Meditation from John 1:35-39 (NIV1984)

In the course of our pursuit of Jesus and His Kingdom we sometimes hear the call to our hearts; ‘Follow Me.’ It is both enticing and frightening all at once. No doubt it was similar for the first disciples. Here’s how it is related in the Gospel of John:

The next day John (the Baptist) was there again with two of his disciples. When he saw Jesus passing by, he said, Look, the Lamb of God!

When the two disciples heard him say this, they followed Jesus.

Turning around, Jesus saw them following and asked, What do you want?

I think Jesus asks us the same question He asked them – What do you want?

It’s simple, direct and unembellished. I believe He wants an honest answer. I’m not sure he got one from those guys. I think they might have been sticking their toes in the water to see if they wanted to get wet. They needed to feel Him out further, so they said, Rabbi (which means Teacher), where are you staying?

My translation: 'How far must I go? And, will I be able to stay/live with You, and for how long?

Jesus gives the beautiful answer He always gives. Come, he replied, and you will see.

He invites them into an adventure that requires them to leave wherever they are, go to where they do not know, at a cost of all they have. ‘You will be with Me,’ and that promise is enough to answer all your concerns.

So . . . . they went . . . . and saw . . . . and spent . . . . . . . . with him.

So they went and saw where he was staying, and spent that day with him.