YOUTH STS LESSON 134 YEAR OF RELEASE

YOUTH STS LESSON 129 JESUS CALLS HIS FIRST DISCIPLES

TEXT: John 1: 35-51.    

MEMORY VERSE: The day following Jesus would go forth into Galilee, and findeth, Philip, and saith unto him Follow me” (John 1:43).

At the commencement of the ministry of the Lord Jesus Christ, John the Baptist confidently pointed Him out as the “Lamb of God which taketh away the sin of the world”. This made two of John’s disciples to accept Jesus as the true Messiah and became His followers. “One of the two which heard John speak, and followed Him, was Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother” (John 1:40). The mention of only Andrew by name is consistent with John the beloved’s usual manner of referring to himself as “the other disciple”, the disciple “whom Jesus loved” (John 20:2-4; 21:2,7,20).

Question 1: What should be the response of youths to the call of Christ?

“And the two disciples heard him speak, and they followed Jesus” (John 1:37). Just as the two responded to Christ’s call, every sinning youth is expected to respond promptly to the call to salvation.

THE TESTIMONY AND WITNESS ABOUT THE MASTER (John 1:35-39; 1:29; Isaiah 53:7; 1 Corinthians 5:7; 1 Peter 1:19; John 1:41)

“And looking upon Jesus as he walked, he saith, Behold the Lamb of God!” (John 1:36). John the Baptist described Jesus Christ as the Lamb who takes away the sin of the world. That means Jesus is the perfect and final Sacrifice for sin. As a Lamb, He was oppressed, afflicted and was sacrificed for us. His precious blood was shed for the remission of our sin (Hebrew 9:22). This is the only known and eternally accepted blood that can remove the dark and deadly spot of sin from our souls (John 19:30).

Question 2: How can a youth get his heart regenerated?

“Then Jesus turned, and saw them following, and saith unto them, What seek ye? They said unto him, Rabbi (Which is to say, being interpreted, Master) where dwellest thou? He saith unto them Come and see. They came and saw where he dwelt, and abode with him that day: for it was about the tenth hour” (verses 38,39). When two disciples of John the Baptist heard about Jesus, they followed Him immediately and abode with Him. In doing this, they demonstrated great wisdom. Likewise, youths should repent and follow Jesus instead of seeking evil power, secret cults, lust of the eyes and flesh, fashion and fame, money and materialism, popularity and position. All these will damn the soul. This is great foolishness. Youths who want heart regeneration are counselled to seek God’s kingdom and His righteousness, allow their hearts to thirst for the living God and esteem His word more than their necessary food (Matthew 6:33; Psalm 42:1,2; Job 23:12).

TAKING THE THIRSTY AND WEARY TO THE MESSIAH (John 1:40-42, Mark 2:3; James 5:20; Acts 5:20)

The proof of our encounter with Jesus Christ and the evidence of His transforming grace in our lives is the burning passion to win and bring perishing souls to Him. “He first findeth his own brother Simon, and said unto him, We have found the Messias, which is, being interpreted, the Christ. And he brought him to Jesus… Philip findeth Nathanael, and said unto him, We have found him, of whom Moses in the law, and the prophets, did write, Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph. And Nathanael said unto him, Can there any good thing come out of Nazareth? Philip saith unto him, Come and see” (John 1:41,42,45,46). From these verses, it is very important to note that Andrew brought his brother, Simon Peter to Jesus, while Philip of Bethsaida brought his friend Nathanael to Him. Their efforts in bringing these people to Jesus eventually led to their becoming the disciples of Christ.

Question 3: What do you learn from the attitude of Philip and Andrew?

This  is very instructive to all Christian youths. God expects us to partake in inviting sinners to Him. They may be our relations, friends or those rejected, afflicted and destitute. All these classes of people who were brought to Jesus had their lives changed. Only Jesus can truly save and make life beautiful. “And Nathanael said unto him, Can there any good thing come out of Nazareth? Philip saith unto him, Come and see” (John 1:46). This statement is enough to discourage Philip, but he pressed forward and “saith unto him, Come and see” (verse 46). Eventually he came and saw Jesus and gained eternal life.

TRUE ACKNOWLEDGMENT AND WAITING FOR THE SON OF MAN (John 1:42,47-51; 2 Timothy 2:19,21; Acts 1:9-11; 1 Corinthians 15:58; 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18; Genesis 28:12)… And when Jesus beheld him, he said Thou art Simon the son of Jona: Thou shalt be called Cephas, which is by interpretation, A stone. Jesus saw Nathanael coming to him, and saith of him, Behold an Israelite indeed in whom is no guile!” (Verses 42, 47). Jesus is omniscient; that is, He is all knowing. He has all the attributes of God; He knows our hearts, thoughts, actions, motives, plans and purposes. He wants to redirect them to meet His divine mandate for our lives.

Question 4: In respect to Jesus’ foreknowledge of our actions and motives, what should be the youth’s response to Him?

Jesus changed the name of Simon Peter to Cephas, meaning a stone. This refers to firmness and strength of character. This was a spiritual quality to be possessed by Simon so that he could be a veritable instrument in God’s kingdom. God’s desire is to transform every sinner to become a sanctified vessel in His house (2 Timothy 2:21). He wants all saved youths to be steadfast, unmovable and always abounding in the work of the Lord. (1 Corinthians 15:58). “Nathanael answered and saith unto him, Rabbi, thou art the Son of

God; thou art the King of Israel” (verse 49). Nathanael declared the divinity of Jesus Christ. He indeed is the Son of God and promised Messiah. We must acknowledge and follow Him to have a relationship with God.

Question 5: What should Christian youths do while awaiting the return of the Son of Man?

As we await Christ’s return, it is imperative for all saved youths to be actively involved in the work of the Kingdom by passionately preaching the gospel to win unsaved youths. Also, there is the need to watch and pray, and have a life of practical pursuit of personal holiness.

 

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