Following Jesus: A Journey of Faith and Love

 

Summary

In today's gathering, we explored the profound invitation of Jesus to "follow me," as depicted in the Gospel of John. This call is not just a historical account but a living invitation for us today. John's Gospel, written in a time of upheaval and uncertainty, speaks to a second generation of believers who, like us, did not physically see Jesus but are called to trust in His story and presence. The Gospel begins with the majestic prologue that echoes the creation narrative, presenting Jesus as the Word, the light that shines in the darkness, and the source of life. This sets the stage for understanding Jesus as the embodiment of God's new creation, inviting us to participate in His life through the Spirit.

The journey of discipleship is marked by seeing, believing, and abiding. We are invited to "come and see," to witness the works and character of Jesus, much like the stories of Nicodemus and the Samaritan woman at the well. These narratives remind us that faith is born in the questions and encounters with Jesus, who offers living water and abundant life. Believing in Jesus is more than intellectual assent; it is a relational trust that reorders our lives around Him, much like the way we prioritize relationships with loved ones.

Abiding in Jesus, as described in John 15, is about a deep, intimate relationship where we remain in Him as He remains in us. This abiding is akin to the enduring love seen in long-term relationships, where presence and connection transcend words. It is in this abiding that we experience the fullness of life and the transformative power of God's love.

Finally, the Gospel of John culminates in the theme of love. Jesus' interactions with people, from the woman caught in adultery to the raising of Lazarus, reveal a God who enters into our pain and brokenness with compassion. The story of Peter's restoration after his denial of Jesus underscores the redemptive power of love. Jesus' repeated question, "Do you love me?" invites us to a deeper commitment and a life of service, even in our imperfections.

Key Takeaways:

- The invitation to "follow me" is a call to a living relationship with Jesus, rooted in the Gospel of John. This call transcends time, inviting us to trust in Jesus' story and presence, even when the world feels uncertain and chaotic. [05:07]

- Discipleship involves seeing and being present in the moment, much like the playful interactions with a child. It is about being attentive to how God reveals Himself in our lives and the world around us. [15:35]

- Believing in Jesus is a relational trust that reorders our lives. It is not just the beginning of a journey but an ongoing commitment to prioritize our relationship with Him, much like we do with loved ones. [22:43]

- Abiding in Jesus is about a deep, intimate relationship where we remain in Him as He remains in us. This abiding is akin to the enduring love seen in long-term relationships, where presence and connection transcend words. [24:37]

- The theme of love in John's Gospel reveals a God who enters into our pain and brokenness with compassion. Jesus' interactions with people, from the woman caught in adultery to the raising of Lazarus, show the redemptive power of love. [30:21]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:13] - Introduction and Personal Background
- [01:28] - Ministry Experiences and God's Work
- [03:21] - Teaching and Pastoral Roles
- [04:08] - Family and Personal Reflections
- [05:07] - Invitation to Follow Jesus
- [07:16] - The Gospel of John and New Creation
- [09:20] - The Word Became Flesh
- [11:31] - Understanding Discipleship
- [13:53] - Seeing and Being Present
- [16:21] - Stories of Abundance and Faith
- [19:28] - Streams of Living Water
- [21:29] - Believing and Trusting in Jesus
- [24:37] - Abiding in Christ
- [29:09] - The Power of Love and Restoration
- [35:11] - Closing Prayer

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:
1. John 1:1-18
2. John 15:1-5
3. John 21:15-19

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Observation Questions:

1. In John 1:1-18, how is Jesus described in relation to creation and the world? What significance does this have for understanding His role in the Gospel? [08:13]

2. What does Jesus mean when He invites His disciples to "abide in me" in John 15:1-5? How does this concept of abiding relate to the idea of a deep, intimate relationship? [24:19]

3. In John 21:15-19, what is the significance of Jesus asking Peter three times if he loves Him? How does this relate to Peter's previous denial of Jesus? [34:15]

4. How does the sermon describe the invitation to "come and see" in the context of discipleship? What examples from the Gospel of John illustrate this invitation? [15:35]

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Interpretation Questions:

1. How does the prologue of John's Gospel (John 1:1-18) set the stage for understanding Jesus as the embodiment of God's new creation? What implications does this have for believers today? [08:13]

