The Exciting Journey of Discipleship
Journey Through the Gospel of John • Sermon • Submitted • Presented
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Introduction
Introduction
Here at our church, we have a very simple process. The process is one that Christ established before He went to Heaven. You can find that process laid out best in Matthew 28:18-20
18 And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth.
19 Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:
20 Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.
Note the process.
We are to go and teach all nations (people). We know this as evangelism. The process for every local church that desires to follow God must begin here. We must share the excellent news that Jesus died, was buried, and rose again, making payment for our sins so that we can escape eternal condemnation. Each person who hears and receives this news asking Christ into their life is entirely changed by Him. Immediately after a person receives Christ as their savior, we encourage baptism so they may publicly identify with Him before others
The next step of the process is this. We are to teach them to observe all things commanded by Christ. This part of the process is discipleship. In this step, we must help those new in their life with Christ grow personally in their love for God and others. They will learn to keep His commandments as they learn to love Him. Discipleship is all about progressive sanctification. What is progressive sanctification? In a nutshell, it is spiritual growth. Each believer is to grow in the Lord continually.
The last step of the process is service or ministry to the Lord. As we evangelize and disciple, our goal is to turn each believer into a minister for the Lord. In other words, their duty becomes the same as ours. They, in turn, must become witnesses for Him through their lives, words, and testimonies.
Here at our church, we see the process as Going (evangelism), Growing (discipleship), and Serving (ministry). Our duty as a local church involves helping each person move through that process.
You are probably wondering why I am explaining all of this. I am doing so because Christ established this process through His actions at the beginning of His earthly ministry. He personified what we were to do.
Our text this morning is John 1:35-42 and in our text, we will see this process being played out. However, I want to emphasize this thought. Discipleship, as a process, involves following and learning from a teacher, leader, or mentor. In a sense, discipleship is a journey. For us, as believers, it is a journey with the Lord Jesus Christ as our teacher, leader, and mentor.
Let’s read our text.
35 Again the next day after John stood, and two of his disciples;
36 And looking upon Jesus as he walked, he saith, Behold the Lamb of God!
37 And the two disciples heard him speak, and they followed Jesus.
38 Then Jesus turned, and saw them following, and saith unto them, What seek ye? They said unto him, Rabbi, (which is to say, being interpreted, Master,) where dwellest thou?
39 He saith unto them, Come and see. They came and saw where he dwelt, and abode with him that day: for it was about the tenth hour.
40 One of the two which heard John speak, and followed him, was Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother.
41 He first findeth his own brother Simon, and saith unto him, We have found the Messias, which is, being interpreted, the Christ.
42 And he brought him to Jesus. And when Jesus beheld him, he said, Thou art Simon the son of Jona: thou shalt be called Cephas, which is by interpretation, A stone.
Here is my first point this morning.
The Discipleship Journey Begins with an Encounter with God’s Lamb!
The Discipleship Journey Begins with an Encounter with God’s Lamb!
35 Again the next day after John stood, and two of his disciples;
36 And looking upon Jesus as he walked, he saith, Behold the Lamb of God!
37 And the two disciples heard him speak, and they followed Jesus.
Here is what I find interesting about this initial encounter with Christ. There were multitudes of people who were there with John the Baptist.
1 In those days came John the Baptist, preaching in the wilderness of Judaea,
5 Then went out to him Jerusalem, and all Judaea, and all the region round about Jordan,
6 And were baptized of him in Jordan, confessing their sins.
Note that the people of Jerusalem, all Judaea, and the entire region around the Jordan came out to hear and see John the Baptist. Many of them confess their sins and receive baptism from John. It is this same multitude who was there when John baptized Christ. They all witnessed the dove descending. They heard John say, “Behold the Lamb of God which taketh away the sin of the world.” They listened to how John explained that Christ was One of whom he, John the Baptist, kept saying would come. John even explained and testified that Jesus was God’s Son. John again, the very next day, cries, “Behold the Lamb of God!” What is the response of the multitude? Nothing. Of all the hundreds of people there, only two respond to John’s message concerning Christ.
Here are two observations about a person’s encounter with God’s Lamb from John’s account.
Not all who encounter the Lamb believe.
