How can we seek Jesus with the same intent as the disciples? The Moment in Focus John 1:38 — “Turning around and seeing them following, Jesus asked, ‘What do you want?’ They said, ‘Rabbi’ (which means Teacher), ‘where are You staying?’” Two disciples of John the Baptist are caught following Jesus. Their brief question opens a window into how we, too, can seek the Lord with genuine intent. Hear the Testimony and Respond Immediately • John the Baptist had just declared, “Look, the Lamb of God!” (John 1:36). • The disciples did not linger in discussion or debate; “They followed Jesus.” (John 1:37) • Our first step is the same: respond at once when Scripture, preaching, or the Spirit points us to Christ. Delay dulls desire (Hebrews 3:15). Turn Toward the Person, Not Just the Message • Jesus asks, “What do you want?”—a heart-searching question. • Seeking Him is personal, not theoretical. Philippians 3:8 speaks of “the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord.” • Like these disciples, we move from hearing about Him to interacting with Him. Pursue Relationship Over Information • Their reply, “Where are You staying?” shows a wish to remain with Him, not merely gather facts. • Compare Luke 10:38-42: Mary “sat at the Lord’s feet listening,” choosing relationship over activity. • True discipleship values presence before productivity. Commit to Abide • Jesus answers, “Come, and you will see.” (John 1:39) • They “stayed with Him that day.” Abiding produces transformation (John 15:4-5). • Daily practices that cultivate abiding: – Unhurried reading of Scripture, allowing His words to dwell richly (Colossians 3:16). – Consistent prayer that listens as well as speaks (Psalm 27:4,8). – Obedient response to what He reveals (James 1:22). Share the Discovery • Andrew soon tells his brother, “We have found the Messiah” (John 1:41). • Genuine encounters overflow to others. See also John 4:28-30; 1 John 1:3. • Seeking Jesus with intent naturally leads to inviting others into the same experience. Practical Takeaways for Today 1. Act on every clear glimpse of Christ in Scripture or sermon; don’t wait for perfect conditions. 2. Begin each day by answering His question, “What do you want?” Clarify that your desire is to know Him. 3. Schedule unhurried time to “stay” with Jesus—guard it as firmly as any appointment. 4. Obey promptly; abiding love expresses itself in keeping His commands (John 14:21). 5. Tell someone what you are learning; discipleship multiplies through testimony. Seeking Jesus as the first disciples did is neither mysterious nor reserved for a few. By hearing, turning, abiding, and sharing, we follow their straightforward pattern and discover the same living Teacher who still asks, “What do you want?” |
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