“Come and See: The Invitation Begins”

Church family… This morning begins a journey. One that is both deeply personal and profoundly spiritual.

They are a call—to behold Jesus Christ. To look full in His wonderful face. To see Him as He truly is—the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world.

Introduction

For centuries, the Jewish people longed for a Messiah. But not just any Messiah—they expected a warrior king. Someone who would ride in with military might, overthrow Rome, and restore Israel to national glory. A new David. A political deliverer. A conquering hero.

That’s what they expected.

So when Jesus walked onto the scene—quiet, humble, poor, gentle—they were confused. He didn’t ride a warhorse… He came on a donkey. He didn’t overthrow Rome… He turned over tables. He didn’t build an army… He gathered fishermen. And worst of all to them—He didn’t save them from the Romans… He came to save them from their sin.

And just like them—we still have expectations today.

Our modern world has created its own version of a “savior.”

🔹 Some are looking for a self-help guru—someone to give them a better mindset and a positive outlook. 🔹 Others want a political savior—a leader who will fix the nation and make things feel safe again. 🔹 Still others are looking for a spiritual vending machine—a God who gives blessings but makes no demands. 🔹 And more than ever, people want a custom-built Jesus who fits their lifestyle, affirms their feelings, and asks nothing of them.

But let me be honest with you this morning:

The Savior we expect is not always the Savior we may want, But Jesus Christ is always exactly what we need.

When John the Baptist saw Jesus walking toward him, he didn’t say, “Look, here comes the king.” He didn’t say, “There’s our general, our politician, our miracle worker.” No—he said:

John 1:29 ESV

29 The next day he saw Jesus coming toward him, and said, “Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!

“Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world.” (John 1:29)

A lamb? That’s not what they expected. But it’s exactly what they needed.

And the same is true for us.

That’s where this journey begins—Beholding the Lamb. Not the Savior of our imagination, but the Savior sent by God. Not the one we try to mold into our image, but the One who came to restore us into His.

So today, we open the Gospel of John—not to study a historical figure, but to behold the Lamb of God—and to hear His invitation:

“Come and see.”

Let’s take that journey together.

As John the Baptist once declared in the wilderness, so I declare to you this morning:

“Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!” (John 1:29)

And here’s the heart of the message: 🔹 Jesus is not merely someone to observe… He is someone to follow. 🔹 He doesn’t just offer information… He offers invitation. 🔹 He isn’t a figure in history… He is the Savior of the world.

I. Behold the Lamb (John 1:29–34)

John 1:29–34 ESV

29 The next day he saw Jesus coming toward him, and said, “Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world! 30 This is he of whom I said, ‘After me comes a man who ranks before me, because he was before me.’ 31 I myself did not know him, but for this purpose I came baptizing with water, that he might be revealed to Israel.” 32 And John bore witness: “I saw the Spirit descend from heaven like a dove, and it remained on him. 33 I myself did not know him, but he who sent me to baptize with water said to me, ‘He on whom you see the Spirit descend and remain, this is he who baptizes with the Holy Spirit.’ 34 And I have seen and have borne witness that this is the Son of God.”

What type of Savior did John expect?

John didn’t announce a warrior, a politician, or a revolutionary. He points to a Lamb.

Why a Lamb?

Because from the very beginning, God’s plan was redemption through sacrifice. 🔹 In Genesis, a ram was caught in the thicket. 🔹 In Exodus, a lamb was slain and its blood painted on the doorpost. 🔹 In Isaiah, the Messiah is described as “a lamb that is led to the slaughter.” (Isa. 53:7)

John is shouting through the centuries:

“This is the One! This is the fulfillment of it all!”

Nugget: Jesus wasn’t Plan B. He was the Lamb “slain before the foundation of the world” (Revelation 13:8

Revelation 13:8 ESV

8 and all who dwell on earth will worship it, everyone whose name has not been written before the foundation of the world in the book of life of the Lamb who was slain.