Not all who encounter the Lamb believe.
That is the first big takeaway here! There were way more than two who encountered the Lamb of God that day. Yet only two truly believed. It should not surprise us. Christ later stated that it would be the norm.
13 Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat:
14 Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.
John proclaimed to all within the sound of his voice that Christ was the Lamb of God. Standing in that crowd were the religious leaders of that day. How did they respond to John’s message that Christ was the Lamb of God?
30 But the Pharisees and lawyers rejected the counsel of God against themselves, being not baptized of him.
Of course, we all know that the majority of people are not religious. It was no different in John’s day.
How did the nonreligious majority respond to John’s message concerning the Lamb of God?
15 And as the people were in expectation, and all men mused in their hearts of John, whether he were the Christ, or not;
They were still trying to decide if John was the Messiah and completely missed the point that John pointed directly at Christ and said, “Behold the Lamb of God!”
Is that not still true today? There are so many religions today. Some of them flatly reject Christ as the Messiah and have set up their system of beliefs, much like the Pharisees. They reject the counsel of God. Still, others who claim they are not religious and pride themselves that they are neutral, having their own set of beliefs by which they live, miss the fact that Christ is the Son of God. Yet, the fact that Christ is the only way into Heaven does not change. The truth of God’s Word continues today. Many are still following a wide and broad way to eternal damnation, completely rejecting Christ as the Lamb of God.
One of the sad realities is this. These people were given the most incredible opportunity to avoid an eternity separated from God. The Lamb of God stood right in front of their noses. He walked with them. He talked with them. He did miracles that none could deny. Yet, they still rejected Him. The same still happens today. People hear about Christ and all that He has done for them. For this entire month, message after message was sounded forth from this pulpit, stating and proclaiming Christ as the Lamb of God. Who has responded to that message? Who has come forth publicly stating that they have believed? As far as I know, not one person.
Unlike that day, not even two have responded and committed to follow Him. It is a testament that we are truly living in the last days.
1 Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils;
2 Speaking lies in hypocrisy; having their conscience seared with a hot iron;
1 This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come.
4 Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God;
5 Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away.
Now, note the flip side of this coin.
Many will reject Him. However, praise God for those who respond.
On that day, all encountered the Lamb of God. He came into their presence, and John proclaimed Him as the Lamb, yet only two responded.
Not all who encounter the Lamb believe, but those who do believe are eager to follow.
Not all who encounter the Lamb believe, but those who do believe are eager to follow.
37 And the two disciples heard him speak, and they followed Jesus.
38 Then Jesus turned, and saw them following, and saith unto them, What seek ye? They said unto him, Rabbi, (which is to say, being interpreted, Master,) where dwellest thou?
Actual spiritual change and new life with Christ begins with that initial encounter and the message that Christ is the Lamb of God. We see the effect such an encounter has on those who believe. Later, the apostle John, one of those who encountered the Lamb, wrote...
1 That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked upon, and our hands have handled, of the Word of life;
You see, something happened to these men. They saw with their eyes and handled with their hands the reality of Jesus Christ. They had a personal encounter with Him that completely changed their life and direction.Up to this point, they were listening and following a man, John the Baptist. However, when Christ walked into their life, they found the true meaning of life. They believed John’s message and committed themselves to Christ, the message itself.
6 But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.
Remember, they were following John the Baptist on this day. They were with him. However, John’s was a VOICE. His message prepared their hearts for the Word, Logos.
17 So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.
The moment John proclaimed, “Behold the Lamb of God,”faith entered these two disciples' hearts. They heard, and they believed. What did they believe? They believed that He, Jesus Christ, IS the Lamb of God. At that exact moment, they believed that Christ was a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.
How do I know this? Look again at our text.
37 And the two disciples heard him speak, and they followed Jesus.
They followed Him. They went after Christ. It was pretty obvious they were following Him. They did not hide the fact, for verse 38 records...
38 Then Jesus turned, and saw them following, and saith unto them, What seek ye? They said unto him, Rabbi, (which is to say, being interpreted, Master,) where dwellest thou?
Christ knew they were following Him. Their faith resulted in action. They believed that He was the Lamb of God, and they forsook the messenger and pursued after the Message, the Word, and Logos.
