Cove Group Guide – John 1:35-51

by | Jan 19, 2026 | Uncategorized, Weekly Message Content

Cove Group Guide: “Following Jesus – The Call to Discipleship”

Based on John 1:35-51

Opening Prayer

Begin your time together by asking God to open your hearts and minds to what He wants to teach you through this passage and discussion.

Ice Breaker

Share a time when someone invited you to something that ended up changing your life. What made you say “yes”?

Sermon Recap

Pastor Jason Cain walked us through John 1:35-51, showing us how Jesus assembled His team of disciples. We learned that:

  • Jesus reveals Himself to ordinary people
  • Jesus welcomes seekers into honest discovery
  • Jesus invites us to invite others
  • Jesus speaks identity before performance
  • Jesus gives a clear call: “Follow Me”

Key Takeaways

1. Jesus Chooses the Available, Not the Perfect

“Jesus doesn’t need the smartest or the wealthiest or those with the most influence. Jesus can use anybody that’s committed to being available for his mission.”

2. Curiosity Opens the Door to Faith

“Curiosity is the first step that God uses to wake somebody up. Before repentance, before faith, before conviction, comes curiosity.”

3. Jesus Knows Your Name and Your Story

“God knows your name, he knows your history, and he knows what you need in life.”

4. Jesus Calls You by Who You Will Become

“Jesus speaks identity before maturity. He speaks calling before consistency. He speaks purpose before he even has proof that you’re gonna follow him.”

Discussion Questions

Section 1: Jesus Reveals Himself to Ordinary People (John 1:35-37)

  1. Why do you think Jesus chose ordinary fishermen instead of religious leaders or influential people to be His first disciples?

  2. In what ways do you see yourself as “ordinary”? How does it encourage you to know that Jesus specifically chose ordinary people for His mission?

  3. What excuses have you made (or heard others make) about not being “qualified” to be used by God? How does this passage challenge those excuses?

Section 2: Jesus Welcomes Seekers (John 1:38-39)

  1. Jesus asked the disciples, “What are you seeking?” If Jesus asked you that question today, how would you answer?

  2. Pastor Jason said, “Taste and see that the Lord is good.” For those who are still exploring faith, what would it look like for you to “taste” and give Jesus a try?

  3. How can we as a church community be more welcoming to people who are curious about Jesus but not yet committed?

Section 3: Jesus Invites Us to Invite Others (John 1:40-42)

  1. Andrew immediately went and found his brother Peter after meeting Jesus. Who in your life needs to hear about Jesus? What’s holding you back from inviting them?

  2. Share a story of when someone invited you to church, a Bible study, or to learn about Jesus. What impact did that invitation have on your life?

  3. What are some practical ways we can “invite others” this week? (Consider the Mexico missions trip fundraiser, inviting someone to church, or simply sharing your story)

Section 4: Jesus Speaks Identity Before Performance (John 1:42)

  1. Jesus renamed Simon “Peter” (meaning “rock”) before Peter demonstrated any rock-like qualities. What does this teach us about how God sees us versus how we see ourselves?

  2. What are some identities Jesus has given you in Scripture? (Examples: salt and light, new creation, His workmanship, righteous, holy, faithful) Which one do you struggle to believe about yourself?

  3. How does knowing that Jesus speaks identity before performance change the way you approach your spiritual growth?

Section 5: The Clear Call to Follow (John 1:43-51)

  1. Jesus’ call is simple: “Follow Me.” Why do we tend to overcomplicate what it means to follow Jesus?

  2. What does it practically look like for you to “follow Jesus” in your daily life—at work, at home, in your relationships?

  3. Nathanael went from skeptic to believer in a matter of verses. What was it about his encounter with Jesus that changed his mind? How can we facilitate similar encounters for others?

Practical Applications

This Week’s Challenge: Choose One

  1. PRAY FOR YOUR ONE: Write down the name of one person who doesn’t know Jesus. Commit to praying for them daily and ask God for an opportunity to invite them into a conversation about faith.

  2. TASTE AND SEE: If you’re still exploring faith, commit to “tasting” by doing one of the following:

    • Read one chapter of the Gospel of John each day this week
    • Attend a Shelter Cove group or event
    • Have coffee with a Christian friend and ask them questions about their faith

  3. INVITE SOMEONE: Extend an invitation this week:

    • Invite someone to church (January 24-25 baptism service is coming up!)
    • Invite someone to your small group
    • Invite someone to participate in the high school Mexico missions fundraiser (Jan 31-Feb 1)

  4. EMBRACE YOUR IDENTITY: Choose one identity that Jesus has given you (from Scripture) and meditate on it daily. Write it on a notecard and place it where you’ll see it often. Ask God to help you believe what He says about you.

  5. SIMPLY FOLLOW: Identify one area where you know what Jesus is calling you to do but you’ve been hesitating. Take one concrete step of obedience this week.

Closing Reflection

Read Psalm 34:8 together: “Taste and see that the LORD is good; blessed is the one who takes refuge in him.”

Reflection Question: What is one thing God is inviting you to do as a result of this discussion?

Prayer Requests & Closing Prayer

  • Share prayer requests with your group
  • Pray specifically for:
    • Those in your group who are still seeking/exploring faith
    • The people you wrote down as “your one”
    • Courage to invite others and share your faith
    • The high school students preparing for the Mexico missions trip
    • Hearts to be open to simply following Jesus

Looking Ahead

  • Baptism Weekend: January 24-25 at all services
  • High School Mexico Missions Fundraiser: January 31 – February 1
  • Next Week: Continue in the Gospel of John series

Additional Resources

  • Bible Reading Plan: Consider joining a Bible reading plan to see Jesus throughout all of Scripture (maybe not the 75-day one Pastor Jason mentioned! 😊)
  • Groups & Teams: Visit the tables in the lobby to explore joining a group or serving on a team
  • New to Faith?: Visit the prayer room to talk with someone about your decision to follow Jesus

“Jesus doesn’t wait until we’re the finished product to call us these things. He’s calling us those things right now.” – Pastor Jason Cain