John 1:35 The next day John again was standing with two of his disciples, 36 and as he watched Jesus walk by, he exclaimed, “Look, here is the Lamb of God!” 37 The two disciples heard him say this, and they followed Jesus. 38 When Jesus turned and saw them following, he said to them, “What are you looking for?” They said to him, “Rabbi” (which translated means Teacher), “where are you staying?” 39 He said to them, “Come and see.” They came and saw where he was staying, and they remained with him that day.

It’s a simple question. What are you looking for? The two disciples didn’t really answer, but responded with a question of their own. Where are you staying? Jesus said “Come and see”. We don’t know what the disciples were looking for at that point. As they continued on the journey with Jesus for the next three years, some possibilities emerge. They may have been young men looking for adventure. They may have wanted to see the “show” present wherever Jesus taught and ministered, demonstrating the Kingdom of God with signs and wonders. Later it appears they wanted to share in the glory Jesus would experience when, as they mistakenly expected, he became the new King of the Jews. Whatever their motivations we know they indeed followed Jesus and became the bearers of the gospel of Jesus Christ when his time on earth was done.

What are you looking for?

I remember being a young man about to finish my undergraduate degree, but not really sure what I wanted to do with my life. I had taken the entrance exams for law school because I thought perhaps I would become a lawyer. Nope. My heart wasn’t in it. I felt the anxiety of transition from school to… something. I just felt… lost.

It was about that time of my life that I started to lean into faith for help. For direction. For a sense of purpose beyond making a living. I didn’t really expect it, but I found what I was looking for via the church and in relationship with Jesus. Something on the inside just clicked for me and it’s made all the difference.

What are you looking for?

Jesus is asking you and me today. How will you respond?