Sermon Notes:
“What are you seeking?” – The journey with Jesus starts with a _________________. (John 1:35-39)
The power of a name: Following Jesus will ______________ you forever. (John 1:40-42)
Your questions will be answered: Jesus reveals ___________ to those who follow. (John 1:43-49)
Jacob’s ladder has arrived: Following Jesus is the key to the ______________ and ___________________ you’re look-ing for.(John 1:50-51)
Discussion Questions:
1. John the Baptist points to Jesus in John 1:35-37 and two of his fol-lowers leave him and begin to follow Jesus. This is not the last time we will meet John in this gospel. Read John 3:22-35. What is the central focus of John the Baptist’s ministry? What qualities does John model to his disciples (vs.29-30)? How can you adopt this same heart and point people to Jesus?
2. In John 1:38, Jesus notices that he has two people following him and asks what they are searching for. This question implies he wants followers who have the right hearts and motives. Jesus makes clear that following him doesn’t involve creature-comforts. Read Matthew 8:18-22 and 10:37-38. Why do you think Jesus made it so hard for people to follow him? What distractions in to-day’s world make it hard to follow Jesus? What would it look like if you took his challenge seriously and said no to the things that keep you from totally following Jesus?
3. Peter is given the name “the Rock” by Jesus in John 1:42. He doesn’t look anything like a rock in the four gospels. Read Matthew 16:23; 26:34, 69-75. What do Peter’s failures tell you about the life of discipleship? In John 21:1-3, Peter seems ready to call it quits, but in John 21:15-19, Jesus (who had risen from the dead) restores Peter. What characteristics of Peter can you identify with? What did you learn from the times when you failed but then God revealed his love and forgiveness? Please share.
4. In John 1:46, Nathanael has doubts and asks a question – could an-ything good come out of Nazareth (Jesus’ hometown)? Read Jere-miah 33:3; James 1:5; Isaiah 1:18. God is always willing to provide answers to our questions – in His time. Share your experience how God revealed Himself to you when you got discouraged and/or doubted Him?
5. Sometimes, the answers to our questions don’t come when we want, because God wants us to learn to trust Him and wait on His perfect timing. Read Isaiah 40:31. What does he offer to those who trust him? Share your experience how God resolved your questions and doubts or worries and fears.