Seeking the True Jesus: A Call to Authentic Faith
Summary
### Summary
Welcome, everyone. Today, we dive into the Gospel of John, specifically focusing on the question Jesus asks: "What are you seeking?" This question is pivotal and determines how we interact with Jesus, whether we are Christians or just exploring faith. John the Baptist introduces Jesus as the Lamb of God, emphasizing His role as the anointed sacrifice needed to atone for our sins. This profound statement sets the stage for understanding who Jesus truly is ([48:14]).
As we continue, we see the calling of the first disciples. John the Baptist, standing with two of his disciples, points to Jesus and says, "Behold, the Lamb of God." The disciples follow Jesus, and He asks them, "What are you seeking?" They respond by calling Him "Rabbi," which means teacher, and ask where He is staying. Jesus invites them to come and see, showing His gracious nature. This interaction highlights the importance of seeking Jesus with genuine intent ([49:23]).
We then explore the concept of seeking Jesus in various ways. Some of us might be seeking Jesus for the wrong reasons or not seeking Him at all. For those who are not seeking Jesus, I urge you to open your hearts to the reality of Him. If you are here out of tradition or guilt, I invite you to truly seek Jesus, acknowledging our brokenness and desperate need for Him ([56:04]).
Next, we discuss the different ways people might seek a version of Jesus that aligns with their desires rather than the true Christ. Some seek the "Jesus of my will, His blessing," ignoring the parts of the Bible that require something of them. Others seek the "get out of hell free Jesus," believing that a simple prayer is enough without truly following Him. There are also those who seek the "unbounded affirmation Jesus," living however they want and expecting Jesus to cheer them on. These are not the true Jesus that John presents in his Gospel ([01:00:52]).
We then reflect on the importance of sharing Jesus with others. When the disciples, like Andrew and Nathaniel, realized who Jesus was, their immediate reaction was to share Him with others. This should be our response as well. If we are truly seeking Jesus, it should transform our lives and compel us to share Him with others. If we are keeping Him to ourselves, we might be seeking the wrong Jesus or making Him into something He is not ([01:10:30]).
Finally, we conclude with a call to repentance and genuine seeking of Jesus. Repentance is a beautiful word in the context of Jesus because the work is finished, and grace has already been given. I pray that our church community lives out the reality of Jesus being greater than everything, and that we naturally share Him with those around us. Let us seek the true Jesus, the Christ, the Son of God, and live in a way that reflects His love and sacrifice ([01:12:03]).
### Key Takeaways
1. The Importance of Seeking Jesus with Genuine Intent: Jesus' question, "What are you seeking?" is crucial for our spiritual journey. It challenges us to examine our motives and intentions. Are we seeking Jesus for who He truly is, or are we seeking a version of Him that fits our desires? This question determines how we interact with Jesus and shapes our faith journey. [49:23]
2. The Danger of Seeking a Customized Jesus: Many of us might be guilty of seeking a version of Jesus that aligns with our personal desires rather than the true Christ. Whether it's the "Jesus of my will, His blessing" or the "get out of hell free Jesus," these versions are not the Jesus presented in the Gospel of John. We must seek the true Jesus, who calls us to die to self and live for Him. [01:00:52]
3. The Transformative Power of Truly Seeking Jesus: When we genuinely seek Jesus, it transforms our lives and compels us to share Him with others. The disciples' immediate reaction to share Jesus with others upon realizing who He was should be our response as well. If our faith is not leading us to share Jesus, we might be seeking the wrong version of Him. [01:10:30]
4. The Call to Repentance and Genuine Seeking: Repentance is a beautiful word in the context of Jesus because the work is finished, and grace has already been given. We must genuinely seek Jesus, acknowledging our brokenness and desperate need for Him. This genuine seeking leads to a transformed life that reflects Jesus' love and sacrifice. [01:12:03]
5. Living Out the Reality of Jesus Being Greater Than Everything: As a church community, we must live out the reality of Jesus being greater than everything. This means submitting all areas of our lives to Him and allowing Him to evaluate and transform us. Our lives should reflect the true Jesus, the Christ, the Son of God, and naturally lead us to share Him with those around us. [01:08:53]
### Youtube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[42:41] - Corporate Worship and Prayer
[44:08] - Announcement of New High School Director
[45:51] - Introduction to the Gospel of John
[48:14] - Behold, the Lamb of God
[49:23] - What Are You Seeking?
