Two Little Words: Follow Me
Month 3: Come, Follow Me · Memory Verse
Today's Scripture
Read together: John 1:43
43 The next day Jesus decided to set out for Galilee. Finding Philip, He told him, “Follow Me.”
Memory Verse
“The next day Jesus decided to set out for Galilee. Finding Philip, He told him, “Follow Me.””— John 1:43 (BSB)memorize this week
📖 Bible-in-a-Year (optional)
Today's reading: Joshua 13-15
Reading the whole Bible in a year — do this when you have extra time. (Day 62 of 365 — the land is divided among the tribes, each given a portion.)The Heart of It
Our verse this week is built around two of the most important words Jesus ever spoke. "Follow Me." But look closely at what comes right before them. It says Jesus "found Philip." Philip wasn't searching the countryside for a teacher. Jesus came looking for him. That's the pattern all through the Gospels. We love Jesus because He first reached out to us. The whole Christian life doesn't start with us climbing up to God. It starts with God walking right up to us and saying, "Come."
But "Follow Me" is still an invitation, and it asks for an answer. Jesus doesn't drag Philip by the collar. He calls, and Philip is free to come or to stay. To "follow" means to get up and walk in the same direction as someone else. You go where they go. You do what they do. You let them lead. Following Jesus isn't just believing true things about Him from a safe distance. It's falling into step behind Him, every single day, wherever He leads. Let's hide these two words deep in our hearts this week, because Jesus is still saying them today.
Around the Table
Jesus said two words to Philip. "Follow Me!" That means "come and walk with Me." Jesus says it to us too.
Let's do it: Play follow-the-leader around the room. Then say together, "Jesus, I'll follow You!"
Jesus found Philip first. We don't have to find God on our own. He comes looking for us.
Let's talk: Who made the first move, Philip or Jesus? Why does that matter?
"Follow Me" is an invitation, not a shove. Jesus calls, and each of us really does get to say yes or no.
Let's go deeper: What's the difference between admiring Jesus and following Him? Which one is harder?
💬 Conversation Starter
Have you ever been "found" when you were lost or hiding? How did it feel when someone came looking for you?— Jesus came looking for Philip.
🛡️ Defending the Faith
The Gospels show Jesus calling people by name in real places, like Galilee and Bethsaida. This isn't a misty legend. Specific names and real places are the fingerprints of an eyewitness who was actually there. They are not the marks of an invented myth.
For Dad · Go Deeper
"Follow Me" was a rabbi's call, but Jesus uses it in a way no ordinary rabbi would. Most students chose their teacher. Jesus chooses His. Yet His choosing never erases the disciple's response. Philip still has to rise and walk. Hold both of these together in your home. God graciously makes the first move, and we genuinely respond. That guards your kids from two errors. The first is thinking they must earn God's first move. The second is thinking their own "yes" doesn't matter. As you help them memorize this verse, you're handing them the shape of the whole gospel. It is a God who comes near, and a call that waits for an answer.
Draws on: Michael J. Wilkins, Following the Master: Discipleship in the Steps of Jesus.
Let's Pray Together
"Father, thank You that Jesus came looking for us first. Give each of us a glad heart to hear 'Follow Me.' And help us answer yes. In Jesus' name, amen."
Jesus found me first. Now He says, "Follow Me."