What does "What do you want?" reveal about Jesus' approach to discipleship? Setting the Scene John the Baptist has just identified Jesus as “the Lamb of God.” Two of John’s disciples—Andrew and, most likely, John the son of Zebedee—begin to trail behind Jesus. Turning around, “Jesus saw them following and said, ‘What do you want?’ ” (John 1:38). The Question Itself • “What do you want?” sounds simple, but Jesus never wastes words. • Literally: He invites them to articulate desire, revealing their hearts. • Grammatically: It is direct, personal, and open-ended—not a command, but an invitation. A Window into Jesus’ Discipleship Approach • Personal engagement – Jesus addresses individuals, not crowds here. – He models God’s personal call: “I have redeemed you; I have called you by name” (Isaiah 43:1). • Heart-level probing – Discipleship starts with motives. Jesus exposes whether they seek political power, curiosity, or genuine fellowship. – Proverbs 20:5: “The intentions of a man’s heart are deep waters, but a man of understanding draws them out.” • Freedom, not coercion – He doesn’t demand allegiance; He invites choice (cf. Joshua 24:15; Revelation 3:20). • Relational invitation – Their reply, “Where are You staying?” signals desire for abiding fellowship. Jesus answers, “Come, and you will see” (John 1:39). Discipleship is life-on-life. – Later He says, “Remain in Me” (John 15:4). The pattern begins here. • Revelation follows pursuit – As they spend the day with Him, Andrew declares, “We have found the Messiah” (John 1:41). Seeking leads to finding (Matthew 7:7). • Respect for individual pace – Jesus allows time—an entire afternoon—before any formal call. He meets seekers where they are (Luke 24:15). Key Takeaways for Today • Discipleship begins with Jesus’ question to us; we must articulate real desires. • Motives matter. Authentic pursuit outweighs surface enthusiasm (John 6:26-27). • Jesus invites relationship first, instruction second. Time with Him precedes tasks for Him (Mark 3:14). • Our role: respond honestly, stay with Him, and let revelation unfold. Summary In asking “What do you want?” Jesus shows that true discipleship is relational, voluntary, and rooted in honest desire. He probes hearts, offers Himself, and invites seekers to “come and see,” setting the pattern for every follower who would learn, live, and abide with Him. |
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