In this powerful message preached on January 18, 2026, at Mount Pleasant Methodist Church, the pastor explores the life-changing moment when Jesus says to two curious followers, “Come…and you will see.”
What begins as a simple invitation from John the Baptist pointing to “the Lamb of God” quickly becomes the starting point of radical discipleship for Andrew, an unnamed disciple (likely John), and soon Simon Peter. Through personal stories, humorous anecdotes from seminary days and engineering friends, heartfelt memories of his own call to ministry during a stormy revival in 1970, and powerful historical examples like Jim Elliot, Elizabeth Elliot, and Clarence Jordan of Koinonia Farms, the preacher challenges us to move beyond being mere admirers of Jesus to becoming true followers.
Key Themes in This Sermon:
- The difference between being saved and actively deciding to follow Jesus (discipleship = akoloutheō – to follow closely and rearrange life around Him)
- Prioritizing Jesus above everything else – making Him not just first, but central
- Immediate, radical obedience – even if imperfect (like a toddler’s first steps)
- Reorienting your entire life and gifts toward God’s kingdom and glory
- The cost of discipleship – counting the cost without guilt, but with honest surrender
- Moving from distant admiration to close-following participation in God’s plan
Memorable Stories & Illustrations:
- Throwing cast nets and leaving them mid-air to follow Jesus
- The engineering professor who joked his call came with his first paycheck
- Donna, the college student who chose Christ over family and faced a symbolic funeral
- Clarence Jordan vs. his brother Bob – admirers vs. followers
- The pastor’s own halting, lightning-filled call to ministry at age ~17
This sermon is both convicting and encouraging: Jesus doesn’t demand perfection on the first step—He invites us to *come and see,* walk with Him, stay close, and trust He walks at a pace we can follow. Even when we fall, He is there to pick us up.
If you’ve ever wondered:
- “Am I really following Jesus, or just admiring Him from a distance?”
- “What does real discipleship look like in everyday life?”
- “Can God still use someone who hasn’t followed perfectly?”
…this message is for you.
Pray with us: “Lord, help us catch up, keep up, and stay close to You. Turn our hesitant steps into faithful following. In Jesus’ name, Amen.”