And John says in verse 33:

“I myself did not know him, but he who sent me to baptize with water said to me, ‘He on whom you see the Spirit descend… this is he.’”

He didn’t guess. He didn’t speculate. He witnessed. And he declared:

“I have seen and have borne witness that this is the Son of God.” (v.34)

Application: In a world of vague spiritual talk, we need the same boldness: Jesus is not just a prophet. He is the Son of God. The Lamb. The Savior.

Let’s go deeper...

We are living in what you might call a “social culture.”

It’s not truth that matters—it's perception. It’s not holiness that’s honored—it’s tolerance. And it’s not Jesus as Lord—it’s Jesus as a symbol for whatever you want Him to be.

Here’s the real tension in our world today:

🔹 Culture wants Jesus… but only if He doesn’t threaten their agenda. 🔹 They want a Savior, but not a King. 🔹 They want forgiveness, but not transformation.

If Jesus is going to be accepted, He must be reshaped to fit into their image.

And so, our world has created a thousand versions of Jesus:

A progressive Jesus who says nothing about sin but affirms every feeling.

A political Jesus who flies your flag and votes your party line.

A wealth-and-wellness Jesus who guarantees success and makes your dreams come true.

A quiet Jesus who loves everyone but never confronts anyone.

A private Jesus who stays in your Sunday box and never invades your Monday choices.

A therapeutic Jesus who helps you cope but never calls you to repent.

A custom-built Jesus who exists to bless your lifestyle, your identity, and your truth.

But here’s the truth the world cannot escape:

You don’t get to remake Jesus—Jesus came to remake you.

Nugget: Jesus is not a mirror reflecting your preferences—He is a King calling for your surrender.

And John the Baptist—when he saw Jesus coming—didn’t say,

“Behold, the new social influencer.”

He said: “Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world.” (John 1:29)

The Lamb doesn’t fit into your image. He comes to shatter it. He comes not to be your mascot—but your Master.

II. The First Disciples – “Come and See” (John 1:35–42)

John 1:35–42 ESV

35 The next day again John was standing with two of his disciples, 36 and he looked at Jesus as he walked by and said, “Behold, the Lamb of God!” 37 The two disciples heard him say this, and they followed Jesus. 38 Jesus turned and saw them following and said to them, “What are you seeking?” And they said to him, “Rabbi” (which means Teacher), “where are you staying?” 39 He said to them, “Come and you will see.” So they came and saw where he was staying, and they stayed with him that day, for it was about the tenth hour. 40 One of the two who heard John speak and followed Jesus was Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother. 41 He first found his own brother Simon and said to him, “We have found the Messiah” (which 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 means Peter).

In verse 35, we see John again with two of his disciples. When Jesus walks by, John simply says:

“Behold, the Lamb of God!” (v.36)

And what do they do?

They follow Jesus. They don’t hesitate. They don’t argue. They follow.

Jesus turns and asks them a question that He is still asking hearts today:

“What are you seeking?” (v.38)

Let that sink in.

🔹 What are you really looking for in life? 🔹 A name? Security? Peace? Purpose?

They say, “Rabbi, where are you staying?” And Jesus responds with three of the most beautiful words in the Gospels:

“Come and you will see.” (v.39)

Nugget: The Christian life doesn’t begin with answers—it begins with Jesus. It begins with staying where He stays… walking where He walks… sitting at His feet.

Andrew follows. But he doesn’t stop there.

“He first found his own brother Simon and said to him, ‘We have found the Messiah.’” (v.41)

Then he brings him to Jesus.

Nugget: True followers don’t just follow—they invite.

Application: Who in your life needs to hear that same invitation? Who’s your “Simon”? Jesus is still changing names and stories today—just like He did with Simon Peter.

