John 1:41-42 - Homiletics

The reception of Peter by Christ.

Andrew's first action is to make his discovery of the Messiah known to his brother.

I. MARK THE PROMPT ZEAL , THE QUIET HELPFULNESS , THE YEARNING FAITH , OF ANDREW . "He first findeth his own brother Simon"—implying that he afterwards found John's brother, James, for a like object—"and brought him to Jesus."

1 . Andrew follows a natural instinct in carrying the glad tidings of salvation to his brother. Simon was one of the nearest and the dearest in life. It was an instinct of grace likewise that Andrew should desire his brother to share in the blessings of the common salvation.

2 . How much good is often done by the private suggestion or inquiry of a Christian friend!

3 . What momentous consequences flowed from Andrew ' s loving act! He was not

II. MARK THE MODE OF OUR LORD 'S RECEPTION OF PETER . "Thou art Simon, the son of Jona: thou shalt be called Cephas, which is by interpretation, A stone."

1 . Our Lord knew Peter ' s character. The Jews regarded the knowledge of the hearts of men as an attribute of the Messiah.

2 . The change of name implies a change of character or position. So it was in the cases of Abraham, Sarah, and Jacob. The Master here takes possession of his servant, and consecrates him at once and wholly to his service.

3 . The name Cephas— by which Peter was exclusively known to the Corinthians, and, perhaps, to other Churches— implies strength of character, vigour of resolution, and the power of aggression, which had their place side by side with an honest-hearted impulsiveness.

4 . The selection of disciples, like Peter and Andrew, for the propagation of the gospel, unlearned as they were in the world ' s scholarship, is a powerful evidence of the truth of Christianity.