[50:35] - Calling of the First Disciples
[53:00] - Titles of Jesus in John 1
[56:04] - Are You Truly Seeking Jesus?
[01:00:52] - The Danger of a Customized Jesus
[01:08:53] - Living Jesus Greater Than Everything
[01:10:30] - Sharing Jesus with Others
[01:12:03] - Call to Repentance and Genuine Seeking
[01:14:10] - Closing Prayer and Reflection
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. John 1:35-42 (ESV)
2. John 1:43-47 (ESV)
#### Observation Questions
1. What title does John the Baptist use to introduce Jesus to his disciples, and what is its significance? [48:14]
2. How do the first disciples respond to Jesus' question, "What are you seeking?" and what does this reveal about their initial understanding of Him? [49:23]
3. What are some of the different titles and names given to Jesus in John 1, and what do they signify about His identity? [53:00]
4. How do Andrew and Nathaniel react after realizing who Jesus is, and what action do they take immediately? [50:35]
#### Interpretation Questions
1. Why is the question "What are you seeking?" pivotal for both believers and non-believers in their spiritual journey? [49:23]
2. How does the concept of seeking a "customized Jesus" differ from seeking the true Jesus presented in the Gospel of John? [01:00:52]
3. What does the immediate reaction of the disciples to share Jesus with others suggest about the transformative power of genuinely seeking Him? [01:10:30]
4. How does the call to repentance and genuine seeking of Jesus lead to a transformed life that reflects His love and sacrifice? [01:12:03]
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on your own life: What are you truly seeking when you come to Jesus? Are there any personal desires or expectations that might be shaping your view of Him? [49:23]
2. Have you ever found yourself seeking a version of Jesus that aligns more with your personal desires rather than the true Christ? How can you realign your seeking to focus on the true Jesus? [01:00:52]
3. Think about a time when you shared Jesus with someone. What motivated you to do so, and how did it impact your faith? If you haven't shared Jesus recently, what might be holding you back? [01:10:30]
4. Repentance is described as a beautiful word in the context of Jesus because the work is finished, and grace has already been given. How can you incorporate regular repentance into your spiritual practice to ensure you are genuinely seeking Jesus? [01:12:03]
5. In what ways can you live out the reality of Jesus being greater than everything in your daily life? Identify specific areas where you need to submit to His authority and allow Him to transform you. [01:08:53]
6. How can you encourage others in your church community to seek the true Jesus and live out their faith in a way that reflects His love and sacrifice? [01:14:10]
7. Identify one person in your life who does not know Jesus. What steps can you take this week to share the true Jesus with them, just as Andrew and Nathaniel did? [01:10:30]
Devotional
Day 1: Seeking Jesus with Genuine Intent
The question Jesus asks, "What are you seeking?" is crucial for our spiritual journey. It challenges us to examine our motives and intentions. Are we seeking Jesus for who He truly is, or are we seeking a version of Him that fits our desires? This question determines how we interact with Jesus and shapes our faith journey. Jesus' gracious invitation to "come and see" is a call to seek Him with genuine intent and open hearts. This means approaching Jesus not with preconceived notions or selfish desires but with a sincere longing to know Him and be transformed by Him.
When the first disciples followed Jesus, they addressed Him as "Rabbi," acknowledging Him as their teacher and guide. This interaction highlights the importance of seeking Jesus with a heart ready to learn and be led by Him. As we embark on our spiritual journey, let us ask ourselves: Are we truly seeking Jesus, or are we merely seeking what He can do for us? Let us strive to seek Jesus with genuine intent, allowing Him to reveal Himself to us in His fullness. [49:23]
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 you will see.' So they came and saw where he was staying, and they stayed with him that day, for it was about the tenth hour."
Reflection: What are your true motives for seeking Jesus? Are you willing to let go of your own desires and allow Him to lead you?
Day 2: The Danger of Seeking a Customized Jesus
Many of us might be guilty of seeking a version of Jesus that aligns with our personal desires rather than the true Christ. Whether it's the "Jesus of my will, His blessing" or the "get out of hell free Jesus," these versions are not the Jesus presented in the Gospel of John. We must seek the true Jesus, who calls us to die to self and live for Him.
