Come and See 🙋‍♂️✨ Why Now Is the Time to Invite People to Jesus

Have you noticed something unexpected happening lately? The very generation many thought had checked out spiritually… is waking up. 🙌

In fact, recent research from Barna shows a surprising trend: Gen Z and Millennials are becoming more committed to Jesus, not less. From 2019 to 2022, weekly church attendance among Millennials nearly doubled. 📈 That’s not just a statistic—that’s a movement.

We’re living in a special moment. God is clearly stirring hearts, and He’s inviting us to be part of what He’s doing.

💡 Now is the time.

💬 But how do we step into it?

1. Jesus Finds Philip… and Philip Follows 👣

“The next day Jesus decided to go to Galilee. He found Philip and said to him, ‘Follow me.’” – John 1:43

Philip didn’t go searching for Jesus—Jesus found him. 🤯

Philip, from the same hometown as Peter and Andrew, was no stranger to spiritual things. He had grown up hearing the Scriptures and was familiar with the promises of the Messiah. But on this day, something changed: Jesus showed up—and gave him a personal invitation.

That’s really what every soul is looking for, whether they realize it or not. Not just better habits or good advice—but a Savior who sees them and calls them by name. 💬👀

2. Found People Find People 🗣️➡️👥

Philip didn’t waste any time. As soon as he met Jesus, he ran to his friend Nathanael and said:

“We’ve found the One Moses wrote about in the Law, and about whom the prophets also wrote—Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph.” – John 1:45

Notice what Philip didn’t say:

• “I found a supportive community.” 🙋‍♀️👫
• “I discovered a helpful philosophy.” 📚

Even though both of those things would become true later, Philip started with Jesus. The person. The fulfillment. The Messiah. ❤️

But Nathanael wasn’t impressed. In fact, he was skeptical.

“Can anything good come out of Nazareth?” 😬

That sounds a lot like today, doesn’t it? People questioning faith, dismissing churches, and skeptical of anything that sounds too spiritual. But Philip doesn’t argue. He doesn’t panic.

He just says: “Come and see.” 👋👣

3. Jesus Doesn’t Just Meet Expectations—He Exceeds Them 💥

When Nathanael meets Jesus, the conversation takes a surprising turn.

Jesus starts with a personal comment:

“Behold, an Israelite indeed, in whom is no guile!” – John 1:47

Nathanael’s jaw drops. “How do you know me?” 🤨

Jesus replies:

“Before Philip called you, when you were under the fig tree, I saw you.” – John 1:48

Wait—what? How did Jesus know that? Either He had been there physically… or He truly was who Philip said He was. That’s all Nathanael needed to hear:

“Rabbi, you are the Son of God! You are the King of Israel!” – John 1:49 👑🙏

When people respond to the light God gives them, He gives them more. And that’s exactly what Jesus promises next:

“You’ll see greater things than these.” 🕊️🌤️

4. We Know This Story… But Are We Living It? 🤔

Here’s the uncomfortable truth: we understand this story—we just don’t always apply it.

Let’s be honest…

📍 60% of Christians have invited someone to church in the last 6 months.

📍 But also, 60% of Christians haven’t shared the gospel with anyone in that time.

We’re okay inviting someone to a place, but hesitant to introduce them to a person.

Maybe it’s fear. Maybe it’s insecurity. But guess what? You don’t need a theology degree to invite someone to Jesus.

🕐 Philip had known Jesus for a day—maybe less! And yet he said, “Come and see.”

If Jesus has proven Himself to you, He can do it for someone else too. 💯

5. Why Jesus > Church Invitations 🙋‍♂️➕🙋‍♀️

Let’s be clear: church is a great place to meet Jesus, but it’s not the same as introducing someone to Him.

Here’s the difference:

✅ Jesus never fails. The church sometimes does.

✅ Jesus died for you. The church didn’t.

✅ Jesus is a person. The church is a people.

✅ Jesus saves. The church cannot.

So let’s make sure we’re not just inviting people to a service. Let’s invite them to a Savior.

Conclusion: Who Needs Your Invitation? 🎯💬

We’re standing in a moment of incredible opportunity. People are open. Hearts are searching.

And what they need most… is Jesus. Not just another program. Not just more information.

✨ The best thing you can do this week is extend that simple, bold invitation:

“Come and see.”

So, who’s your Nathanael? Who can you invite—not just to church—but to meet the One who changed your life?

🙌 Now is the time.

📣 You don’t need a platform—just an open heart.

🛤️ If you’ll point them to Jesus, He’ll do the rest.

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