"IN THE SHADOWS: A STORY ABOUT ANDREW AND THE GOD WHO CALLS"

---

Note: This manuscript tells the story narratively while still expounding the passage verse by verse, without skipping any verse. It reflects the Christ-centered, incarnational, trinitarian theology of Grace Communion International.

---

"IN THE SHADOWS: A STORY ABOUT ANDREW AND THE GOD WHO CALLS"

It was late in the afternoon—one of those days when the desert sun hangs low and turns everything gold—when Andrew's life quietly shifted forever.
He didn't know yet that he would be remembered for almost nothing.
He didn't know that history would call him Peter's brother instead of by his own name.
He didn't know that his life, mostly lived in the shadows, would reflect something beautiful about the heart of God.

But on this particular day, the voice he trusted most—John the Baptist—lifted his hand and pointed.

And with that gesture, everything began.

---

1. "Behold, the Lamb of God"—John 1:29–31

Earlier that week, Andrew stood with the crowds when John looked up and cried out, "Here is the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!" (v. 29).

Andrew had heard John preach many things before. He was used to the fire, the urgency, the warnings. But this—"the Lamb of God"—this caught his breath.

He grew up hearing stories of Passover lambs—sacrifices that symbolized God's rescue of His people. But Israel also longed for Someone greater, Someone who would free not just from earthly enemies but from the deeper bondage of sin and death.

And here, John says, "This is Him."

He continues in verse 30, "This is he of whom I said, 'After me comes a man who ranks ahead of me because he was before me.'"
John knew—by revelation of the Spirit—that Jesus wasn't merely another teacher. He was the eternal Son, the One who existed before all things, now standing among them as one of them.

And John in verse 31 admits, "I myself did not know him," meaning he hadn't fully understood who Jesus was until the Father revealed it through the Spirit at Jesus' baptism.

This is the movement of the Triune God GCI emphasizes:

• The Father reveals.
• The Son appears.
• The Spirit opens human eyes to see.

Andrew didn't understand all this yet. But something in his heart leaned forward.

---

2. The Next Day—John 1:35–36

In verse 35, we find Andrew again standing with John the Baptist.
Another quiet day. Another desert morning. Another long obedience.

And then it happens.

"As he watched Jesus walk by, he exclaimed, 'Look, here is the Lamb of God!'" (v. 36)

This time, Andrew doesn't stay standing.
He starts moving.

No debate. No hesitation.
Just a quiet man hearing a divine invitation.

---

3. Jesus Turns—John 1:37–38

Andrew and one other disciple follow Jesus—probably a little awkwardly, a few steps behind, dusty sandals scuffing the road.

And suddenly, Jesus stops.
He turns around.
He looks straight at them.

The eternal Son of God, who spoke galaxies into being, now asks two ordinary men a question:

"What are you looking for?" (v. 38)

Not "What do you believe?"
Not "What can you do for me?"
Not "Have you earned this?"

Just…
"What are you seeking?"

This is the Jesus GCI teaches—the Son who always meets people where they actually are, honoring their humanity, welcoming their longings.

Andrew doesn't know how to answer. So he blurts out a strange question:

"Rabbi… where are you staying?" (v. 38)

In other words:
"We don't know what we want. We just know we want to be near You."

---

4. "Come and See"—John 1:39

Jesus smiles.
He doesn't give a lecture.
He doesn't test their knowledge.
He simply says:

"Come and see."

This is grace.
This is the hospitality of the Trinity.
The Father sends the Son not to push humanity away but to draw humanity close.
And the Spirit awakens desire so we can respond.

So Andrew and the other disciple go.
They stay with Jesus.
They spend the entire afternoon with the One who is Life Himself.

Whatever Jesus spoke that day—and John doesn't record it—their souls caught fire.
This is what happens when people draw close to God's Son: they find themselves drawn into the fellowship the Father and Spirit have shared with Him forever.

A quiet afternoon becomes a doorway into eternal communion.

---

5. Andrew Finds His Brother—John 1:40–41

After spending time with Jesus, Andrew cannot keep the news to himself.

Verse 41 says:
"He first found his brother Simon and said to him, 'We have found the Messiah.'"

Notice the word "first."
His instinct is relational.
Communal.
Missional.

This reflects the nature of God Himself.
The Triune God is relational, self-giving, and overflowing in love.

And Andrew is beginning to reflect that life.

He doesn't preach a sermon.
He doesn't try to convince anyone.
He simply does what GCI describes as participation in the mission of God:
He brings someone he loves to Jesus.

He just says, "Come and see."

---

6. Jesus Renames Simon—John 1:42

When Simon arrives, Jesus looks at him—not like a stranger looks, but like a Creator looks.

And Jesus says:
"You are Simon son of John. You are to be called Cephas" (Peter).

Jesus sees not who Simon is but who he will become.
Jesus sees the rock inside the fisherman.
Jesus sees the leader inside the wanderer.

And all of this begins…
because one quiet man in the background simply said,
"Come and see."

---

THE STORY BEHIND THE STORY

Andrew never becomes a superstar.
He doesn't walk on water.
He doesn't preach at Pentecost.
He doesn't write letters.
He doesn't take the spotlight.

But—
everywhere Jesus goes, Andrew simply shows up.

He is there when the boy with five loaves appears.
He is there when the Greeks want to meet Jesus.
He is there when others are confused and afraid.

Andrew is the quiet presence through whom the Light shines.

GCI teaches that ministry is participation, not performance.
Andrew's ministry wasn't spectacular—it was faithful.
His life wasn't loud—it was available.
He didn't need fame—he needed Jesus.

And Jesus worked through him.

---

APPLICATION FOR THE CHURCH

1. God sees those in the shadows.

Maybe your life feels unnoticed.
Maybe you serve quietly in places people forget to thank.
But the Triune God sees you.
The Father delights in your presence.
The Son welcomes you.
The Spirit empowers you.

2. "Come and see" is enough.

You don't have to have all the answers.
Just invite.
Welcome.
Make space for Jesus to be encountered.

3. Small offerings matter.

A few loaves.
A simple invitation.
A quiet act of love.
The Triune God multiplies what we place in His hands.

4. Presence is ministry.

Andrew's greatest gift was simply being where Jesus was.
Your presence—in worship, in community, in people's suffering, in their joy—
that presence is participation in God's mission.

---

CONCLUSION: THE LIGHT IN OUR SHADOWS

Andrew teaches us that the Kingdom of God does not rise on the brilliance of a few but on the quiet faithfulness of many.

He teaches us that Jesus still turns and looks at ordinary people.
He still asks, "What are you seeking?"
He still says, "Come and see."

And He still uses people like Andrew—people like you—
to shine His light into the shadows of the world.

May we hear His call.
May we follow.
May we bring others to Him.
And may we live in the radiant presence of the Lamb of God,
who takes away the sin of the world
and draws all people into the life and love of the Father, Son, and Spirit.

Amen.

Original Sermon

https://equipper.gci.org/2025/12/sermon-for-january-18-2026-second-sunday-after-epiphany