Today Jesus is asking us: “what are we looking for?”

Reading: The next day John 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?” John 1:35-38.

Good morning, happy Tuesday, and many blessings, y dear family.

The Gospel (John 1:35-42) begins today with John the Baptist standing with some of disciples. As Jesus walks by them, John says to his disciples: “Behold the Lamb of God!” John’s disciples immediately leave John and follow Jesus. After a time, Jesus realized that these men were following Him. Jesus turns to them and asks them what they are looking for? However, they do not answer Jesus’ question. Instead, they ask Jesus where He is staying. Jesus simply tells them to “come and see.”

In our gospel text for this morning, we find a story of seekers. They had been followers of John the Baptist, that radical renegade from the wilderness. Before our verses today comes John’s account of Jesus’ baptism in the Jordan, along with the proclamation that Jesus is “the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!” (John 1:29). Upon hearing this news again in verse 36, these two disciples of John leave his side to follow Jesus. Then, Jesus turns around and notices he’s got company. He asks a pointed question, “what are you looking for?” His question doesn’t have the tone, though, of one who is annoyed or worried about being followed. And his question isn’t purely transactional, like you might get from a store employee who wants to help you find something as you stare blankly on a grocery aisle. Instead, this was an existential question that challenged those hearing it to consider those big life purpose questions. It is an invitation for these men to name their intentions and declare a purpose and direction for their actions.

The disciples reply to Jesus’ question not with an answer to his question, but by calling him Rabbi. In this, they proclaim who Jesus is in a relational way. Their assertion follows John’s proclamation that this is the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world with something more personal that sets them in relationship with the one who will be the Messiah. The declare him their teacher and take their place as his students. They indicate a desire to remain with him, presumably to learn what he has to teach them. They never answer his question about what they are looking for. Instead, they try to figure out how to stay in his presence. It is as if Jesus’ question “what are you looking for?” is more of an open-ended invitation to them, and they eagerly jump at the opportunity.

Today Jesus is asking us: “what are we looking for?” Take a moment and ask yourself: what are you looking for at this time in your life? What do you (and I) need or desire? We don’t always take the time to reflect on our desires. Do we simply desire more money, fame or influence? Or do we long for peace, hope or contentment? We all have needs and desires! However, today Jesus is waiting to hear our response to His question! What will it be?

Blessings,

Luis+