Embracing the Invitation: Abiding in Christ's Presence
Summary
In the journey of faith, we are beckoned by an invitation that transcends all others—an invitation to fully live. This call to life is not found in the fleeting pleasures or pursuits of this world but in the person of Jesus Christ. In John chapter 1, we encounter a profound moment where Jesus extends a simple yet transformative invitation to His first disciples: "Come and see." This invitation is not merely to observe but to participate in the life of God, to abide with the Father, and to be transformed by His presence and work in our lives.
As we reflect on the narrative of John the Baptist proclaiming Jesus as the Lamb of God, we are reminded that our need for salvation cannot be met by adherence to the law or good deeds. It is only through Jesus, the one who atones for our sins, that we find redemption. Recognizing our need for Him is the first step in responding to His call.
The act of following Jesus is a conscious choice, a response to His call to "come and see." It is a decision to pursue a life of abiding in Him, to seek His presence, and to be changed by His love. This choice is illustrated in the Gospel account where the disciples, upon hearing John's declaration, choose to follow Jesus. In a beautiful display of divine initiative, Jesus turns towards them, inviting them into a relationship with Him.
This relationship with Jesus is characterized by abiding—staying, lodging, living with Him. It is in this abiding that we find the fullness of life He promises. In our busy world, we are often distracted by the noise and demands of life, yet Jesus invites us to slow down, to sit at His feet, to listen to His heart, and to be transformed by His word.
As we close, I challenge us to embrace what Henry Nouwen describes as "wasting time with Jesus." Let us find moments in our days to be with Jesus, to invite His presence into our lives, and to allow His work to strengthen and encourage us. In doing so, we will experience the peace of God and draw nearer to Him.
Key Takeaways:
- The invitation to follow Jesus is an invitation to experience the fullness of life that can only be found in Him. It is not a passive observation but an active participation in the life that Jesus offers, a life that is complete and whole. This is the essence of the Gospel, that in Christ, we find life in its truest form. [51:22]
- Recognizing our need for Jesus is the foundation of our faith. It is not through our own efforts or righteousness that we are saved, but through the atoning sacrifice of Jesus, the Lamb of God. This recognition leads us to a place of humility and dependence on Him for our salvation. [41:30]
- Responding to Jesus' invitation to "come and see" is a choice that we must make daily. It is a decision to pursue a deeper relationship with Him, to learn from Him, and to be transformed by His teachings. This response is an act of will, choosing to follow Jesus even when it requires sacrifice or stepping into the unknown. [42:57]
- Jesus' initiative in turning towards us is a profound demonstration of God's love and desire for relationship with us. It is not based on our qualifications or efforts but on His grace and mercy. This turning towards us invites us into a life-changing encounter with the living God. [46:25]
- Abiding with Jesus is the heart of discipleship. It is in the quiet, intentional moments spent with Him that we grow and are shaped into His likeness. This abiding is not a waste of time but the very means by which we experience the presence and power of God in our lives. [54:33]
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
- John 1:35-39
#### Observation Questions
1. What was John the Baptist's declaration when he saw Jesus walking by? ([33:41])
2. How did the two disciples respond to John the Baptist's declaration about Jesus? ([33:49])
3. What question did Jesus ask the disciples when He noticed them following Him? ([34:07])
4. What was Jesus' invitation to the disciples when they asked Him where He was staying? ([34:21])
#### Interpretation Questions
1. Why is John the Baptist's proclamation of Jesus as the "Lamb of God" significant in the context of Jewish sacrificial practices? ([37:11])
2. What does Jesus' invitation to "come and see" imply about the nature of discipleship and following Him? ([34:21])
3. How does the act of Jesus turning towards the disciples demonstrate His initiative in forming relationships with us? ([45:22])
4. What does it mean to "abide" with Jesus, and how is this concept illustrated in the interaction between Jesus and the disciples? ([47:14])
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on the invitation to "come and see." How can you actively respond to Jesus' call in your daily life? ([34:21])
2. John the Baptist recognized and proclaimed Jesus as the Lamb of God. How can you cultivate a deeper recognition of your need for Jesus in your own life? ([37:11])
3. Jesus turned towards the disciples and engaged with them. In what ways can you be more aware of Jesus turning towards you in your current circumstances? ([45:22])
4. The sermon mentioned "wasting time with Jesus" as a way to abide with Him. What specific steps can you take this week to intentionally spend time with Jesus, despite your busy schedule? ([53:05])
5. The disciples chose to follow Jesus even when it meant stepping into the unknown. Is there an area in your life where you feel Jesus is calling you to step out in faith? How can you take that step this week? ([42:40])
6. How can you create moments of quiet and stillness in your life to listen to Jesus' heart and be transformed by His word? ([50:08])
7. The sermon emphasized the importance of recognizing our need for Jesus. How can you practice humility and dependence on Jesus in your daily interactions and decisions? ([41:02])
Devotional
Day 1: Embracing Fullness in Christ
Life's true fullness is found only in Jesus, inviting us to participate actively in His divine life. This fullness is not a mere concept but a tangible reality that we are called to experience daily. It is an invitation to step out of the shadows of superficiality and into the light of a life lived with purpose and passion. In Christ, we are offered a life that is not just about survival but about thriving in every sense—spiritually, emotionally, and relationally.
The Gospel of John presents us with a vivid picture of what it means to encounter Jesus and accept His invitation to "come and see." This is not a passive act but a step into a journey of transformation. As we accept this invitation, we embark on a path that leads us away from the emptiness of worldly pursuits and towards the wholeness that comes from abiding in Him. This journey is marked by moments of discovery, challenges that shape our faith, and the joy of growing closer to the heart of God. It is in this journey that we find the fullness of life that Jesus promises—a life marked by His presence, guided by His wisdom, and sustained by His love. [51:22]
John 1:38-39 (ESV)
"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?' He said to them, 'Come and see.' They came and saw where he was staying, and they stayed with him that day, for it was about the tenth hour."
