Which encounter changed the course of your life, and what would have to change if you met Jesus face to face today? This sermon opens a new series and walks through the first chapter of John’s Gospel, where Andrew, Peter, Philip and Nathanael each come to know Jesus in a completely different way. Jesus sets no conditions and gives no theology exam; he simply says: come and see, and then reveals not only who he is but who they can become. Listen, because that invitation is still open.
Discussion questions
For your small group or for personal reflection after the sermon.
- John the Baptist points to Jesus with the words "Look, the Lamb of God" and lets his own disciples leave to follow Him. What does this gesture reveal about John, and how might the first listeners have understood those words?
- In John 1:35-51 the disciples' view of Jesus gradually grows: from teacher, to Messiah, to Son of God and King of Israel, and finally to Son of Man. What do you think the promise of an open heaven and angels, echoing Jacob's dream, means?
- Jesus doesn't begin with a theology lecture or a list of conditions, but with an invitation: "Come, and you will see." Why is such an invitation so powerful, and what does it say about how Jesus builds relationships with people?
- Jesus changes Simon's name to Peter, seeing not only who he is but who he will become. What might it mean for you that Jesus sees more in you than you can see in yourself?
- Nathanael responds skeptically, "Can anything good come from Nazareth?", and instead of arguing, Philip says, "Come and see." Which character, Andrew, Peter, Nathanael or Philip, is closest to how you see Jesus today, and why?
- The speaker notes that we often invite people to church or to change their habits rather than into a relationship with Jesus. Whom could you invite this week to see for themselves who Jesus is, and what might that invitation look like?
