How does John 1:43 connect with the Great Commission in Matthew 28:19-20? Setting the Scene in John 1:43 “The next day Jesus decided to set out for Galilee. Finding Philip, He told him, ‘Follow Me.’” (John 1:43) • Jesus personally seeks out Philip. • The call is simple and direct: “Follow Me.” • Discipleship begins with a one-on-one invitation from the Lord Himself. From Personal Call to Global Commission “Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey all that I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” (Matthew 28:19-20) • The invitation given to Philip becomes the pattern Jesus expects His followers to reproduce. • What starts with one man in Galilee expands to every nation on earth. Key Parallels Between John 1:43 and Matthew 28:19-20 • Personal Initiative – John 1:43: Jesus “finding Philip” – Matthew 28:19: Disciples “go” to find others • Clear Command – “Follow Me” → immediate obedience – “Make disciples” → ongoing obedience • Relationship First, Instruction Second – Philip joins Jesus before learning everything – New disciples are baptized, then taught “to obey all” He commanded • Presence Assured – John: walking physically with Philip – Matthew: “I am with you always” by the Spirit The Disciple’s Pattern: Receive, Follow, Go 1. Jesus finds us. 2. We follow Him. 3. We turn and seek others so they can follow too. Practical Takeaways for Today • View evangelism as extending Jesus’ original “Follow Me” to new Philips in your life. • Keep the message uncomplicated—invite people to Jesus first; deeper teaching follows conversion. • Depend on Christ’s promised presence; you are not sent alone. • Measure success by faithfulness to the command, not by visible results. Scriptures That Strengthen the Connection • John 20:21 — “As the Father has sent Me, so also I am sending you.” • Luke 5:10 — “From now on you will catch men.” • Acts 1:8 — “You will be My witnesses … to the ends of the earth.” • 2 Timothy 2:2 — “Entrust to faithful men who will also be qualified to teach others.” |
    |