Follow Me
Introduction
Looking at v29 to the end of the chapter
v43
One challenge we face today is sharing the gospel and seeing people convered
These verses are helpful and instructive to us
Jesus is the fulfillment of the Original prophecy
John speaks about the start of Jesus’ ministry – day by day
This is encouraging for us
We can be overwhelmed by the task
Jesus’ concentrates on individuals
People became disciples in different ways
Example of a testimony
The disciples had a testimony
We have a testimony
These are the first encounters these men have with Jesus
Proclamation of Jesus
John the Baptist’s message was very simple – ‘the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world’
He would be identified by the Holy Spirit
John the Baptist has reflected on who Jesus is – and knows He is God’s Lamb
He proclaims this
We can be afraid to proclaim Jesus as the Saviour
The first day of his proclamation – nothing happens
We must not give up proclamation because there is no immediate response
We must keep on giving the same message
People’s eyes are closed/veiled to the gospel
Example
The message of the gospel is a puzzle before Jesus opens our eyes
Quote from JC Ryle
Personal Encounter with Jesus
On the second day, two men hear Jesus and follow Him
They wanted to sit at His feet and listen to His teaching – as they had John the Baptist
They turned from John the Baptist to follow Jesus
They spent considerable time (several hours) in the presence of Jesus Christ
They had a profound assurance that they had found the Messiah
Bringing people face to face to Jesus
Not religion, church or anything else
We need to speak of Jesus
Example
People should recognise He means a lot to us
What book can we offer them?
A gospel
Ask the question ‘who is Jesus’ and ‘is He someone I need to know?’
Personal Evangelism
One disciple telling another that they have ‘found Jesus’
When you know who Jesus is, you have a natural desire to tell others
Example #1
Example #2
Direct Call of Jesus
Philip is called – “Follow Me”
People called during the pandemic – example
The uncertainties of the world
God prepares hearts – example
We are labourers together with God – example
Nathaniel – an encouragement to persevere
He pours cold water on Philip’s assertion
He is not able to answer his question but says ‘come and see’
Example of Aberystwyth conference – studying the word of God
The information does not make sense to Nathaniel who is a student of Scripture
His heart is opened by Jesus
We should not be put off – ‘come and see’
We should bring people to Jesus
His true identity is being revealed (in the titles used of Him in this chapter)
Jesus tells him he will see better things
Do we believe this?
Do we have a lack of expectation of what God will do?
Example