2. What does it mean to "abide" in Jesus according to John 15:1-5, and how does this abiding lead to experiencing the fullness of life? How is this concept illustrated in the sermon? [24:19]

3. In the sermon, how is the theme of love in John's Gospel portrayed through Jesus' interactions with others, such as the woman caught in adultery and the raising of Lazarus? What does this reveal about God's character? [30:21]

4. How does the restoration of Peter in John 21:15-19 demonstrate the redemptive power of love? What does this teach about Jesus' approach to our imperfections and failures? [34:15]

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Application Questions:

1. Reflect on the invitation to "come and see" in your own life. How can you be more attentive to how God reveals Himself in your daily experiences? What practical steps can you take to be more present in the moment? [15:35]

2. Consider your current relationship with Jesus. In what ways can you deepen your "abiding" in Him this week? Are there specific practices or habits you can adopt to strengthen this connection? [24:19]

3. Think about a time when you felt distant from God. How can the story of Peter's restoration encourage you to seek reconciliation and renewal in your relationship with Jesus? [34:15]

4. Identify a person in your life who is experiencing pain or brokenness. How can you demonstrate the compassionate love of Jesus to them this week, as illustrated in the Gospel of John? [30:21]

5. Reflect on the concept of relational trust in Jesus. How can you prioritize your relationship with Him in the same way you prioritize relationships with loved ones? What changes might you need to make in your daily routine? [22:43]

6. How can you actively participate in the new creation that Jesus embodies, as described in John 1:1-18? What role can you play in bringing light and life to those around you? [08:13]

7. Consider the theme of love in John's Gospel. How can you cultivate a deeper love for others, even in their imperfections, as Jesus did? What specific actions can you take to live out this love in your community? [30:21]

Devotional

Day 1: Trusting in Jesus Amidst Uncertainty
The invitation to "follow me" is a call to a living relationship with Jesus, rooted in the Gospel of John. This call transcends time, inviting us to trust in Jesus' story and presence, even when the world feels uncertain and chaotic. In a world filled with upheaval and unpredictability, the call to follow Jesus is a profound invitation to anchor our lives in His enduring presence. The Gospel of John, written for a generation that did not physically see Jesus, speaks to us today, urging us to trust in His story and His presence. This trust is not passive but an active engagement with the life and teachings of Jesus, who is presented as the Word, the light in the darkness, and the source of life. As we navigate our own uncertainties, we are invited to find stability and hope in the unchanging nature of Christ. [05:07]

John 1:4-5 (ESV): "In him was life, and the life was the light of men. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it."

Reflection: In what areas of your life do you feel most uncertain or chaotic? How can you actively invite Jesus into these areas to find peace and direction today?


Day 2: Seeing God in Everyday Moments
Discipleship involves seeing and being present in the moment, much like the playful interactions with a child. It is about being attentive to how God reveals Himself in our lives and the world around us. The journey of discipleship is marked by an openness to witness the works and character of Jesus in our daily lives. This involves a childlike curiosity and attentiveness to the divine presence in ordinary moments. By being present and observant, we can see how God is at work in the world around us, revealing His love and grace in unexpected ways. This attentiveness allows us to experience the richness of life and the abundance of God's blessings. [15:35]

Psalm 34:8 (ESV): "Oh, taste and see that the Lord is good! Blessed is the man who takes refuge in him!"

Reflection: What is one ordinary moment today where you can pause and seek to see God's presence or work? How can you cultivate a habit of attentiveness to God's presence in your daily routine?


Day 3: Relational Trust in Jesus
Believing in Jesus is a relational trust that reorders our lives. It is not just the beginning of a journey but an ongoing commitment to prioritize our relationship with Him, much like we do with loved ones. This belief is not merely intellectual but deeply relational, requiring us to reorder our lives around Jesus. Just as we prioritize relationships with loved ones, we are called to prioritize our relationship with Jesus, allowing His presence to shape our decisions, values, and actions. This ongoing commitment to trust in Jesus invites us to experience a transformative relationship that brings purpose and direction to our lives. [22:43]

Proverbs 3:5-6 (ESV): "Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths."

Reflection: What is one area of your life where you find it challenging to trust Jesus fully? How can you take a step today to prioritize your relationship with Him in that area?