Reflection: How can you actively seek the fullness of life in Christ today, moving beyond mere belief to a vibrant, lived experience of faith?
Day 2: Humility in Our Need for Jesus
Acknowledging our need for Jesus is the cornerstone of our faith journey. It is a humbling realization that our own righteousness is insufficient and that our salvation is entirely dependent on the grace of Jesus, the Lamb of God. This humility is not about self-deprecation but about recognizing the magnitude of God's love and the depth of our need for His saving grace.
Understanding that we cannot earn our way to redemption, we are invited to rest in the finished work of Christ on the cross. It is in this place of humility that we find the true freedom that comes from being fully known and fully loved by God. As we acknowledge our need for Jesus, we open ourselves to His transformative work in our lives, allowing Him to shape us into His image and use us for His purposes. This recognition is the first step toward a life of faith that is authentic, vibrant, and deeply rooted in the truth of the Gospel. [41:30]
Hebrews 4:15-16 (ESV)
"For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin. Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need."
Reflection: In what areas of your life do you struggle to admit your need for Jesus, and how can you begin to let go of self-reliance in favor of His grace?
Day 3: Choosing to Follow Daily
Responding to Jesus' call to "come and see" requires a daily decision to follow Him. This choice is an intentional act of the will, a commitment to pursue a deeper relationship with Christ, and to allow His teachings to transform our lives. It is a journey that often calls us to sacrifice and step into the unknown, trusting that Jesus is leading us to a place of greater growth and fulfillment.
Choosing to follow Jesus is not a one-time event but a continual process of learning and growing. It involves a willingness to be taught by Him, to spend time in His presence, and to apply His teachings to our everyday lives. As we make this choice each day, we find that our path aligns more closely with His, our actions reflect His love more clearly, and our lives bear the fruit of His Spirit more abundantly. This daily decision to follow Jesus is the essence of discipleship, and it is the path to true life. [42:57]
Luke 9:23-24 (ESV)
"And he said to all, 'If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me. For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will save it.'"
Reflection: What does choosing to follow Jesus look like for you today, and what practical steps can you take to make this choice a reality in your daily life?
Day 4: Encountering God's Transformative Love
God's initiative in turning towards us is a profound expression of His desire for a relationship with us. It is not based on our merit but on His grace and mercy. This divine turning invites us into an encounter with God that has the power to change us from the inside out.
When Jesus turns towards us, He offers us an opportunity to experience His love in a way that transforms our understanding of ourselves and our purpose in life. This encounter is not a passive experience but an active engagement with the living God. As we respond to His invitation and enter into a relationship with Him, we find that our lives are marked by His love, our actions are motivated by His compassion, and our paths are directed by His wisdom. This transformative encounter with Jesus is the heart of the Christian faith, and it is the source of our hope and strength. [46:25]
Ephesians 2:4-5 (ESV)
"But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us, even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ—by grace you have been saved."
Reflection: How have you experienced God's initiative in turning towards you, and how can you respond to His invitation to deepen your relationship with Him?
Day 5: The Practice of Abiding
Abiding with Jesus is the essence of discipleship. It is in the quiet, intentional moments spent in His presence that we are shaped into His likeness. This practice of abiding is not a waste of time but the very means by which we experience the presence and power of God in our lives.
To abide with Jesus means to make space for Him in the midst of our busy lives. It is to prioritize our relationship with Him above all else, to listen attentively to His voice, and to allow His Word to guide and inform our actions. As we practice abiding in Jesus, we discover that it is in these moments of stillness and intimacy that we are strengthened, encouraged, and equipped to face the challenges of life. Abiding with Jesus is not an escape from the world but a way to engage with it more fully, with a heart that is anchored in the peace and love of God. [54:33]
1 John 2:27-28 (ESV)
"But the anointing that you received from him abides in you, and you have no need that anyone should teach you. But as his anointing teaches you about everything, and is true, and is no lie—just as it has taught you, abide in him. And now, little children, abide in him, so that when he appears we may have confidence and not shrink from him in shame at his coming."
Reflection: What does "wasting time with Jesus" look like for you, and how can you incorporate this practice into your daily routine to deepen your connection with Him?
Quotes
1) "The invitation of following Jesus, it is an invitation to fully live. It is an invitation to step into the life of God, to abide with the Father." [51:22](Download | )
2) "Following Jesus is an invitation to come and see. And we get to make that choice to come and see." [43:48](Download | )
3) "Jesus didn't say, hey, fill out this application so you can get into the Jesus Academy. They begin to follow him and then Jesus, the Son of God, turns towards them." [46:25](Download | )
4) "These disciples were seeking to abide with the Father. They were seeking to be near him, to learn from him, to hear from him, to see him, to experience him." [47:29](Download | )
5) "It's following Jesus then and now was and is an invitation to abide with the Father. We live in a world where sometimes we are so busy... this whole idea of following Jesus is inviting us to slow down." [49:34](Download | )
6) "I want to challenge us this week to what Henry Nowan calls wasting time with Jesus, finding times in our days and in our weeks to simply be with Jesus." [54:33](Download | )
7) "The good news, church, is that he turns towards us. The good news is that he turns towards you. He turns towards us in our lives, in our seasons, in our circumstances." [46:25](Download | )
8) "Following Jesus is an invitation to say I am in desperate need. That there is only one who can change this heart. That there is only one who can redeem this heart." [41:30](Download | )
9) "Jesus made the first move towards them. Yes, they were following him... but they were going his general direction here. And the scriptures say that Jesus stopped and he turned towards them." [45:08](Download | )
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