Untitled Sermon (5)

What Will You Follow?

Bible Passage: Jn 1:35–51

Summary: In John 1:35–51, we see several individuals encounter Jesus and are drawn into a journey of discipleship, reflecting how personal encounters with God can transform lives.

Application: This sermon can encourage teens to consider how their own encounters with Jesus can shape their identity and choices, prompting them to follow Him amidst the distractions of adolescence.

Teaching: The sermon teaches that genuine encounters with Jesus lead to transformation and a calling to share the good news with others, emphasizing that each person has a unique role in His plan.

How this passage could point to Christ: This passage reveals Christ as the fulfillment of the Old Testament prophecies, especially in being the Lamb of God, which connects to the sacrificial system and the ultimate sacrifice of Christ for humanity's sins.

Big Idea: Our personal encounters with Jesus invite us to rethink our identity and purpose—will we choose to follow Him, becoming bearers of His light to the world?

Recommended Study: As you prepare this sermon, consider exploring the Jewish context of John 1:35–51 for deeper insights into the significance of titles like 'Lamb of God' and 'Rabbi.' Investigate possible links between the identity of Jesus in this passage and Old Testament typology. Utilize your Logos library to dive into textual criticisms and commentaries that discuss the nuances of these titles and their implications for discipleship.

1. Curiosity Captured by Christ

Jn 1:35-39

You could start by exploring how John the Baptist’s declaration, “Behold, the Lamb of God,” piques the curiosity of two disciples. Highlight how this initial encounter inspires them to follow Jesus. Draw a parallel to how recognizing Jesus as the Sacrificial Lamb can prompt teens to begin a journey of faith even amidst life's uncertainties.

2. Conveying Christ’s Call

Jn 1:40-42

Perhaps highlight Andrew’s immediate response to introduce his brother, Simon, to Jesus. Discuss how an authentic encounter with Jesus compels us to share the experience with others, emphasizing the role teens have as influencers for Christ in their communities.

3. Calling to Come and See

Jn 1:43-46

Dive into Philip’s encounter and his subsequent invitation to Nathanael. Suggest that beckoning others to 'Come and see' is a personal and transformative invitation. Encourage teens to live in a way that invites peers to experience Jesus’s greatness.

4. Commitment to Christ’s Vision

Jn 1:47-51

Finally, reflect on Nathanael's skepticism turned belief and Jesus’s promise of greater revelations. Maybe this section could inspire a discussion on the depth of what following Jesus means, with encouragement for teens to embrace the mysteries of faith for the vast purpose Christ has prepared for them.