Jesus Calls His First Disciples: Answering the Call to Follow

Jesus Calls His First Disciples

John 1:35-39

"The next day John was there again with two of his disciples. When he saw Jesus passing by, he said, ‘Look, the Lamb of God!’ When the two disciples heard him say this, they followed Jesus. Turning around, Jesus saw them following and asked, ‘What do you want?’ They said, ‘Rabbi’ (which means ‘Teacher’), ‘where are you staying?’ ‘Come,’ he replied, ‘and you will see.’ So they went and saw where he was staying, and they spent that day with him. It was about four in the afternoon."

In this passage, we see the beginning of Jesus calling His first disciples. John the Baptist points his own disciples to Jesus, identifying Him as the Lamb of God. These two disciples, Andrew and another, respond by following Jesus and spending time with Him, initiating their journey of discipleship.

Understanding the Call

Invitation to Follow

Jesus' call to His disciples begins with an invitation to follow Him. This simple yet profound invitation requires a response of faith and willingness to leave behind the familiar to embark on a journey of transformation and learning. The disciples' immediate response to follow Jesus exemplifies the readiness we should have in answering His call.

Significance of Following Jesus

Transformation and Growth

Following Jesus leads to transformation and growth. As the disciples spent time with Jesus, they learned from His teachings, witnessed His miracles, and grew in their understanding of His mission. Our discipleship journey similarly involves being transformed by His presence and growing in our faith and knowledge of Him.

"Come, follow me," Jesus said, "and I will send you out to fish for people." — Matthew 4:19

Living as Disciples

Commitment to Christ

Living as disciples means committing ourselves to follow Jesus daily. It involves spending time in His Word, engaging in prayer, and seeking to live out His teachings in our lives. By doing so, we become more like Him and are equipped to share His love with others.

As we reflect on John 1:35-39, let us be inspired by the response of the first disciples. Let our lives be a testament to the transformative power of following Jesus and the commitment it requires.

Closing Thoughts

Answering the Call to Follow

Remember, Jesus' call to His first disciples is an invitation extended to each of us. Embrace this call and strive to live with the same readiness and commitment. Let your life reflect the journey of discipleship and the transformation it brings.

Practical Application

Living as Disciples

Here are a few practical steps to help you embrace the call to follow Jesus and live as His disciple:

1. Spend time in prayer, asking God to help you hear and respond to His call in your life.
2. Read and meditate on Scripture, focusing on passages that teach about discipleship and following Jesus.
3. Engage in fellowship with other believers to encourage and support one another in your discipleship journey.
4. Reflect on your own life and consider how you can commit more fully to following Jesus each day.
5. Live with an attitude of openness and readiness, allowing Jesus to lead and transform you.

Final Encouragement

Confidence in Following Jesus

Embracing the call to follow Jesus provides us with profound purpose and direction. Trust in His call and let His teachings guide your life. Live in the assurance of His unwavering presence and allow His call to transform you. Let your life be a testament to the confidence and hope found in following Jesus Christ.

At Springfield Baptist Church, we are praying for you as you pursue God and godliness. Please contact us if you have any prayer requests or need support.

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