Come and See

The Call to Discipleship: Following Jesus Today

Bible Passage: Jn 1:35–42

Summary: In John 1:35–42, we witness the calling of the first disciples as they respond to Jesus’ invitation to come and see. This passage highlights the importance of recognizing Jesus for who He is and the personal decision to follow Him.

Application: This message encourages believers to reflect on their own discipleship journey, prompting them to evaluate their commitment to follow Jesus in day-to-day life. It reassures those struggling with their faith that genuine discipleship begins with a response to Jesus' call, filled with grace and guidance.

Teaching: The sermon teaches that discipleship is a personal and transformative journey initiated by Jesus. It emphasizes that the call to follow Him requires a willing heart and a readiness to learn from Him, as demonstrated through the initial responses of the first disciples.

How this passage could point to Christ: This passage foreshadows the wider call of Christ throughout the Scriptures, symbolizing His invitation to all humanity to enter into a relationship with Him. Christ is not only the initiator of the disciples' journeys but the ultimate goal of their faith and ours.

Big Idea: Following Jesus begins with recognizing His call and stepping into a transformative relationship with Him, which equips and empowers us to make a difference in the world.

Recommended Study: As you prepare your sermon, consider exploring the context of discipleship in the first-century Jewish culture using your Logos library. This may involve delving into the nuances of the terms for 'following' and 'disciple' used in the original Greek. Additionally, examine how John's portrayal of Jesus as the Lamb of God relates to the theme of sacrificial discipleship.

1. Recognize the Lamb

Jn 1:35-37

You could begin by exploring how John the Baptist points his own disciples to Jesus as the Lamb of God. This act shows the importance of recognizing Jesus' identity as central to discipleship. Jesus takes the first step by inviting the disciples to follow Him, illustrating how He initiates our journey. This point emphasizes the necessity of responding personally and directly to Jesus' call as a step toward transformation.

2. Respond with Curiosity

Jn 1:38-39

Perhaps focus on Jesus' question, "What do you seek?" and the disciples' desire to spend time with Him. Their response reflects curiosity and a yearning for deeper understanding. This interaction is a model for us to engage earnestly with Christ, seeking to know Him personally. The invitation to "come and see" is open to all, encouraging us to take an active step in our discipleship journey.

3. Reach Out to Share

Jn 1:40-42

You could highlight Andrew's immediate decision to find his brother Simon and bring him to Jesus. This demonstrates how encountering Christ inspires us to share the good news with others. Emphasize that discipleship is not only personal but also communal, as it involves bringing others along for the transformative journey. The renaming of Simon to Peter signifies a new identity and mission in Christ.