Introduction:
Good afternoon:
Today, we delve into the profound invitation Jesus extends to each one of us – the call to discipleship. As we explore John 1:35-51, we’ll uncover the transformative power of responding to Jesus’ call, inviting others to follow Him, and committing to a life of wholehearted devotion.
Imagine yourself standing on the shores of the Sea of Galilee, the morning sun casting golden hues over the tranquil waters. The scent of salt and fish fills the air as you observe the bustling activity of fishermen preparing their boats for another day’s work. Among them stands Simon Peter, a rugged fisherman with weathered hands and a weary expression. Suddenly, a figure emerges from the crowd – Jesus of Nazareth. His presence seems to command attention as He walks with purpose along the shoreline. His eyes, filled with compassion and authority, meet yours, sending a shiver down your spine. In that moment, you feel a stirring in your soul, a longing you can’t quite explain. As Jesus draws near, He speaks two simple words that echo in the depths of your being: “Follow me.” His voice is gentle yet firm, filled with a magnetic power that compels you to heed His call. It’s as if time stands still, and in that moment, you know that your life will never be the same again.
ILLUSTRATION:
Consider the story of Peter, a simple fisherman whose life was forever changed by a single encounter with Jesus. In the midst of a mundane day of fishing, Jesus approached Peter and his companions, inviting them to become fishers of men. Despite Peter’s initial doubts and fears, he chose to respond to Jesus’ call with wholehearted devotion, leaving behind his nets to follow Him. Through Peter’s journey of discipleship, we witness the power of responding to Jesus’ call and the transformative impact it can have on our lives. As we explore “The Call to Discipleship,” let Peter’s story inspire us to respond to Jesus’ invitation with eagerness and commitment. Just as Peter left everything behind to follow Jesus, let us surrender our own plans and desires at His feet, trusting in His guidance and provision every step of the way. Through joining MPI’s discipleship classes and applying the principles learned, we can walk in the footsteps of Peter and countless others who have experienced the life-changing power of following Jesus.
SERMON TEXT
Matthew 4:18 -22
Jesus Calls His First Disciples
18 As Jesus was walking beside the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers, Simon called Peter and his brother Andrew. They were casting a net into the lake, for they were fishermen. 19 “Come, follow me,” Jesus said, “and I will send you out to fish for people.” 20 At once they left their nets and followed him.
21 Going on from there, he saw two other brothers, James son of Zebedee and his brother John. They were in a boat with their father Zebedee, preparing their nets. Jesus called them, 22 and immediately they left the boat and their father and followed him.
John 1:35-51
John’s Disciples Follow Jesus
35 The next day John was there again with two of his disciples. 36 When he saw Jesus passing by, he said, “Look, the Lamb of God!”
37 When the two disciples heard him say this, they followed Jesus. 38 Turning around, Jesus saw them following and asked, “What do you want?”
They said, “Rabbi” (which means “Teacher”), “where are you staying?”
39 “Come,” he replied, “and you will see.”
So they went and saw where he was staying, and they spent that day with him. It was about four in the afternoon.
40 Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother, was one of the two who heard what John had said and who had followed Jesus. 41 The first thing Andrew did was to find his brother Simon and tell him, “We have found the Messiah” (that is, the Christ). 42 And he brought him to Jesus.
Jesus looked at him and said, “You are Simon son of John. You will be called Cephas” (which, when translated, is Peter[a]).
Jesus Calls Philip and Nathanael
43 The next day Jesus decided to leave for Galilee. Finding Philip, he said to him, “Follow me.”
44 Philip, like Andrew and Peter, was from the town of Bethsaida. 45 Philip found Nathanael and told him, “We have found the one Moses wrote about in the Law, and about whom the prophets also wrote—Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph.”
46 “Nazareth! Can anything good come from there?” Nathanael asked.
“Come and see,” said Philip.
47 When Jesus saw Nathanael approaching, he said of him, “Here truly is an Israelite in whom there is no deceit.”
48 “How do you know me?” Nathanael asked.
Jesus answered, “I saw you while you were still under the fig tree before Philip called you.”