The danger of seeking a customized Jesus is that it leads to a shallow and self-centered faith. When we mold Jesus to fit our preferences, we miss out on the transformative power of the true Christ. The true Jesus calls us to a life of surrender, sacrifice, and obedience. He challenges us to live according to His teachings and to follow Him wholeheartedly. Let us examine our hearts and ensure that we are seeking the true Jesus, not a version that suits our desires. [01:00:52]
Matthew 16:24-25 (ESV): "Then Jesus told his disciples, 'If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will find it.'"
Reflection: Are there areas in your life where you have customized Jesus to fit your desires? How can you seek the true Jesus and align your life with His teachings?
Day 3: The Transformative Power of Truly Seeking Jesus
When we genuinely seek Jesus, it transforms our lives and compels us to share Him with others. The disciples' immediate reaction to share Jesus with others upon realizing who He was should be our response as well. If our faith is not leading us to share Jesus, we might be seeking the wrong version of Him.
True seeking of Jesus results in a life that is visibly changed. It leads to a deep, personal relationship with Him that overflows into our interactions with others. When we experience the love, grace, and truth of Jesus, we cannot help but share it with those around us. This transformation is not just about personal growth but also about impacting the lives of others. Let us seek Jesus with a heart open to transformation and a willingness to share His love with the world. [01:10:30]
Acts 4:20 (ESV): "For we cannot but speak of what we have seen and heard."
Reflection: How has your relationship with Jesus transformed your life? In what ways can you share His love and truth with others today?
Day 4: The Call to Repentance and Genuine Seeking
Repentance is a beautiful word in the context of Jesus because the work is finished, and grace has already been given. We must genuinely seek Jesus, acknowledging our brokenness and desperate need for Him. This genuine seeking leads to a transformed life that reflects Jesus' love and sacrifice.
Repentance is not just about feeling sorry for our sins; it is about turning away from them and turning towards Jesus. It is an acknowledgment of our need for His grace and a commitment to live according to His will. Genuine seeking involves a heart that is humble and willing to be changed. It is about recognizing that we cannot do it on our own and that we need Jesus every step of the way. Let us embrace the call to repentance and seek Jesus with all our hearts. [01:12:03]
Joel 2:12-13 (ESV): "'Yet even now,' declares the Lord, 'return to me with all your heart, with fasting, with weeping, and with mourning; and rend your hearts and not your garments.' Return to the Lord your God, for he is gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love; and he relents over disaster."
Reflection: What areas of your life do you need to repent of and turn over to Jesus? How can you seek Him more genuinely and wholeheartedly?
Day 5: Living Out the Reality of Jesus Being Greater Than Everything
As a church community, we must live out the reality of Jesus being greater than everything. This means submitting all areas of our lives to Him and allowing Him to evaluate and transform us. Our lives should reflect the true Jesus, the Christ, the Son of God, and naturally lead us to share Him with those around us.
Living out this reality involves a daily commitment to prioritize Jesus above all else. It means allowing Him to be the center of our decisions, relationships, and actions. When we truly believe that Jesus is greater than everything, it changes the way we live. We become more intentional in our faith, more compassionate towards others, and more dedicated to sharing the Gospel. Let us strive to live in a way that reflects the greatness of Jesus and draws others to Him. [01:08:53]
Colossians 3:17 (ESV): "And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him."
