Today’s Reading: John 1:35-39 (NIV)
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 do you want?” They said, “Rabbi,” (which means Teacher), “where are you staying?” 39 “Come,” he replied, “and you will see.”
Memory Verse: “Therefore welcome one another as Christ has welcomed you, for the glory of God.” (Romans 15:7 ESV)
Why do people follow Jesus? What it is about this man that causes the curious to follow? Two of John the Baptist’s followers were eager to learn more about the man John called, “the Lamb of God.” They left John and followed the Lord from a distance, until Jesus Himself turned around and asked them a pointed question: “What do you want?”
Today is the first day of a brand new year. This is the day we can begin once again. It is an opportunity to start over with a clean, fresh slate. We time each New Year to ask the question, “What do I want to achieve this year?” Many will choose to lose weight and they will make it their number one goal. They begin with a new purpose and a plan of action to eat sensibly and exercise faithfully each day. Others will want to find new ways to decrease spending and increase saving. Debt reduction is their primary focus in the months ahead. Some may choose to downsize their belongings, to share their abundance with others in need. There are people who will purposefully look for love in the New Year. They are tired of living life alone and long to find themselves intertwined in a secure and happy relationship; linked with another kindred heart. What do you want on this, the first day, of a brand new year?
Jesus knew He was being followed. He could see the men out of the corner of his eye. He could hear their footsteps creeping along the pathway. Instead of ignoring the inquisitive hearts, He turned and asked the men one simple, yet profound question: “What do you want?” Can you imagine their surprise? How would you have answered Him? The men replied, “Rabbi, where are you staying?” It was at that moment Jesus extended a radical invitation, “Come, and you will see.”
We don’t have to look far to see that people are searching for answers in life. Our schools and universities are packed with people seeking greater knowledge and understanding. Scientists work tirelessly, seeking the one missing link which will cure cancer and other life-threatening illnesses. We continue to look for life’s answers within our families, the communities where we live, and in our world. What do you want? What are you looking for today?
Jesus invites all to come and see who He truly is. Christ extends an invitation to the curious and inquisitive. He offers life to those who seek it. What do you want? Jesus sees your heart and hears your questions. He knows your suffering. Christ understands your pain. Do you want to know where He is? He has invited you personally to come and see for yourself.
As you ponder the possibilities and seek an answer to life’s questions in this brand new year, I pray that you will come and see Jesus. Find out for yourself who He really is. Jesus said, “What do you want? Come, and you will see.”
Grace and peace,
Deb Spaulding
Faith UMC -
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