Here is my point!
Actual spiritual change and a new journey with Christ only begin when a person fully believes that Christ IS. You must believe Christ IS Logos, Life, Light, and the Lamb.You must fully accept that He is the Son of God and that He is God. You cannot simply say and believe that He was a good man or a good teacher. No, with all your heart, soul, and mind, you must believe that He is God and man. And, then, based on your beliefs, show action. The action comes by following Him. The action is to pursue after the One Who will reward you for “diligently seeking” Him. True faith always turns into action. If there is no action, there is no true belief. If you truly believe that Christ is the only way into Heaven and that He is the Lamb of God, you will, without hesitation, fall on your knees, repent of your sinful condition, and begin living for Him. If, however, you say you believe and do nothing, there is no genuine belief. You are just mouthing the words.
Christ is the Lamb of God. Just by hearing this message, He has entered your life. He stands before you. He is knocking. Will you believe the message? Or, will you be like most of the world and reject He is real? Your rejection doesn’t change reality. He is real. He is the Lamb. Your eternal existence depends on how you respond to Him, leading me to my next point from our text.
True spiritual life and a new journey with Christ begins with encountering Him and with an invitation from Him.
The Discipleship Journey is an Invitation that must be Accepted!
The Discipleship Journey is an Invitation that must be Accepted!
38 Then Jesus turned, and saw them following, and saith unto them, What seek ye? They said unto him, Rabbi, (which is to say, being interpreted, Master,) where dwellest thou?
39 He saith unto them, Come and see. They came and saw where he dwelt, and abode with him that day: for it was about the tenth hour.
These two men followed Christ. Christ, sensing they are following Him, questions them by asking, “What are seeking?” They, in turn, answer, “Rabbi (Master), where do you live?”
That initial question was a test. Christ was testing their motive for following Him. In doing so, He helped them understand their purpose. As I already noted, many followed John the Baptist. Later, these same multitudes begin following Christ. However, not everyone who follows the Lord does so with the right motivation. Many followed Him so they could be fed, have their ailments cured, and their loved ones healed. Others followed Him because everyone else was doing it, and it was the popular thing to do. In the end, only a handful of people followed Him because of their deep need for Him as Light and Life.
The question for you this morning is simply this.
What seek ye? Why are you here this morning? The true answer to that question reveals your spiritual state.
If you are here because you want to know Him and walk closer to Him, then you are on the right path. I believe Psalm 42:1 paints the perfect picture of a true disciple of Christ.
1 As the hart panteth after the water brooks, So panteth my soul after thee, O God.
Now, note something else about this encounter with Christ.
Christ says to them, “Come and see.”
We must never forget that Christ is God. He already discerned that these two men were genuine in their desire to follow Him. He read their hearts. He knew they longed for His presence, person, and fellowship. Now, He extends the invitation to them. He says, “Come.” It was a word of welcome. It reminds me of what Christ said in Matt 11:28
28 Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.
He also invited them to “see.” It was a warm invitation to follow Him and abide with Him. Come and see my dwelling place. Come and see how He gives rest to all who follow Him. Come and see!
May I say to you this morning that Christ’s invitation still stands! In this very moment, Christ offers this simple invitation to all. Come and see!
There are two important things about His offer.
It has already been paid for in full.
I say this because I noted in our text that Christ did not make any demands on these two men. He did not say put any parameters on His offer. It was a simple invitation with no strings attached. By the way, we must not miss His invitation for them to stay with Him. That very invitation runs throughout His entire ministry and remains today.
1 Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me.
2 In my Father’s house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you.
3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.
4 And whither I go ye know, and the way ye know.
Christ's offer to live eternally with Him is free.
23 For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Gifts are free. There are no strings attached.
Here is the other important thing about His offer.
It is an offer that is extended to all.
Do not forget that John proclaimed before the entire multitude that Jesus was the Lamb of God. All could have responded to John’s message in the same manner as these two men. Christ would have taken the same approach with all if they did so. His invitation stands for all people. There is no single person to whom He would not extend His invitation.
16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
13 For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.
Even now, Christ’s invitation to come and see is an offer that still stands today. He stands at your heart’s door, knocking with the invite to come and see.
