Gospel of John Series Part 3: The Call to New Life
Gospel of John Series Part 3: The Call to New Life
Scripture: John 1:19-51
The sermon begins by contrasting the “enclosed world” of modern life with the deeper reality revealed in Jesus, using a C.S. Lewis story to illustrate how easily people live as though only the visible world exists. It then turns to John 1:19-51 to show what it looks like to meet, know, and follow Jesus into new life.
First, John the Baptist’s testimony highlights his role as witness, pointing others to Jesus without claiming greatness for himself.
Next, early followers demonstrate that the call of Jesus begins with curiosity and the desire to stay close to him, learning how to live in his presence. Jesus’ renaming of Simon as Peter underscores that new life with Jesus includes a transformed identity and purpose.
Finally, the encounter with Nathanael illustrates that following Jesus means being fully seen and transformed by him. The call to new life is not a change in behavior alone but a new existence found in Jesus, through whom we enter the kingdom and see the glory of God.