Recently someone mentioned to me about how important the fundamentals of sports are to succeeding as a player. In my limited athletic endeavors I have experienced the importance of revisiting the basics and seeing how a fresh consideration of the basics clarifies things. The same is true as a disciple of Jesus Christ. There are basics that we all come to recognize to one degree or another at the time of our new birth, but a fresh consideration of those things further down the path of our discipleship with Jesus is hugely clarifying. As we continue on the path of discipleship complexities arise from within and without making a fresh consideration of basics very helpful.
Over a year ago now we considered John 1:35-51 where it is recorded that Jesus came into contact with 5 individuals who He would lead into the path of discipleship. From this passage we gleaned 7 truths regarding followers of Jesus. More could be said, but this passage certainly gives us a window into the basics of discipleship. Maybe today you need a fresh look at the basics that will clarify your current circumstances and help you to reorient yourself to the simple privilege of giving your life daily to Christ as you follow Him. The 7 truths are listed below with their corresponding verses under each point.
Following Jesus involves a transfer of allegiance (1:35-37)
Again the next day John was standing with two of his disciples, 36 and he looked at Jesus as He walked, and said, “Behold, the Lamb of God!” 37 The two disciples heard him speak, and they followed Jesus.
Following Jesus involves abiding with Him (1:38-39)
38 And Jesus turned and saw them following, and said to them, “What do you seek?” They said to Him, “Rabbi (which translated means Teacher), where are You staying?” 39 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.
Following Jesus involves bringing others to Him as the Messiah (1:40-41)
40 One of the two who heard John speak and followed Him, was Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother. 41 He found first his own brother Simon and said to him, “We have found the Messiah ” (which translated means Christ).
Following Jesus involves being transformed by Him (1:42)
42 He brought him to Jesus. Jesus looked at him and said, “You are Simon the son of John; you shall be called Cephas ” (which is translated Peter).
Following Jesus involves His sovereign call to discipleship (1:43-44)
43 The next day He purposed to go into Galilee, and He found Philip. And Jesus said to him, “Follow Me.” 44 Now Philip was from Bethsaida, of the city of Andrew and Peter.
Following Jesus involves accepting His identity in the face of obstacles (1:45-46)
45 Philip found Nathanael and said to him, “We have found Him of whom Moses in the Law and also the Prophets wrote– Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph.” 46 Nathanael said to him, “Can any good thing come out of Nazareth?” Philip said to him, “Come and see.”
Following Jesus involves confessing and growing in the knowledge of His identity (1:47-51)
47 Jesus saw Nathanael coming to Him, and said of him, “Behold, an Israelite indeed, in whom there is no deceit!” 48 Nathanael said to Him, “How do You know me?” Jesus answered and said to him, “Before Philip called you, when you were under the fig tree, I saw you.” 49 Nathanael answered Him, “Rabbi, You are the Son of God; You are the King of Israel.” 50 Jesus answered and said to him, “Because I said to you that I saw you under the fig tree, do you believe? You will see greater things than these.” 51 And He said to him, “Truly, truly, I say to you, you will see the heavens opened and the angels of God ascending and descending on the Son of Man.” (John 1:35-51)
You can listen to the two message through this portion of the gospel by clicking on the following links:
