From Fans to Followers
Jesus Glorified Through His Word
John 4:43-54
A fan is an enthusiastic admirer “who wants to get close enough to Jesus to enjoy all His benefits, but not close enough that it requires sacrifice” (Pastor Kyle Idleman). A follower is someone who will “deny themselves and take up their cross and follows [Jesus]” (Mt. 16:24). What are you?
In the miracle of healing an official’s son, the glory of Jesus is displayed through:
1. His Divine Omniscience (vs. 43-48)
- “The state of having total knowledge, the quality of knowing everything”
- God knows everything, including our deepest thoughts and motives (cf. 1 Jn. 3:20; Ps. 139:1-4, 15-16; 1 Kings 8:39)
- “Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked” (cf. Gal. 6:7)
How do you approach and relate to Jesus? Are you like an enthusiastic fan who wants to be close enough to enjoy all His benefits, but not so close that it requires sacrifice? Or, do you follow Him and worship Him in spirit and in truth, sincerely from the heart, motivated by a genuine love for Him (cf. Jn. 4:24).
2. The Power of His Word (vs. 49-53a)
- His Word ignites believing faith in the hearts of people (cf. Rom. 10:17; Jn. 6:63; Jn. 15:3)
- His Word brings physical healing to the sick (cf. vs. 50; Mt. 8:16; Ps. 107:19-20)
- His Word causes followers of Jesus to live by faith, not by sight (cf. 2 Cor. 5:7; Heb. 11:1-2)
Do you remember the day the gift of faith was given to you? Does the joy of His salvation still amaze you? If so, is that reflected in your willingness to trust and obey His Word?
3. His Grace, Which Turns “Fans” into “Followers” (vs. 53b-54)
- Genuine followers of Jesus:
- continue to believe on Jesus Christ (cf. Col. 1:21-23a)
- continue to trust and obey Jesus Christ (cf. Jn. 8:31-32)
- It is only by grace, through faith, that anyone can become a follower (cf. Eph. 2:8)
As you consider your walk with Jesus, does your life reflect the life of a fan or the life of a follower? If it reflects the characteristics of a fan, what adjustments do you need to make? If it reflects the characteristics of a follower, then continue believing, trusting, and obeying Jesus!
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