John 1:35-42
35 The next day John was there again with two of his disciples. 36 When he saw Jesus passing by, he said, “Look, the Lamb of God!”
37 When the two disciples heard him say this, they followed Jesus. 38 Turning around, Jesus saw them following and asked, “What are you looking for?
They said, “Rabbi” (which means “Teacher”), “where are you staying?”
39 “Come,” he replied, “and you will see.”
So they went and saw where he was staying, and they spent that day with him. It was about four in the afternoon.
40 Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother, was one of the two who heard what John had said and who had followed Jesus. 41 The first thing Andrew did was to find his brother Simon and tell him, “We have found the Messiah” (that is, the Christ). 42 And he brought him to Jesus.
The two followers of John the Baptist knew that Jesus was worth getting to know, that in him was life. John the Baptist had given that hint earlier in John 1:19–34. “John saw Jesus coming toward him and said, “Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world! This is the one I meant when I said, "A man who comes after me has surpassed me because he was before me.” So, when John pointed out Jesus, they naturally went after him. But Jesus asked: “What are you looking for?” I believe most of us have asked ourselves that question. This question and longing and human struggle is at the core of many of us.
These followers of John answered Jesus’ question with a question. However, their question avoided answering Jesus’ question, rather they asked, “where are you staying?” I want us to notice that Jesus isn’t thrown off by their response. He simply responded with “Come”, and you will see." The more I read the gospels, the more I am struck by how Jesus met people where they were in life and engaged them in conversation just as they were. Acceptance plays a vital role in life, doesn't it?
Look at the outcome, Andrew, one of the two followers, gains life. He says to his brother, Simon (Peter): we have found the Messiah, the Christ. Then, there were two disciples!
I wonder if there’s an important message here for us as we meet people. What stands out to me is that Jesus doesn’t try to change Andrew or press him to answer the question he avoided. Instead, He meets Andrew where he is. The beautiful outcome is that Andrew discovers Christ.
What are you looking for? Maybe you know the answer, or maybe, like many, you’re unsure. Jesus simply invites us to spend time with him, to rest in his presence, be filled with love, amazed by grace, and moved by his nearness. In this place of openness, he can reveal himself, allowing us to discover who he is and experience life in him. Give it a try; you might just find what you’ve been looking for.
LET'S PRAY
Jesus, so often we keep searching when the answer is right before us. Help us pause in your presence, enjoy your company, and live with our eyes wide open. Amen.
These followers of John answered Jesus’ question with a question. However, their question avoided answering Jesus’ question, rather they asked, “where are you staying?” I want us to notice that Jesus isn’t thrown off by their response. He simply responded with “Come”, and you will see." The more I read the gospels, the more I am struck by how Jesus met people where they were in life and engaged them in conversation just as they were. Acceptance plays a vital role in life, doesn't it?
Look at the outcome, Andrew, one of the two followers, gains life. He says to his brother, Simon (Peter): we have found the Messiah, the Christ. Then, there were two disciples!
I wonder if there’s an important message here for us as we meet people. What stands out to me is that Jesus doesn’t try to change Andrew or press him to answer the question he avoided. Instead, He meets Andrew where he is. The beautiful outcome is that Andrew discovers Christ.
What are you looking for? Maybe you know the answer, or maybe, like many, you’re unsure. Jesus simply invites us to spend time with him, to rest in his presence, be filled with love, amazed by grace, and moved by his nearness. In this place of openness, he can reveal himself, allowing us to discover who he is and experience life in him. Give it a try; you might just find what you’ve been looking for.
LET'S PRAY
Jesus, so often we keep searching when the answer is right before us. Help us pause in your presence, enjoy your company, and live with our eyes wide open. Amen.
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