Day 4: Abiding in Christ's Love
Abiding in Jesus is about a deep, intimate relationship where we remain in Him as He remains in us. This abiding is akin to the enduring love seen in long-term relationships, where presence and connection transcend words. Abiding in Christ involves cultivating a deep and intimate relationship with Him, where His presence becomes a constant source of strength and comfort. This relationship is characterized by an enduring love that transcends words, much like the love found in long-term relationships. By remaining in Christ, we open ourselves to the transformative power of His love, experiencing the fullness of life that He offers. [24:37]

John 15:4 (ESV): "Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me."

Reflection: How can you intentionally create space in your day to abide in Christ's presence? What practices can help you deepen your connection with Him?


Day 5: The Redemptive Power of Love
The theme of love in John's Gospel reveals a God who enters into our pain and brokenness with compassion. Jesus' interactions with people, from the woman caught in adultery to the raising of Lazarus, show the redemptive power of love. The Gospel of John highlights the transformative and redemptive power of love, as demonstrated through Jesus' interactions with those in pain and brokenness. His compassion and love bring healing and restoration, inviting us to experience the same redemptive power in our own lives. The story of Peter's restoration after his denial of Jesus underscores the depth of God's love, which calls us to a deeper commitment and a life of service, even in our imperfections. [30:21]

1 John 4:9-10 (ESV): "In this the love of God was made manifest among us, that God sent his only Son into the world, so that we might live through him. In this is love, not that we have loved God but that he loved us and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins."

Reflection: Who in your life is in need of compassion and love today? How can you extend the redemptive love of Christ to them in a tangible way?

Quotes


The journey of discipleship is marked by seeing, believing, and abiding. We are invited to "come and see," to witness the works and character of Jesus, much like the stories of Nicodemus and the Samaritan woman at the well. These narratives remind us that faith is born in the questions and encounters with Jesus, who offers living water and abundant life. [00:18:20]

Abiding in Jesus, as described in John 15, is about a deep, intimate relationship where we remain in Him as He remains in us. This abiding is akin to the enduring love seen in long-term relationships, where presence and connection transcend words. It is in this abiding that we experience the fullness of life and the transformative power of God's love. [00:24:37]

Finally, the Gospel of John culminates in the theme of love. Jesus' interactions with people, from the woman caught in adultery to the raising of Lazarus, reveal a God who enters into our pain and brokenness with compassion. The story of Peter's restoration after his denial of Jesus underscores the redemptive power of love. [00:30:21]

The invitation to "follow me" is a call to a living relationship with Jesus, rooted in the Gospel of John. This call transcends time, inviting us to trust in Jesus' story and presence, even when the world feels uncertain and chaotic. [00:05:07]

Discipleship involves seeing and being present in the moment, much like the playful interactions with a child. It is about being attentive to how God reveals Himself in our lives and the world around us. [00:15:35]

Believing in Jesus is a relational trust that reorders our lives. It is not just the beginning of a journey but an ongoing commitment to prioritize our relationship with Him, much like we do with loved ones. [00:22:43]

The theme of love in John's Gospel reveals a God who enters into our pain and brokenness with compassion. Jesus' interactions with people, from the woman caught in adultery to the raising of Lazarus, show the redemptive power of love. [00:30:21]

The Gospel begins with the majestic prologue that echoes the creation narrative, presenting Jesus as the Word, the light that shines in the darkness, and the source of life. This sets the stage for understanding Jesus as the embodiment of God's new creation, inviting us to participate in His life through the Spirit. [00:09:20]

John's Gospel, written in a time of upheaval and uncertainty, speaks to a second generation of believers who, like us, did not physically see Jesus but are called to trust in His story and presence. [00:05:07]

The journey of discipleship is marked by seeing, believing, and abiding. We are invited to "come and see," to witness the works and character of Jesus, much like the stories of Nicodemus and the Samaritan woman at the well. [00:18:20]

Abiding in Jesus, as described in John 15, is about a deep, intimate relationship where we remain in Him as He remains in us. This abiding is akin to the enduring love seen in long-term relationships, where presence and connection transcend words. [00:24:37]

Finally, the Gospel of John culminates in the theme of love. Jesus' interactions with people, from the woman caught in adultery to the raising of Lazarus, reveal a God who enters into our pain and brokenness with compassion. [00:30:21]

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Transcript
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