Four Paths Of Discipleship Series

FOUR PATHS OF DISCIPLESHIP FOR 2026

John 1:35-51

Introduction

The new year is a time of contemplation, resolve, and renewal. Henry Ward Beecher said, “Every man should be born again on the first day of January. Start with a fresh page. …”

I’m in the Planet Fitness Facebook group and every year there is talk about the January crowd! The gym is packed with people with new shoes, new water bottles … but by Valentine's Day the parking lot is empty. Resolutions without a specific path are bound to fail.

In John chapter 1, we meet men who weren't looking for a self-improvement program; they were looking for a Person. Jesus asks them, "What do you want?" He’s asking us the same thing at the start of 2026. If you want a life that actually changes—not just for January, but for eternity—you don't need a resolution; you need a path.

Today, we’re looking at four paths taken by the very first people to ever follow Jesus.

1. CULTIVATE A CONNECTION (1:38-39)

John 1:38-39 "Turning around, Jesus saw them following and asked, 'What do you want?' They said, 'Rabbi' (which means 'Teacher'), 'Where are you staying?'

'Come,' he replied, 'and you will see.' So they went and saw where he was staying, and they spent that day with him. It was about four in the afternoon."

The first words of Jesus in John’s Gospel get to the point: “What do you want?”

What do people seek when they follow Jesus? What do you want from Jesus in your life? The answer of the fishermen sounds odd to us. "Where do you live?” They wanted more time with Jesus - not just information. Jesus issues the invitation: “Come and See."

Discipleship begins with a desire to know where Jesus dwells and to spend time with him. Listening to Jesus is more than just collecting information. Henri Nouwen’s prayer captures this idea: "Lord, give me a sense of who you are. Some people say this about you, other people say that about you, but I want a real sense of who you are for myself.”

Are we making time to listen to Jesus? It won’t just happen. Some have suggested a “First 15” challenge! Before you check the news or email (the world’s voice), spend 15 minutes in the Word or prayer (Jesus' voice). Set the tone of the day by giving the beginning of your day to the power of proximity!

2. CARRY AN INVITATION (1:40-41)

John 1:40-41 "Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother, was one of the two who heard what

John had said and who had followed Jesus. The first thing Andrew did was to find his brother Simon and tell him, 'We have found the Messiah' (that is, the Christ)."

What John had said was back in verse 36: "When he saw Jesus passing by, he said, 'Look, the Lamb of God!'”

Andrew is not known for sermons, debates, or intrusive evangelism techniques - but for bringing people to Jesus. (Peter, the boy with loaves, Greeks who wanted to see Jesus) Andrew is the quiet servant, the one you wouldn’t notice. He is a great example for us in bringing others to Jesus.

Most people still come to Christ through friendship and personal invitation—“Come and see”—not through programs alone. We talk about what means the most to us! If we will share a great restaurant or show, we can also invite someone to see what Jesus is doing in our lives.

Who is one person you are already having coffee with or watching a game with? Don't ask them to "convert"; just invite them to "come and see" the worship service or join in with a service activity. You don't need a theology degree to be an Andrew; you just need a story to tell and a “Come and See” on your lips.

Andrew brought his family and friends. How can you use your gifts to reach others in the coming year?

3. BE CONFIDENT IN CHANGE (1:42-43)

1:42 Andrew brought his brother Simon to Jesus. "Jesus looked at him and said, 'You are Simon son of John. You will be called Cephas' (which, when translated, is Peter)."

So often there is a gap between what we think disciples ought to be and where were are right now. Peter and Philip together illustrate how Jesus grows disciples over time.

Peter. We know a lot more about him mostly because he is the first one to speak up in brash pronouncements! Except here! Jesus took one look at Simon and gave him a new name: Simon - his Jewish given name, Cephas - Aramaic for stone, Peter - a Greek name—the Man of Rock. Simon Peter appears as anything but a rock. He is impulsive, volatile, and unreliable. Jesus doesn't call us based on what we are, but on what He can make us become