“The two disciples heard him [the baptizer] speak, and they followed Jesus” (John 1:37). John’s goal was to turn people to Jesus, not to build up a large following of his own. His job was to be the voice in the wilderness prophesied in Isaiah 40:3 to prepare the people for Christ’s coming.
These two disciples paid attention as John turned their allegiance from him to follow Jesus. This is the goal of all those who earnestly want to be witnesses of Jesus. People notice and hear you, and follow Jesus, not you. What kind of life is this where people turn from you to Christ? A holy life. First we ourselves need to be with Jesus.
“Then Jesus turned, and seeing them following, said to them, ‘What do you seek?’ They said to Him, ‘Rabbi’ (which is to say, when translated, Teacher), ‘where are You staying?’ ” (John 1:38). This is the indirect Middle Eastern way of asking to stay with the host awhile.
Jesus sees us coming to Him and wants to know what we hope to find. What do you seek, reader? Advice for life? Comfort for a little while? God’s blessing on an enterprise you started? Our seeking will we rewarded if we come to stay with Christ awhile and learn of Him.
Blessed are those who seek what He came to give. They will not be disappointed. These two disciples wanted to be where He was. They wanted to hear Him. They accepted His invitation to “Come and see,” and stayed with Him that day (v. 39). They stayed and heard the noble voice of God abiding in the humble flesh of man. What have you discovered?
The result of this encounter? One of the two men, Andrew, went to his brother Peter and told him, “We have found the Messiah!” (vv. 40-41). When we get alone to ponder the Word at the feet of Rabbi Jesus, He reveals Himself TO us. When we faithfully follow through and obey the message, putting it into practice, then He reveals Himself IN us (John 14:21-23).
Unfortunately, sometimes we can study the Bible and forget it is all about Jesus and the life He came to give. The religious leaders, who through the Scriptures sought life, received a rebuke from Jesus: “But you are not willing to come to Me that you may have life”–and Jesus was the subject of the Scriptures they studied (John 5:39-40)!
Since His express will for us is deep communion with the God who speaks to man, what should we be seeking? Are any of our idols greater than the One who lovingly gives light and life to all? Greater than the One who makes His home in the hearts of those who opened the door of faith to Him? Greater than He who opens His hand and satisfies the desire of every living thing?
Still He says, “Come and see.” Even now He still promises, “Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest” (Matt. 11:28). Still He promises, “If anyone thirsts, let him come to Me and drink.” This coming is an invitation to believe and receive Him, and be filled with the living water of the Holy Spirit (John 7:37-38).
“So when the Samaritans had come to Him, they urged Him to stay with them” (John 4:40). As John pointed out, the one whom God promised to come and remove the barrier of fellowship with God–our sins–has come at last, and He extends a satisfying fellowship to all who will believe in Him for life and remain with Him. Jesus came and stayed with the Samaritans for two days. He wants to dwell with us forever in His kingdom. Will you come and see?
