Come and See
Belonging Before Belief

 

What if faith doesn’t begin with certainty—but with belonging?

In this Epiphany series through the Gospel of John, we follow Jesus as he reveals himself not by demanding belief first, but by creating space for relationship, reshaping how people live, and nurturing faith over time. Again and again, Jesus invites people to come and see—to belong before they fully understand, to walk with him before they can explain him, and to discover belief through lived encounter.

Rooted in a Wesleyan understanding of grace, this series reflects the movement of prevenient grace: God’s love meets us first, before our questions are resolved or our faith fully formed. Rather than the familiar pattern of believe → behave → belong, John’s Gospel shows us Jesus’ pattern: belong → be transformed → believe more deeply.

Over seven weeks, the series unfolds in three movements:

  • Belong — Jesus invites people into relationship and community before any confession of faith.

  • Behave — Belonging begins to reshape lives, practices, and systems as grace forms new patterns of living.

  • Believe — Faith grows through trust, obedience, testimony, and courageous witness.

This is a series for seekers and long-time disciples alike—for those with questions, those finding their way back, and those ready to see faith through fresh eyes. Come and see how Jesus still forms faith: patiently, relationally, and full of grace.

ACT I: BELONG
Before anyone understands who Jesus is, he invites them to be with him.

Week 1 – Jan 4
Come and See: You Belong Before You Understand • John 1:35–51

 Focus: BELONG

  • Jesus’ first question: “What are you looking for?”

  • Jesus’ first invitation: “Come and see.”

  • The disciples don’t make a confession of faith first—they stay with him.

 Theological Emphasis:

  • Prevenient grace at work

  • Belonging precedes believing

  • Discipleship begins with relationship, not certainty

Key Quote:
Jesus doesn’t ask for a statement of faith—he offers a place to stand.

Week 2 – Jan 11
Saved a Seat at the Table • John 2:1–11

Focus: BELONG

  • Jesus’ first sign happens at a wedding, not a synagogue

  • He provides abundance for people who may not even notice

  • Grace is poured out before anyone asks

 Wesleyan Thread:

  • God’s grace is joyful, abundant, and communal

  • God shows up in ordinary life and celebration

Key Quote:
Jesus shows his glory by making sure no one is shamed or left out.

 

ACT II: BEHAVE
Belonging to Jesus begins to disrupt old patterns and form new ones.

Week 3 – Jan 18
When Belonging Changes the House • John 2:13–25

Focus: BEHAVE

  • Jesus cleanses the temple—not out of anger alone, but love

  • Belonging to God means old systems must change

  • Faith affects how we organize worship, money, and power

Wesleyan Emphasis:

  • Social holiness

  • Grace confronts injustice

  • Discipleship reshapes both personal and communal life

Key Quote:
Grace doesn’t leave us as it finds us—it rearranges the furniture.

Week 4 – Jan 25
Learning a New Way of Life • John 3:1–21

Focus: BEHAVE (with tension toward BELIEVE)

  • Nicodemus belongs socially and religiously—but must learn a new way

  • “Born from above” isn’t about behavior modification but reorientation

  • New life means learning to live by the Spirit

Wesleyan Thread:

  • Justifying grace begins transformation

  • Faith is formed over time, not instant clarity

Key Quote:
Being born again isn’t about starting over—it’s about being reshaped.

 

ACT III: BELIEVE
Belief emerges through encounter, obedience, and testimony.

Week 5 – Feb 1
Belonging Breaks the Rules • John 4:1–42

Focus: BELIEVE (emerging)

  • Jesus offers belonging to a Samaritan woman before belief

  • Her belief grows through honest conversation

  • She becomes a witness before she has all the answers

Wesleyan Emphasis:

  • Grace crosses boundaries

  • Testimony flows from encounter

  • Evangelism is invitation, not argument

Key Quote:

She didn’t believe because she understood—she believed because she was known.

Week 6 – Feb 8
Believing Enough to Act • John 4:46–54 (optionally 5:1–18)

Focus: BELIEVE

  • The official believes Jesus’ word and goes home

  • Faith shows itself in trust-filled action

  • Healing unfolds along the road

Wesleyan Thread:

  • Faith is trust, not certainty

  • Obedience deepens belief

Key Quote:
Sometimes belief looks like taking the next step before the proof arrives.

Week 7 – Feb 15
Now I See • John 9:1–41

Focus: BELIEVE (mature, embodied)

  • The healed man’s belief grows as he tells his story

  • Religious leaders cling to certainty but remain blind

  • Belief becomes courage and public witness

Wesleyan Emphasis:

  • Sanctifying grace

  • Faith lived boldly

  • Testimony as spiritual formation

Key Quote:
Belief isn’t having all the answers—it’s standing in the light you’ve been given.