Listen

The next day John was standing again with two of his disciples. When he saw Jesus walking along he said, “Look! The Lamb of God!” The two disciples heard what he said, and they followed Jesus.

When Jesus turned and saw them following, he asked, “What are you looking for?”

They said, “Rabbi (which is translated Teacher), where are you staying?”

He replied, “Come and see.” So they went and saw where he was staying, and they remained with him that day. It was about four o’clock in the afternoon.

John 1:35-39

Think

Last summer, I was working on a home repair project. I needed adhesive so I could finish my project. So I went to the hardware store and asked the store owner, “Where is your adhesive?”

The store owner didn’t tell me “Aisle 12.” Instead, he said, “Come this way,” and he went with me back through the store. As we walked, he asked me about my project. Then he took down a tube from the shelf and explained to me how I should use it. I left with the correct adhesive and the confidence that I could finish my project.

In this passage, two of John’s disciples also ask a simple question: they want to know where Jesus is staying. Rather than merely giving them an address, Jesus invites them to “come and see,” and he walks with them.

Like the store owner, Jesus knew that the disciples needed more than an address; they needed direction, guidance, and fellowship with him. And that is what he offered.

Jane Claspy Nesmith

Pray

Loving God, let me not be satisfied with simple answers.

Help me to watch for you when you turn to me to say, “Come and see.”

May I accept your invitation and follow willingly.

Amen.

Go

Lord your summons echoes true when you but call my name.
Let me turn and follow you and never be the same.
In Your company I’ll go where Your love and footsteps show.
Thus I’ll move and live and grow in you and you in me.

John Bell in “The Summons” (1987)