Go and Tell

Sermon January 18 John 1:29-42

Go and Tell

Pastor Fred Okello

As children, many of us found joy in discovering new things. We were curious, adventurous, and eager to learn. We did not always stop to think about the danger, the cost, or the effort required. We simply stepped forward. Somewhere along the way, we learned the lesson—no pain, no gain.

Yet not all children were the same. Some were more reserved. They carried themselves carefully. They avoided trouble. Others, especially as they grew older, became aware that learning something new came with responsibility and consequences. That awareness produced caution.

In the Gospel of John 1:29, John the Baptist points away from himself and declares, “Behold the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world.”

What does John mean? John is calling people to stop, pay attention, and truly recognize what God is doing. “Behold” is not a casual glance but a summons to see with understanding and faith.

John is declaring that Jesus is God’s own provision for sin—the true Lamb who removes sin, not just for Israel but for the whole world. John’s words demand a response: to move beyond observing Jesus and begin following Him.

Before discipleship begins, there must be recognition. Faith starts when we see Jesus clearly.

We, as the church and as individual followers of Christ, have spent seasons beholding—listening for God, healing from division, discerning direction, and waiting for renewal. That season of beholding matters. It grounds us in truth. It reminds us that the church does not exist for itself but to point to Christ.

When the disciples hear John’s testimony, they do something simple yet courageous—they follow Jesus. They do not know where this road will lead. But Jesus asks them, “What are you looking for?”

When Jesus asks the disciples, “What are you looking for?” Jesus is not seeking information—He is inviting self-examination. Jesus draws out their motives, not their words. He wants them to reflect on what truly drives their interest: curiosity, hope, healing, truth, or transformation.

The question shifts discipleship from mere attraction to intentional following. Before they walk with Him, Jesus invites them to name their longing, because authentic faith begins when we are honest about what we seek—and willing to let Him redefine it.

Jesus is still asking that same question:

·        What are you looking for in this season?

·        Comfort or calling?

·        Familiar routines or deeper faith?

·        Safety or Spirit-led obedience?

“Come and see” is an invitation—not to comfort, but to a relationship. It means showing up to worship even when you are tired. It means committing to prayer, Bible study, and service. It means stepping into ministry, even when you feel unsure, understaffed, or unqualified.

Some of us hesitate—not because we lack faith, but because we understand the cost. Discipleship involves responsibility. It requires commitment. It reshapes how we live, give, forgive, and serve.

Andrew meets Jesus and immediately goes to his brother Simon and says, “We have found the Messiah.”

We don’t know Andrew’s personality type, but Scripture shows us his instinctive enthusiasm. He meets Jesus and immediately runs to his brother with excitement: “We have found the Messiah!” (John 1:41). There’s no long explanation, no careful filtering—just joy and urgency. If Andrew were living today and had the energy of someone like Ishowspeed, you could almost hear him saying, “Yo! This is Him! We found Him!”

Andrew does not argue theology. He shares his experience. Then he brings Peter to Jesus. That is discipleship at its simplest.

Our calling is not just to follow Jesus privately but to invite others into the journey. We bring others to Jesus in simple, practical ways—by personally inviting them to worship or church events, walking alongside them so they feel welcomed, sharing our own faith stories honestly, and living out Christ’s love through consistency and service.

When we serve our community, open our doors, welcome new faces, care for the hurting, and live out our faith authentically, we are saying, “Come and see.” Like Andrew, we don’t need all the answers; we simply create opportunities for others to encounter Jesus through relationship, hospitality, and genuine care.

And when people come, Jesus does the transforming. Simon becomes Peter. Lives are renamed. Purpose is awakened. The church grows—not by force, but by faithfulness.

Faith is courageous. Some disciples take bold steps; others serve quietly and consistently. Both matter. What matters most is obedience to the call of Christ.

For us, discipleship in this new year means:

·        Choosing mission over maintenance

·        Relationship over routine

·        Trust over fear

·        Faithful steps over perfect plans

Jesus is not asking us to know everything—He is asking us to follow Him.

The invitation “Come and see.” means, come and be transformed—and then go and invite others.