Expectations can shape the way we see everything. Some are built on hope, others on disappointment, and many are shaped by what we’ve heard from others. When the first disciples encountered Jesus, they came with questions, curiosity, and their own ideas about what the Messiah would be like. What they found was far greater than they expected.

In John 1:35–51, Jesus invites ordinary people into an extraordinary journey. Some are told to “come and see.” Others hear the simple call, “follow me.” Along the way they begin inviting others to meet Him as well. As their understanding grows, Jesus promises that even greater things are still ahead. This message explores what happens when our expectations are placed in Christ and we respond to His invitation.

Come and see. Follow Him. Bring someone with you. There is always more to discover in Jesus.

Sermon Notes

Scripture References

• John 1:35-51
• Revelation 22:17

Overview

Jesus’ recruiting pitch has never changed. From the first disciples to us today He offers the same four-fold invitation: come and see who He really is, follow Him in daily life, bring others along, and get ready for ever-greater things. Working through John 1:35-51, the message traced each part of that call, illustrated it with real-life stories, and challenged believers to live in a way that makes people thirsty for Christ.

Main Points

Come and See

• John the Baptist points two disciples toward Jesus; they ask, “Rabbi, where are You staying?”
  Jesus answers, “Come … and you will see.”
• Invitation is to relationship, not just information—experience Him personally.
• Illustration: Scholar spends hours disproving Scripture at a conference; a layman quietly eats an apple and then asks if it was sweet or sour. When the scholar admits he can’t know because he never tasted it, the layman replies, “Neither, sir, have you tasted my Jesus.”
  Point: Only personal experience confirms Christ’s goodness—“taste and see.”
• Warning from college experience: students raised on inherited beliefs often lose faith when challenged because they never “came and saw” for themselves.

Follow Me

• Jesus finds Philip and simply says, “Follow Me.”
  Following implies walking the same path, living in transformed obedience (repentance).
• Story: Two women in a moving truck couldn’t navigate a detour. Rather than explain, the speaker said, “Follow me,” and led them to the rental station—mirrors Jesus’ method: He shows the way.
• Comparison: Bookstores overflow with leadership manuals, but Scripture majors on discipleship—being close enough to watch and imitate the Teacher.
• True conversion: not just asking forgiveness but turning and walking after Him day by day.

Bring Your Friends

• Andrew immediately finds his brother Simon; Philip fetches Nathanael.
  The natural overflow of meeting Jesus is to tell someone else.
• Great Commission framed as “Rule #1: go and make followers.”
• Illustration: Sales trainee complains, “You can lead a horse to water but you can’t make him drink.” Manager corrects him: “Your job is to make him thirsty.”
  Evangelism goal: create thirst—share your story, live visibly changed, invite others to “come and see.”

You Haven’t Seen Anything Yet

• Jesus amazes Nathanael by describing him under the fig tree, then promises far greater things: heaven open, angels ascending and descending on the Son of Man.
• Cultural note relayed: devout Jews often prayed under fig trees; Jesus’ insight proved supernatural knowledge.
• Later promise (quoted but not referenced): believers will do even greater works.
• Life with Christ is meant to grow more miraculous—first in salvation, then in daily providence and power.
  “If you think that’s something, wait until I get warmed up.”

Key Truths

• Jesus invites investigation; faith begins with firsthand encounter, not secondhand tradition.
• Discipleship involves active following—living in the direction Jesus leads.
• Evangelism flows naturally from relationship: those who meet Jesus want others to meet Him.
• Our role is to create spiritual thirst; only God gives the drink.
• Walking with Christ promises increasing revelation and supernatural adventure.

Response

• Accept Jesus’ invitation—spend time with Him and “taste” His goodness this week.
• Turn from self-chosen paths and deliberately follow His commands.
• Identify one friend or family member; share your story and simply invite: “Come and see.”
• Live openly and kindly so your changed life stirs curiosity and hunger in others.
• Watch expectantly for the “greater things” Jesus says are coming.

Closing

The call of Christ remains constant from John’s Gospel to the final chapter of Revelation:

“The Spirit and the bride say, ‘Come.’”

We are urged to come, to follow, to bring others, and to anticipate wonders beyond our imagining. May we walk out ready to show neighbors the Jesus they need to see, confident that we truly “ain’t seen nothing yet.”

Prayer

Pastor Tim thanked God for who He is and for inviting us into a life beyond anything we could ask or imagine, then asked the Father to empower the congregation to go out, reveal Jesus to friends and neighbors, and live the adventure He promises, all in Jesus’ name.

Recorded June 14th, 2026
Message by Pastor Tim Ward
Scripture: John 1:35-51