Unlikely Chosen

The Unlikely Chosen: How God Uses the Unexpected

Bible Passage: John 1:41–51

Summary: In John 1:41–51, we see the calling of the first disciples, highlighting how God's choices often defy human expectations. Andrew finds his brother Simon and tells him they have found the Messiah. Jesus then sees Nathanael and acknowledges him as a true Israelite. This passage illustrates that God's plan often includes the surprising and the seemingly insignificant.

Application: This sermon can encourage Christians to recognize and embrace the unexpected ways God may be working in their lives. It teaches us to open our eyes to the people and opportunities God brings into our lives, reminding us that our perceptions can limit our understanding of God's plans.

Teaching: The sermon emphasizes that God often calls unlikely individuals to fulfill His purposes. Just as Jesus chose ordinary men to be His closest followers, He continues to choose the unexpected today. This reassures believers that their backgrounds and flaws do not disqualify them from His work.

How this passage could point to Christ: This passage points to Christ as the fulfillment of the Old Testament promises, where God often uses the humble and unexpected. Jesus, the Messiah, is not just for the elite but is accessible to all, including those society overlooks.

Big Idea: God's choice of the unexpected showcases His sovereignty and grace, demonstrating that His plans are often beyond our comprehension and expectations.

Recommended Study: As you prepare this sermon, consider diving into the cultural context of discipleship in first-century Judaism, which may shed light on why Jesus' choices were so unexpected. The Logos library can help you explore commentaries that discuss the significance of Andrew's role and the implications of Nathanael's skepticism. Investigating the original Greek terms used in this passage may also enrich your understanding of the text's nuances.

1. Discovering the Divine

John 1:41-42

You could highlight how Andrew's discovery of Jesus and his immediate urge to tell his brother Simon embodies the notion that God's truth is often revealed through ordinary people. Andrew's action of sharing this good news serves as a reminder that God can use anyone, regardless of their social status or background, to expand His Kingdom. This demonstrates God's grace in choosing those who may seem unlikely and reinforces the idea that our perception is not God's limitation. Jesus, acknowledging Simon and renaming him Peter, sets a new path full of divine potential.

2. Inviting the Inquisitive

John 1:43-46

Perhaps focus on Philip and Nathanael's encounter with Jesus. Philip's simple invitation to Nathanael: "Come and see," shows how God uses everyday encounters to draw people to Himself. Nathanael's skepticism about Jesus' origins (Nazareth) exemplifies human tendencies to judge things superficially. Jesus' welcoming of Nathanael, despite his doubts, illustrates a Messiah who embraces everyone. This point can inspire believers to offer invitations and leave room for God to dispel doubts and work in the hearts of others, showing Jesus' accessibility.

3. Revelation to the Reluctant

John 1:47-51

Maybe consider how Jesus' knowledge of Nathanael even before their meeting signifies God's omniscience and the personal attention He gives to each of us. Jesus declares Nathanael as a "true Israelite," which signifies His desire to work through those who seek genuine faith. Nathanael's declaration of Jesus as the Son of God, after just a brief encounter, emphasizes the power of divine revelation in unexpected moments. This invites Christians to reflect on their openness to God in unexpected ways and places, leading them to a deeper faith.