If you answer the door by opening your heart to Him, you will begin an incredible spiritual journey with Him. It is a journey of discipleship as you learn to walk and talk with Him. It is a journey of tremendous spiritual growth filled with peace, joy, and love that passes all understanding.
Here is my last point.
The Discipleship Journey is an Exciting Opportunity for a New Spiritual Life!
The Discipleship Journey is an Exciting Opportunity for a New Spiritual Life!
40 One of the two which heard John speak, and followed him, was Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother.
41 He first findeth his own brother Simon, and saith unto him, We have found the Messias, which is, being interpreted, the Christ.
42 And he brought him to Jesus. And when Jesus beheld him, he said, Thou art Simon the son of Jona: thou shalt be called Cephas, which is by interpretation, A stone.
Here are some quick observations.
It is a journey with God that completely changes your life.
Note that Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother, was one of those who followed. We know this is significant because Peter becomes one whose discipleship journey is a fantastic story—however, note Andrew’s words to Peter.
“We have found the Messias,…the Christ!” Andrew, as one of the two, heard John’s message, responded by following Christ, and then set out on a new spiritual journey by accepting Christ’s offer. It changed his life. Andrew was experiencing the joy and excitement of life with God (The Messiah) versus life without God. He could not contain his excitement. For this reason, after spending an entire night with Christ and learning from Him the following day, he made a beeline for his brother, Simon Peter. Right now, I can tell you that life with Christ is much better than life without Him. He will revolutionize your life. He will spiritually resurrect that part of you that is dead. He will fill the great void in your life. He will bring excitement and joy to your life that you have never experienced before. The change will be so significant that you immediately want to tell others.
By the way, both Peter and Andrew had their lives changed by Christ. Both men had an incredible spiritual journey in which God did many miraculous wonders. God can do the same for you.
Ftf rtf fdf f G wait, there is more.
Not only does this new journey with God bring about a complete change in your life,...
It is a journey with a new identity.
Note what happened when Peter met Christ for the first time.
41 He first findeth his own brother Simon, and saith unto him, We have found the Messias, which is, being interpreted, the Christ.
42 And he brought him to Jesus. And when Jesus beheld him, he said, Thou art Simon the son of Jona: thou shalt be called Cephas, which is by interpretation, A stone.
Christ immediately gave Him a new name. Why a new name? A new life with Christ makes a person a new creature in Christ; thus, a new name is required.
12 Him that overcometh will I make a pillar in the temple of my God, and he shall go no more out: and I will write upon him the name of my God, and the name of the city of my God, which is new Jerusalem, which cometh down out of heaven from my God: and I will write upon him my new name.
One of the great hymns which I love to sing has these words.
There's a new name Written down in glory,
And it's mine, (And it's mine,)
oh yes, it's mine! (yes, it's mine!)
And the white-robed Angels sing the story,
"A sinner has come home." (home, has come home."
For there's a new name written down in glory,
And it's mine, (And it's mine,)
oh yes, it's mine! (yes, it's mine!)
With my sins forgiven I am bound for heaven,
Nevermore to roam.
Conclusion
Conclusion
I started this message with this thought. The discipleship journey begins with an encounter with Christ, God’s Lamb. It begins there. This morning, I shared with you that Christ came for one purpose. He came so that He might die for your sins. He accomplished His mission by dying on the cross. He defeated sin, death, and the grave by rising from the dead. Now, He stands as the Lamb of God with an invitation to all. Come and see! Your discipleship journey can begin this morning if you will accept His invitation. Don’t be like the multitudes who rejected the invite. Instead, be like the two men who heard, believed, and followed. If you will, Christ will completely change your life. You will have a life that now has a purpose. Christ will not only change your life, but He will assign you a new name. A name that is written down in glory. With Christ, all sins are forgiven. With Christ, you will embark on a new journey with Heaven as its destination.
Discussion Questions
Discussion Questions
What do you think was the importance of Christ’s question to the two men when He said, “What seek ye?”
What are men and women seeking today when it comes to Christ? Are all seeking the same thing? What should they be seeking?
What was signified by these men as they replied, “Where dwellest thou?”?
How do you feel about having a new name written down in glory?
