The Gospel of John
God can change your life
These scriptural reflections by the Rev. Dr. Sandra Bochonok are copyrighted, but you are free to reproduce them for your own noncommercial personal or church use. Other uses require permission of the author, who may be reached at revsandyb@aol.com.
"The next day Jesus decided to go to Galilee. He found Philip and said to him, 'Follow me." Now Philip was from Bethsaida, the city of Andrew and Peter. Philip found Nathanael and said to him, "We have found him about whom Moses in the law and also the prophets wrote, Jesus son of Joseph from Nazareth." John 1:43-45
Just as Jesus searched for Philip, he has also searched for you. And these two simple words uttered by this remarkable spiritual leader now call you into a new life of discipleship! Following Jesus leads to inner and outer transformation. You'll be empowered for life. Jesus utters these two unpretentious words again and again in this gospel. Consider reading them for yourself and contemplate what they might mean in your personal life. They are located in John 1:40, 43; 10:4, 27; 12:26; 13:37; 18:15; 21:19.
A disciple is a devoted follower of Jesus in word, thought and deed. Following the teachings of Jesus requires all our love, strength, energy, during our waking and sleeping moments. While spiritual new birth may occur quickly, discipleship calls us into a daily walk with God. God wants to change our lives.
Disciples are like apprentices. Spiritual apprentices strive to walk the talk and learn the mindset and heartbeat of their teachers. There is a teacher-student relationship. Through discipleship, Jesus will teach you about life, values, family, relationships, self-esteem, God-power, serving others and living with strength for the day. Learn to follow in his steps.
Strive for the mind and heart of Christ. As you begin your new life in Christ, learn to ask yourself, WWJD? WWJD is a famous acronym meaning, "what would Jesus do?" What would Jesus do if he were in your specific situation? How would he treat people, make decisions and live his values?
Jesus will mentor us in our new life with God. He will assist us in our spiritual formation and growth. It takes time, study, practice, determination, accountability, discipline and a willingness to be used by God to become an apprentice. Discipleship is a joyous calling! You'll never be the same. The disciple named Philip has many important lessons to teach us. Although many mistakenly think discipleship is only for irreligious people, it is also for deeply religious seekers like Philip. Philip was raised as a devout first century Orthodox Jew from birth. He clearly understood from his childhood religious teachings that God would someday send a very special messenger to planet earth.
When Jesus found him, Philip was ready to take a chance with God. He didn't know much about Jesus or his teachings. But there was something about Jesus that offered a fresh, new and exciting spiritual connection and meaningful life in God. Philip stepped out with the faith he had and trusted God would help him through the teachings of this remarkable stranger, named Jesus.
So where are you in today's story? Will you allow God to change your life?
Prayer: Lord Jesus Christ, change our lives. Amen.
