, following Jesus meant physically following Jesus for three years. Considering that Jesus is not physically present with us on earth, what does it look like for you to follow Jesus? What will you do? What will you not do? Be personal and specific as you respond to these questions. 

Share. When did Andrew invite someone close to him to follow Jesus? Was it not the “first thing” he did after he began following Jesus? Who will you invite to follow Jesus with you? 

Try starting with praying for your five. Pray and ask God to lead you to five people in your life. Resolve to pray for them daily, that God will work through the circumstances of their lives so that they are open to following Jesus. Second, pray that God gives you opportunities to invite them to follow Jesus with you.