In today’s verses, I’d like to focus on something that I find astounding. Take a look at John 1:37-39. This should be pretty familiar to you if you took the challenge to read John 1 everyday this week. Just last night, I spoke with one of our leaders who took the challenge and she’s really getting a lot out of just this one chapter. That really encouraged me. Here are the verses:

John 1:37 When the two disciples heard him say this, they followed Jesus.

John 1:38 Turning around, Jesus saw them following and asked, “What do you want?” They said, “Rabbi” (which means Teacher), “where are you staying?”

John 1:39 “Come,” he replied, “and you will see.” So they went and saw where he was staying, and spent that day with him. It was about the tenth hour.

This took place soon after John had introduced Jesus to the crowd as “the Lamb of God”. There were 2 disciples who were following Jesus, kind of “star struck” at the Messiah. It’d be like seeing your favorite celebrity at the mall, but being a little timid about just going right up to them and starting a conversation.

So, let’s look at a few things that are really incredible here. First in verse 38: “Turning around…” You need to know that Jesus NEVER turns away a sincere and searching heart. If you’re honestly searching for Jesus, He will meet you right where you are. And these 2 men were honest in their desire to know Jesus. Are you really honest, not holding anything back, as you follow Jesus today? I love that even though these men were following Him, it was Jesus who initiated the conversation. And Jesus’ question was a powerful one…

“What do you want?” Wow. Can you imagine Jesus asking you that question? What do you want from Jesus today? What is it that you need from Him? Remember, Jesus draws near to honest hearts.

Their answer was interesting. They said, “Where are you staying?” Basically they were asking where he was living, probably so that they could set up a time to come by and see Him and get to know Him, but not wanting to bother Him right then. It was kind of like, “Jesus, give me your cell number so I can text you when you’re not so busy.” They were interested in who Jesus was, they were honest, but they weren’t wanting to bother Him.

Jesus answer was so Jesus: “Come and see.” Jesus was telling them to forget about later, forget about appointments, forget about bothering Me….come now! Come and follow Me and watch Me, and know Me, and learn from Me….and come NOW!

As you come to Jesus, come honestly. Come with an open, searching heart. But most importantly, come now!