III. The Call of Philip and Nathanael (John 1:43–51)

John 1:43–51 ESV

43 The next day Jesus decided to go to Galilee. He found Philip and said to him, “Follow me.” 44 Now Philip was from Bethsaida, the city of Andrew and Peter. 45 Philip found Nathanael and said to him, “We have found him of whom Moses in the Law and also the prophets wrote, Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph.” 46 Nathanael said to him, “Can anything good come out of Nazareth?” Philip said to him, “Come and see.” 47 Jesus saw Nathanael coming toward him and said of him, “Behold, an Israelite indeed, in whom there is no deceit!” 48 Nathanael said to him, “How do you know me?” Jesus answered him, “Before Philip called you, when you were under the fig tree, I saw you.” 49 Nathanael answered him, “Rabbi, you are the Son of God! You are the King of Israel!” 50 Jesus answered him, “Because I said to you, ‘I saw you under the fig tree,’ do you believe? You will see greater things than these.” 51 And he said to him, “Truly, truly, I say to you, you will see heaven opened, and the angels of God ascending and descending on the Son of Man.”

Next, Jesus finds Philip and says two words:

“Follow me.” (v.43)

No sermon. No convincing. Just a command—and Philip obeys.

Then Philip goes and finds Nathanael and says:

“We have found him of whom Moses in the Law and also the prophets wrote…” (v.45)

But Nathanael is skeptical. He says:

“Can anything good come out of Nazareth?” (v.46)

And Philip gives the perfect response:

“Come and see.”

You don’t have to argue with people. Just invite them to Jesus.

And what happens when Nathanael comes?

Jesus says:

“Before Philip called you, when you were under the fig tree, I saw you.” (v.48)

Nathanael is undone.

“Rabbi, you are the Son of God! You are the King of Israel!” (v.49)

Jesus answers:

“You will see greater things than these… Truly, truly, I say to you, you will see heaven opened, and the angels of God ascending and descending on the Son of Man.” (v.50–51)

Application: Jesus sees you before you see Him. He knows your doubts. He sees your heart. But He still calls: Come. Follow. Believe.

Invitation:

Church—this is where it begins.

Not with a title. Not with a sermon series. Not with a church program.

It begins with a Lamb, and an invitation.

“Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!”

If you're here today and you've never truly responded to that call—to come, to see, to stay, to follow—today is the day of salvation.

Maybe you're like Andrew—ready to bring someone else. Maybe you're like Simon—needing a new identity. Maybe you're like Nathanael—full of skepticism, but on the edge of surrender. Maybe you're just tired… and you need rest.

The Lamb still invites.

Closing Prayer:

Father, Thank You for the beauty of Your Son. Thank You for sending the Lamb who takes away the sin of the world. Today, Lord, we hear Your invitation—Come and See.

For the weary, give rest. For the doubting, give clarity. For the lost, bring salvation.

Lord, let us behold Jesus—high and lifted up. Let every heart in this room turn from self to the Savior.

And as we continue this journey toward the cross and the empty tomb, May we follow You more closely, Love You more deeply, And serve You more faithfully.

In Jesus’ name we pray, Amen.

Church family…

This morning, I’ve preached the first message in a short series that will lead us toward Father’s Day. But I need to share with you that Father’s Day this year will also be my final Sunday as your pastor.

After much prayer, reflection, and conversations with my family and those closest to me, I believe the Lord is calling me into a new season—a season of rest, healing, and focus on my health and family.

Over the past few years, I’ve faced challenges in ministry that have left deep marks—betrayal, grief, and weariness. Alongside that, I’ve received a serious medical diagnosis related to my liver. The doctors have made it clear that stress has taken a real toll on my health.

And while stepping away is not an easy decision, I believe it is the right one. Not just for me—but for Calvary.

I want you to hear my heart when I say: I love this church. I love you.

And because I love this church, I believe it's time for fresh leadership. Someone with renewed vision and energy to guide Calvary into the future God has for her.

These final Sundays won’t be about me—they will be about Jesus. About the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world. About His invitation to you—to follow, to believe, and to live.

So let’s spend these next weeks worshiping together, serving together, and fixing our eyes where they’ve always belonged—on Christ.

Thank you for the privilege of being your pastor. I am forever grateful.