What are you looking for? John

"What are you looking for? John 1:35-42" by Pastor Sam Kputui challenges listeners to examine their motives for following Jesus.

Drawing from the passage where Jesus asks John the Baptist's disciples, "What do you want?" the message centers on the critical distinction between seeking the blessings and seeking the Blesser (God himself) [13:26].

Key themes and differentiators between a "Multitude" and a "Disciple" are explored:

Motive for Following:

Multitudes follow for personal benefit, like finding a spouse, a job, or protection, treating God like a resource [13:33].

Disciples seek Jesus to be a teacher (Rabbi), interested in learning how to live, please God, and serve him, allowing God to make use of them for His benefit [15:41].

The Standard of Faith:

Jesus often "raises the standard" (e.g., in the Sermon on the Mount), which disciples climb the "mountain" to learn [21:39].

Multitudes remain in the valley, unwilling to embrace the deeper commitments of true faith, such as forgiveness, humility, and sacrificing self-interest [23:19].

Capacity for Service:

Multitudes follow Jesus for what they can receive (healing, bread), remaining focused on their own needs and problems [36:06].

Disciples are called to serve and have the capacity to be used by God to offer solutions [35:31].

Relationship and Time:

Disciples are interested in spending time with Jesus ("Where are you staying?"), prioritizing intimacy and quiet time over merely attending church [40:52].

Disciples naturally go to tell others ("I found Jesus"), recognizing that if they are serious about their faith, they will witness to their loved ones [44:38].

The sermon concludes with a call for listeners to surrender themselves to God in view of His mercies, moving beyond religious lip-service to true, spiritual worship.