A True Disciple
John 1:35-42
Beyond Religious Knowledge: Four Questions Every True Disciple Must Answer
Have you ever wondered if you’re truly following Jesus or just going through religious motions? It’s a sobering thought that many people who appear religious may not actually know Christ. As I shared in a recent message, “There is no greater peril than to live under the shadows of the cross and die in the darkness of unbelief.”
The first chapter of John’s Gospel describes the very beginning of Jesus’ ministry and the calling of His first disciples. In John 1:35-42, we find a powerful blueprint for what authentic discipleship looks like. Let me walk you through four essential questions every true follower of Christ must honestly answer.
Do I Realize Who Jesus Truly Is?
John the Baptist pointed to Jesus and proclaimed, “Behold the Lamb of God” (John 1:36). This wasn’t just identifying Jesus as a good teacher or moral example, but as the sacrificial Lamb who takes away the sins of the world.
Many people in Jesus’ day missed who He truly was. John 1:10 tells us, “He was in the world, and the world was made through him, yet the world did not know Him.” Even more tragically, “He came to his own, and his own people did not receive him” (John 1:11).
This remains true today. Just because you have “all the Bibles in the world and just because you know all the Christian music” doesn’t guarantee you know Jesus. Remember the chilling words from Matthew 7 where people will say, “Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in your name? And have we not done many wonderful works?” Yet Jesus will respond, “Depart from Me, you workers of iniquity. I never knew you.”
Am I Growing in My Relationship and Understanding of Who Jesus Is?
Jesus asked those first disciples a penetrating question: “What are you seeking?” (John 1:38). I ask you the same: What do you want from Jesus? “Is he just someone that’s going to, just like a magic genie, give you all that you want? Or is Jesus your Savior?”
Those early disciples initially called Jesus “Rabbi” (teacher), but after spending time with Him, they recognized Him as “Messiah” (the anointed one). Their understanding deepened through relationship.
When Jesus invited them to “Come and you will see” (John 1:39), they accepted. We too have this opportunity to grow through His Word, His Spirit, and prayer. Jesus invites you “to come and see and experience a relationship, a growing, sanctified life in learning more about Jesus.”
Am I Sharing Jesus with Others and Inviting Them to Follow Him?
After Andrew spent time with Jesus, the very first thing he did was find his brother Simon and tell him, “We have found the Messiah” (John 1:41). Then “he brought him to Jesus” (John 1:42).
“Are you so in love with Jesus that you want other people around you to know about Jesus? We make evangelism so hard… But the only thing you need to know is that you love Jesus so much you want someone else to know Jesus.”
In John 1:29-51, we see people coming to Jesus through:
- The ministry of a preacher (John the Baptist)
- The ministry of a family member (Andrew bringing Peter)
- The ministry of a friend (Philip bringing Nathanael)
- Direct encounter with Christ Himself (Jesus calling Philip)
I came to know Christ because of a friend named Mike who “kept loving on my mom, which is a single mom, and just kept serving our family when we lived at Stage Stop Campground in a trailer. And Mike just kept sharing Christ and inviting me to church.”
Is My Life Being Transformed as I Follow Jesus?
Jesus looked at Simon and said, “You are Simon, the son of John. You shall be called Cephas” (which means Peter) (John 1:42). This wasn’t just a name change but a redefinition of Simon’s identity, character, and purpose.
“Jesus here redefines Simon’s identity, his character, and his purpose… He says, you are Simon, son of John. That’s your present identity… But Peter, I have a purpose for you. I’m going to change your life.”
When we come to Christ, we receive “a new name in salvation” as 2 Corinthians 5:17 tells us: “Therefore, if any man be in Christ, he’s a new creature. Old things are passed away. Behold, all things will become new.”
Peter didn’t become a rock overnight. There were failures, but “Jesus never took back his word and said, ‘Ah, you’re not living up to the name I gave you, Peter.'” Through grace, Peter’s life was transformed.
Putting It Into Practice
Take time this week to honestly answer these four questions:
- Do I truly understand who Jesus is—not just intellectually, but in my heart?
- Am I actively growing in my relationship with Christ through His Word, prayer, and fellowship?
- Who in my life needs to hear about Jesus, and how can I naturally share Him?
- Where do I see evidence of Christ’s transforming work in my life?
Remember, “Christ sees not only what we are, but what he wants to make of us.” No matter where you are in your journey—disappointed, discouraged, or distant—there’s hope because Jesus wants to change your life. “Draw nigh to him and he will draw nigh to you.”
True discipleship isn’t about religious knowledge or performance. It’s about knowing Jesus, growing in Him, sharing Him, and being transformed by Him.
Jesus Is Everything
Bearing Witness In A World Of Skeptics
Jesus Reveals God
Full of Grace And Truth
Point To Jesus
When Light Broke The Darkness
We hope you enjoyed the sermon and would love to see you in person. Plan your visit to Community Baptist Church in Spring Hill, Tennessee today!