49 Then Nathanael declared, “Rabbi, you are the Son of God; you are the king of Israel.”
50 Jesus said, “You believe[b] because I told you I saw you under the fig tree. You will see greater things than that.” 51 He then added, “Very truly I tell you,[c] you[d] will see ‘heaven open, and the angels of God ascending and descending on’[e] the Son of Man.”
John 6:67-69
66 From this time many of his disciples turned back and no longer followed him. 67 “You do not want to leave too, do you?” Jesus asked the Twelve. 68 Simon Peter answered him, “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life. 69 We have come to believe and to know that you are the Holy One of God.”
THREE ACTIONS TO CALL OF THE DISCIPLESHIP
I. Responding to the Invitation (John 1:35-42):
In John 1:35-42, we witness the immediate response of Andrew and John to Jesus’ invitation to “come and see.” This passage emphasizes the importance of seizing opportunities to follow Christ when they arise. Jesus’ question, “What are you seeking?” invites introspection and underscores the significance of our motives in following Him. The encounter between Jesus and Simon Peter reveals Jesus’ ability to see beyond our flaws and recognize our potential in Him.
Exegetical Explanation:
– The phrase “come and see” in verse 39 reflects an invitation to experience Jesus firsthand, indicating His desire for personal relationship and encounter with His followers. – Jesus’ renaming of Simon as “Cephas” or “Peter” in verse 42 signifies the transformative power of discipleship, as Jesus sees Simon’s potential and calls him to become a rock-like foundation for His church.
Application: – Reflect on moments in our lives where Jesus has called us to follow Him. How have we responded? Are there areas where we need to be more attentive to His invitations? – Encourage each other to be sensitive to the prompting of the Holy Spirit and to respond with obedience and eagerness when Jesus calls us to follow Him. *
II. Inviting Others to Follow (John 1:43-46):
In John 1:43-46, Philip’s response to Jesus’ call exemplifies the disciple’s role in inviting others to encounter Christ. Despite Nathanael’s initial skepticism, Philip extends a genuine invitation, “Come and see,” which leads to Nathanael’s transformative encounter with Jesus. This passage highlights the importance of authentic invitation and the power of personal encounters with Christ in overcoming doubt and skepticism.
Exegetical Explanation: – Nathanael’s question, “Can anything good come out of Nazareth?” in verse 46 reflects common prejudices of the time regarding the town of Nazareth, emphasizing Nathanael’s initial skepticism. – Jesus’ divine knowledge of Nathanael’s character and actions, such as being under the fig tree, in verse 48 demonstrates His omniscience and ability to perceive the innermost thoughts and experiences of individuals.
Application: – Consider who in our lives needs to encounter Jesus and how we can extend authentic invitations to them. Let’s pray for opportunities to share our faith and invite others to experience the love and grace of Jesus. – Challenge each other to step out in faith and invite someone to church or a Bible study, trusting that God will work through our invitations to bring people into His Kingdom.
III. Following Jesus with Wholehearted Devotion (John 1:47-51):
In John 1:47-51, Jesus affirms Nathanael’s genuine faith and commitment to follow Him, promising greater things to come. This passage underscores the importance of wholehearted devotion to Jesus. As we commit to following Him faithfully, He leads us into a life of purpose and fulfillment, fulfilling His promises in our lives.
Exegetical Explanation: – Jesus’ affirmation of Nathanael’s character as “an Israelite indeed, in whom there is no deceit” in verse 47 reflects Nathanael’s sincerity and genuine faith, which Jesus acknowledges and praises. – Jesus’ reference to Nathanael’s future experiences, such as seeing heaven opened and the angels of God ascending and descending on the Son of Man in verse 51, foreshadows the deeper revelations and spiritual experiences that await His disciples.
Application: – Examine our commitment to following Jesus with wholehearted devotion. Are there areas where we are holding back? Let’s surrender those areas to Him and recommit ourselves to following Him wholeheartedly. – Encourage each other to trust in Jesus’ promises and to step out in faith, knowing that He will lead us into greater things as we faithfully follow Him.
REFLECTION:
As we reflect on Jesus’ call to discipleship, let’s consider our own response to His invitation. Are we eagerly following Him, seizing opportunities to grow closer to Him and serve others in His name? Let’s examine our hearts and commit to wholeheartedly following Jesus, trusting in His guidance and grace every step of the way.