He first findeth his own brother Simon, and saith unto him, We have found the Messias, which is, being interpreted, the Christ. And he brought him to Jesus… (John 1:41-42).
In the work of advancing God’s Kingdom, protagonists are needed, and we see that there were such individuals in the Bible, particularly in the Gospel of John. These were not just passive followers of Jesus Christ but active promoters of His ministry. Their actions demonstrate a special kind of work—protagonism at its finest.
For example, in John 1:40-42, we see Andrew, one of John the Baptist’s disciples who left everything to follow Jesus. Andrew didn’t keep this newfound revelation to himself. He immediately found his brother, Simon (Peter), and declared to him, “We have found the Messiah!” He then brought Peter to Jesus.
Andrew’s actions show the heart of a true protagonist— someone who advances and promotes the ministry of Jesus by enlisting others to join His cause and carry out His work. The next day, Jesus called Philip to follow Him. Philip, like Andrew, didn’t keep the Good News to himself. He found Nathanael and said, “…We have found him, of whom Moses in the law, and the prophets, did write, Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph” (John 1:45).
Nathanael, sceptical at first, questioned, “Can any good thing come out of Nazareth?” Philip’s response was simple, yet powerful; he said to Nathanael, “Come and see” (John 1:45-46). This is the power of protagonism. Andrew and Philip didn’t just follow Jesus, they actively brought others to Him. They connected fellow Jews and devout men who already believed in God to the Messiah’s cause.
Similarly, in advancing God’s Kingdom today, we need a massive army of God’s people who are committed, passionate and unrelenting in their dedication to the Gospel. We’re completing the full preaching of the Gospel this year 2025. Be a protagonist of this mandate! Enlist and encourage others to join this cause as we fulfil the Great Commission.
It’s imperative for us to recognize that to effect a change in the world, we require a united army of Christians, each playing their part in advancing the Kingdom of God, especially as the Lord’s return is imminent.
Prayer / Confession
Dear Father, thank you for making me a protagonist in the advancement of your Kingdom. Through me, many are brought into the Kingdom and enlisted into your great army, fulfilling your divine purpose and changing lives everywhere. I walk in the wisdom and power of the Spirit, continually spreading the influence of the Kingdom, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.
Further study
John 1:40-42; John 4:28-30; 2 Timothy 2:2
1-year bible reading plan
Acts 1:1-26; 2 Chronicles 1-4
2-year bible reading plan
Mark 16:1-11; Deuteronomy 7
