The Message of John (Lesson 6)
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The next day Jesus decided to set out for Galilee. Finding Philip, He told him, “Follow Me.”
—John 1:43
When Jesus says, "Follow me," he invites people like us to become his disciples.
In the simplest terms, a disciple is a learner.
In the Jewish context in which Jesus calls his first followers, it was a common practice for rabbis (Jewish teachers of Scripture and theology) to choose his students, picking certain people to teach. These students would be followers of the teacher who often would dedicate their lives to studying, learning, and following the teachings and ways of a particular spiritual leader.
In a similar way, Jesus called his first disciples. We see this in John 1:43, where the Savior calls Philip,
The next day Jesus decided to set out for Galilee. Finding Philip, He told him, “Follow Me.”
He may not call us verbally in the same way, but the call to follow Jesus today is the same as it was then. It is an invitation to a new life.
But the invitation is not just to learn about Jesus. It is a calling to be transformed by Him and to participate in His mission. It is to have our minds transformed, our wills shaped, and our hearts aligned to his truth and grace.
You see, when we see his mission culminate on a cross, we realize that our greatest need is not more information. It is salvation.
We need rescue from the consequences of our sins.
In view of his extraordinary mercy, giving his life for us, we are compelled to follow him with full devotion.
We surrender all for Jesus because Jesus surrendered all for us.
We don't devote our lives to him in order to be saved. We devote our lives to him because he devoted his life to save us.
It is his love for us and grace toward us that motivates our new lives. The motivation is so powerful, Jesus says not only will every part of our lives be transformed, but we'll be willing to suffer as followers of Christ.
As Jesus says in Matthew 16:24,
"If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me."
The image of taking up one's cross is a reference to the Roman practice of crucifixion, which was a form of execution reserved for the worst criminals. It was a brutal and humiliating death, and it served as a powerful symbol of sacrifice and suffering.
To carry a cross is a commitment to suffer for his and his kingdom's sake. It's a calling to follow even if leads to persecution and rejection for the sake of the gospel.
The reason we're willing to do this for Jesus is that Jesus did it for us.
As Paul says in 2 Corinthians 5:15, "Christ's love compels us."
Discussion Questions
What does the word disciple mean?
How does the call to follow Jesus as disciples transform our minds, wills, and hearts?
Why is it important to understand that our greatest need is not information but salvation?
What motivates us to surrender all for Jesus?
What does it mean to carry our cross and follow Jesus?
A Suggested Prayer
Dear Lord Jesus,
Thank you for calling us to follow you. Because you surrendered all for us, we surrender all to you and seek to have our minds, wills, and hearts aligned with your truth and grace. Give us the strength to follow you, even if it leads to persecution and rejection for the sake of the gospel. Your love compels us to follow you, and we are grateful for the grace that has changed us and is changing us.
In your name we pray, amen.