Introduction

  • You speak differently when you speak one on one versus to a crowd.
  • God cares and loves each of us individually.

Peter – you are a rock

  • John 1:35-39 – Many of John the Baptist’s followers start to follow Jesus.
  • John 1:40-42 – Andrew believes and goes to get his brother.
  • Here’s the first interaction between Jesus and Peter. Jesus gives him a new name, “Rock.”
  • What brings Peter to Jesus is an expectation to see the Messiah.
  • This name Jesus gives him speak to how Jesus knows him and knows what he’ll become.

Nathanael – you are a true Israelite

  • John 1:43-51
  • Israelite “indeed” – the most genuine kind of this qualifier.
  • “in whom is no deceit” – Nathanael responded with, “How do you know me?” Jesus read his heart.
  • Jesus reveals His omnipresence and Nathanael is convinced he’s found the Son of God.

Nicodemus – you must be born again

  • John 3:1-2
  • Nathanael is a major ruler among the Pharisees and sneaks to visit with this carpenter turned rabbi.
  • Nicodemus has a hard time understanding the born again metaphor. “How can these things be?”
  • Ezekiel 36:25-28 – This has been used before the idea of becoming new.
  • Ezekiel 37:13-14 – Ideas of coming alive again.
  • Nicodemus found out that something needs to change.

Woman at the well – you need living water

  • John 4:6-26
  • She’s brave to point out that it’s strange that a Jew is speaking to her.
  • He knows what she’s truly seeking.
  • When He reveals His knowledge of her past she changes the topic and then asks of Him to clarify a question on worship.
  • Jesus didn’t talk to her like others. He gets to the heart of what she needs. We need to learn to love and have compassion so we can offer others what they need.

Similarities in these interviews

  • Jesus exposes our hearts.
    • He speaks right to what their hearts need to hear.
    • He shows his identity by revealing their identity.
    • If our live, let’s not let distractions and arguments that don’t matter distract from fixing our own hearts!
  • Jesus points us forward.
    • Each of these people could have been criticized by Jesus but He points out the positive – gives them a path forward.
  • Jesus redeems us and uses us.
    • He takes us and smooths our rough edges to use us for good.
    • There’s no one that doesn’t fit or belong.