1. Earlier, in Luke 9:28 Jesus "took Peter and John and James, and went up into a mountain to pray." 2. On that occasion Jesus was transfigured (vs.29-36). 3. According to vs.37, the next day Jesus and the 3 apostles came "down from the hill." 4. After they came down from the hill, "much people met Him." 5. In the Bible we read about many people who met the Lord. 6. In our lesson we are studying passages that tell us about "5 men who met Jesus." 7. I trust that our study will encourage us to do what we can to invite others to our Friend Day next Sunday.
Discussion:
I. FIRST, ANDREW MET JESUS (John 1:35-40)
A. Two of John's followers heard him identify Jesus as "the Lamb of God." B. These 2 men followed Jesus and spent some time with Him. C. Andrew was one of these men. D. Andrew met Jesus because John introduced him to the Lord.
II. SECOND, SIMON PETER MET JESUS (John 1:41-42)
A. Simon Peter was Andrew's brother. B. Andrew told Peter about finding Christ, and he brought Peter to the Lord. C. Jesus said that Peter would be called "Cephas" [a stone]. D. Peter met Jesus because Andrew introduced him to the Lord.
III. THIRD, PHILIP MET JESUS (John 1:43-44)
A. We learn from vs.43 that Jesus found Philip who was from Bethsaida. B. Philip's situation is different from the other men we are examining in that we do not read about anyone introducing him to the Lord.
IV. FOURTH, NATHANAEL MET JESUS (John 1:45-49)
A. In vs.45 Philip told Nathanael about finding Christ. B. Nathanael responded in vs.46a with a skeptical remark. C. Philip gave a wise reply when he said, "Come and see" (vs.46b). D. After talking to Jesus, Nathanael was convinced that He is the Son of God. E. Nathanael met Jesus because Philip introduced him to the Lord.
V. FIFTH, THE EUNUCH OF ETHIOPIA MET JESUS (Acts 8:26-39)
A. The other men we have read about met Jesus during His ministry. B. By this time Jesus had been crucified, buried, and resurrected, and He had given His Great Commission (Matthew 28:19-20). C. Philip [the evangelist, not the apostle] contacted the eunuch of Ethiopia as he was traveling home from Jerusalem. D. The eunuch was reading Isaiah's prophecy about Jesus, but he was confused. E. Philip taught the eunuch about Jesus from the Scriptures. F. After learning about Jesus the eunuch was baptized, and he rejoiced as he continued on his journey. G. The eunuch met Jesus because Philip introduced him to the Lord. H. This example of conversion is especially helpful because it shows us how we meet Jesus today.
Conclusion:
1. We have looked at 5 men who met Jesus. 2. One man, Philip, met Jesus without someone introducing him to the Lord, so it is possible for someone to learn about the Lord through personal study. 3. However, 4 men met Jesus because someone introduced them to the Lord. 4. Let us do our part in inviting others to our Friend Day so they can meet Jesus and see what a wonderful friend He is.
