A Question from Jesus

John the Baptist was standing with two of his disciples, and as he watched Jesus walk by, he exclaimed, “Look, here is the Lamb of God!” The two disciples heard him say this, and they followed Jesus. When Jesus turned and saw them following, he said to them, “What are you looking for?” They said to him, “Rabbi” (which translated means Teacher), “where are you staying?” He said to them, “Come and see.” They came and saw where he was staying, and they remained with him that day. 

John 1:35-39

When Jesus notices two men walking behind him, he doesn’t offer them a theological pronouncement. Rather, he asks a question, “What are you looking for?” They respond with their own question, “Where are you staying?” which suggests they want to get to know him. Jesus welcomes them, answering, “Come and see.” Jesus invites them in. He wants to know what they are seeking.

If Jesus asked you what you are looking for, what would your answer be? Such a simple but direct question invites us to look deep within ourselves to find what we really long for. Jesus did not want to know the two would-be disciples, nor does Jesus want to know us, at surface level. 

If we are disciples, we seek to follow the Jesus who asks, “What are you looking for?” How many people in our lives would be blessed simply by knowing that someone wants to know their hopes and fears? As we invite people into our lives, they can “come and see” our victories and our struggles as we seek to follow Jesus. Who around us needs a word of invitation and a welcoming heart?

God’s peace,

Katie