Here are some questions based on last Sunday’s sermon text (John 1:35-51), in case they’re helpful to you for personal growth or group discussion…

• In this passage, several people meet Jesus for the first time. Meeting him for the first time is certainly life-altering, even if it’s just the beginning of a whole life of change in relationship with him. How were you introduced to Jesus? Have you ever introduced others to Jesus? Is that something you feel compelled to do? What sort of equipping do you think/feel you need to introduce others to Jesus? The first disciples had certain expectations about the Messiah before meeting him—in what ways are the preconceptions of your family and friends similar to or different from theirs? Do you need to have answers for all their questions before asking them to consider/meet Jesus?

• Andrew was able to bring his brother, Simon, directly to Jesus. Philip was able to bring his friend, Nathanael, directly to Jesus. They encountered Jesus in the flesh. We are not able to bring our family and friends directly to Jesus-in-the-flesh… are we? What is happening when we invite people to “come and see” Jesus in the church? Do you believe that the church is a place where people like us can actually meet Jesus?

• (v. 51) Read Genesis 28:10-22. The vision of the ladder made quite an impression on Jacob. A vision of Jesus as “the true Jacob’s ladder” and “the gate of heaven” is even more impressive. How are heaven and earth connected in Jesus Christ?