Introduction

The Gospel of John 1:43-45 provides a powerful illustration of the importance of prompt obedience to Jesus’ call. In this passage, Jesus calls Philip to follow Him, and Philip immediately responds by leaving his previous occupation and joining Jesus’ disciples. This story highlights the urgency and significance of answering God’s call.

The Call to Follow Jesus

 Matthew 4:19 “And Jesus said to them, ‘Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.’” Jesus’ call to follow Him is a personal invitation to enter into a relationship with Him. It is a call to discipleship, which involves learning from Jesus, loving Him, and serving Him. When Jesus calls us, He is calling us to a life of purpose and meaning.

The Importance of Prompt Obedience

Prompt Obedience Demonstrates Faith: John 6:29 “Jesus answered them, ‘This is the work of God, that you believe in him whom he has sent.’” When we promptly obey Jesus’ call, it demonstrates our faith in Him and our trust in His guidance.

Prompt Obedience Leads to Blessing:  Deuteronomy 28:2 “If you diligently obey the LORD your God and carefully observe all his commandments that I am commanding you today, the LORD will set you high above all the nations of the earth.” Those who promptly obey Jesus’ call will experience His blessings and favor.

Prompt Obedience Avoids Delay: Luke 19:23 “But he who had received the one talent went off and dug in the earth and hid the master’s money. After a long time, the master of those servants came and settled accounts with them.” Delaying our response to Jesus’ call can lead to missed opportunities and spiritual stagnation.

Prompt Obedience Aligns Us with God’s Will: Romans 12:1-2 “I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.” When we follow Jesus, we are aligning our lives with God’s will and purpose for us.  

Obstacles to Prompt Obedience

Fear: 2 Timothy 1:7 “For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love, and of sound mind.” Fear can prevent us from answering Jesus’ call. We may fear the unknown, the sacrifices involved, or the challenges that may lie ahead.

Doubt: Matthew 14:30-31 “But when he saw the wind strong, he was afraid, and beginning to sink, he cried out, ‘Lord, save me!’ And immediately Jesus stretched out his hand and caught him, and said to him, ‘O you of little faith, why did you doubt?’” Doubt can also hinder our response to Jesus’ call. We may doubt our own ability to follow Him or question whether He is truly calling us.  

Self-Will: Jeremiah 17:9 “The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked. Who can know it?” Our own desires and plans can sometimes get in the way of our obedience to Jesus. We may be reluctant to give up our own way and follow His instead.

Overcoming Obstacles to Obedience

Seek God’s Guidance: Psalm 32:8 “I will instruct you and teach you the way you should go; I will counsel you and watch over you.” Pray and ask God for guidance and clarity as you consider His call.

Trust in God’s Provision: Philippians 4:19 “And my God will supply all your needs according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.” Trust that God will provide everything you need to follow Him.

Surrender Your Will: Romans 12:1-2 “I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.” Be willing to surrender your own desires and plans to God’s will.  

Seek Support from Other Believers:  Hebrews 10:25 “Let us not neglect meeting together, as some people do, but let us encourage one another, especially as we see the day approaching.” Connect with other believers who can encourage and support you in your journey of following Jesus.

The Benefits of Prompt Obedience

A Deepening Relationship with Jesus:  John 15:13 “Greater love has no one than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.” Following Jesus leads to a deeper relationship with Him as we learn from Him and grow in our love for Him.

A Sense of Purpose and Meaning:  Jeremiah 29:11 “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” Following Jesus gives our lives purpose and meaning as we participate in His mission.  

Spiritual Growth and Development: 2 Peter 1:5-8 “But also for this very reason, apply every effort to add to your faith goodness, and to goodness knowledge, and to knowledge self-control, and to self-control perseverance, and to perseverance godliness, and to godliness brotherly kindness, and to brotherly kindness love. For if these qualities are yours and are increasing, they keep you from being ineffective or unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.” Following Jesus helps us to grow spiritually and develop godly character.  

Eternal Life: John 3:16 “For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” Following Jesus leads to eternal life with Him.  

Conclusion

When Jesus calls us, we must respond promptly and with obedience. Following Jesus is the greatest adventure of our lives. It is a journey that will lead us to deeper intimacy with God, spiritual growth, and eternal life.

Additional Thoughts

The Holy Spirit Empowers Us to Follow Jesus: Acts 1:8 “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” The Holy Spirit empowers us to follow Jesus and obey His commands.  

Following Jesus Requires Sacrifice: Luke 14:26-27 “If anyone comes to me and does not hate his father and mother, his wife and children, his brothers and sisters, yes, even his own life, he cannot be my disciple. Whoever does not carry his own cross and follow me cannot be my disciple.” Following Jesus may require us to make sacrifices, but the rewards are far greater than any earthly loss.  

Following Jesus is a Lifelong Commitment: Hebrews 10:23 “Let us hold firmly without wavering to the end, so that we may receive what we have hoped for.” Following Jesus is not a one-time decision but a lifelong commitment.

We Are Not Alone in Our Journey: Hebrews 10:25 “Let us not neglect meeting together, as some people do, but let us encourage one another, especially as we see the day approaching.” We are not alone in our journey of following Jesus. We have the support of the Holy Spirit and the fellowship of other believers.