Irreducible Complexity

40 One of the two who heard John speak and followed Him, was Andrew, Simon Peter's brother. 41 He found* first his own brother Simon and said* to him, "We have found the Messiah" (which translated means Christ ). 42 He brought him to Jesus. Jesus looked at him and said, "You are Simon the son of John ; you shall be called Cephas" (which is translated Peter ).
John 1:40-42 (NASB)

There are times when a message is so obvious that we miss it.

A few years ago Vicki and I were blessed to attend the Billy Graham School of Evangelism (it was in Lenexa that year near an excellent Indian restaurant named Korma Sutra). One of the evangelism strategies discussed was called "Operation Andrew", it is a painfully simple strategy. Your church sets up an evangelistic event, even as simple as an evangelistic sermon, and you ask someone to come with you. What a novel concept!

I already hear the objections about how bringing someone to church is not beinging them to Jesus. I would urge you to shut down your critical apparatus for a few moments though and dwell on the simplicity of this passage.

Andrew met Jesus, fell in love with the man and the plan, and told someone else that he loved about Jesus.

Talk about irreducible complexity.

Andrew gives us another encouraging example in that he's willing to share his faith in the most threatening of environments. Jesus taught that a prophet was without honor in his hometown; but then, there is your very home.

Anyone who has family members who are not disciples knows that sharing faith with your family can be a hard road, regardless of how good those relationships are. They know everything about you, and that makes things complicated in a hurry.

Yet Andrew was so blown away by what Jesus said and did that he couldn't help himself! It is an example that can encourage us all.

Just tell the people you love about the One that you love the most. As Chris Saey related, "Tell God's story."

Grace and peace,

Rev.