Reflection: In what areas of your life do you need to submit more fully to Jesus? How can you live in a way that reflects His greatness and love to those around you?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "Some of us are not seeking. We're not seeking Jesus as the Christ. We're not seeking Jesus, the Christ. Now I'll just quickly say there's, there might be a category of people who you're here because you're here. Somebody invited you. You don't want to be here. You're not interested. You've heard about Jesus. You're like, can we get this over with? Okay. And for you, I just want to say, man, I hope your heart gets open to the reality of him. But if you are so shut down that you're like, I am refusing to listen to truth and fact and history and theology, then, then man, I hope God wakes you up somehow because he, he, he is the hope of the world. He is historically relevant, but not just for something in the past for present because he's the eternal God." [56:04]
2. "There's a big difference between showing up and showing up. And actually seeking the help in which reorients your life to what is given. There's a big difference. And I see it in marriages all the time. It's like, oh, I went to that thing and I look at the heart and I go, that wasn't a heart of actually seeking. You just, you're going through the motions. And so for us in the church context, maybe this is you, maybe you think you're seeking, but really the reality is that you're not seeking. You're not seeking. You're not seeking. Church is just a tradition, but you're not really seeking the Christ." [59:05]
3. "You don't have to have all the questions answered, but your response to this one question determines everything. Okay, there's one question and your response to it determines everything. It determines how you will process your interaction with God. With Jesus again, whether you're not a Christian or you are a Christian, it will determine how you interact with the Christ, the anointed one, this historical figure that claimed to be God, the Christians believe died on the cross for our sins and rose from the dead, that we have reason to believe that there is a lot of questions that, that I have that you will still have. That's okay. But there's one question that your answer and your reaction and your interaction will determine everything. And it's this, it's the question that Jesus asks, what are you seeking?" [52:03]
4. "Some of us is the get out of hell free Jesus. This is the Jesus we love. In other words, I've prayed the prayer, but I don't follow him. I know that at some point in time, somebody told me to believe. Remember what John says about believing. Believing is a life orienting step. It's a verb. And we go, I've said a statement. Therefore, when I get to heaven, I can be like, Hey, I just didn't want to go to hell." [01:02:24]
### Quotes for Members
1. "Seek Jesus, the Christ, the son of God. Let me just kind of put together what he said over the last few verses. Jesus, the Christ, the son of God is the anointed prophet, priest, king, lamb of God. If you don't understand what I'm saying there, go and listen to last week's, who calls us to take up our cross and follow him, which means to die to self and live for him. This is the Jesus we should be seeking. In other words, we've put it this way, to submit all areas, all areas, all areas, all areas of our lives to him because of what he has done and who he is. We say this is to live Jesus greater than everything." [01:08:53]
2. "How you respond to Jesus and share him with others will expose the answer to what you're seeking. Here's, here's what I want you to know. In, in both accounts, when the disciple learned Andrew and Nathaniel, when they learn who this Jesus is, their reaction is, you got to see this. Come along. You got to see this. And so for some of us, we go, I'm seeking Jesus, the Christ. I'm seeking Jesus, the Christ, the son of God. Let me just remind you how you respond to Jesus and share him with others. We'll expose the answer to what you're actually seeking. If we're keeping him to ourselves, if it's not transforming our lives to share with others, we might be seeking the wrong Jesus, or we might be making Jesus the wrong thing and not holding him to who he actually is." [01:10:30]
3. "Some of us are seeking the Jesus of my will, his blessing, Jesus. This means life in the Bible is processed through my experience and what I want to get from it. I ignore the things that I disagree with in the Bible or that would require anything of me. Like this, this book here is just, let me, let me go to those Instagrammable out of context versus and say, Oh, look, Oh, what blessings from the Lord. And I seek those blessings that aren't actually his blessings because his blessing is coming under his authority and kingship. But we go, no, no, no, no, no. Anything that would ask anything of me. Oh, that's not the Jesus that I've Googled." [01:02:24]
4. "Some of us, and this is inherent in our culture today is we have and follow the unbounded affirmation. Jesus unbounded, no restrictions. In other words, I live the way that I want, however I want. And I'm convinced and have convinced myself that God is just there to cheer me on. Be yourself, be your authentic self, be your true you. You know, you got, do you hear that around us all the time? Do you know what our, our authentic self is? Sinners separated from Christ who are going to live selfishly for ourselves and say, forget the rest of the world. But there's a, there's a created self that is found in the affirmation of the image of Christ that we need to say, I need to, by the power of God, I need to accept the salvation and him sanctify us." [01:03:58]
5. "Yes, we are to do good work. Yes, we are to be salt and light, but what is, what is salt without the gospel? It's just white flakes of nothing. It's the gospel that we need to speak. How about advice giver, moral teacher, Jesus? Definitely we should mostly live by what he says. We definitely should mostly live the way Jesus says. It will make the world a better place, but dying to self is more general advice and not a true calling. My helper, Jesus, I've got issues that I want him to assist me with. In other words, it's about me with Jesus by my side, not me following Jesus." [01:05:31]
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