Come and See

“…What are you looking for?”

John 1:38

Consider Jesus’ question in our key verse. It has a great deal to do with today’s devotion.

In our story today, John the Baptist had baptized the Savior the day before.

The ministry of Jesus had just begun.

The disciples of John, the people he was preaching to and baptizing, and the Pharisees were all witnesses to this. They saw the sinless Savior baptized, by a sinner. They saw the Holy Spirit descend upon Jesus and they heard the voice of God.

What a breathtaking moment was revealed to those who had come to see.

What were they looking for? Do you suppose they were there by chance?

I believe that every single person walked up to that moment on purpose. Certainly, there were passersby who think they may have happened upon the moment.

“Come and see.”

I believe that God, who pursues all people for salvation, had a purpose for the timing. Was He enticing them to ask the question?

“…What are you looking for?”

Many believed. A fire had been lit in their souls that nothing would ever extinguish.

But for some, that moment came and went as soon as they walked away. Skepticism and disbelief left with them. Their hearts were blank.

Yet you will not come to me, that you may have life.

John 5:40

So that brings us back to the question.

“…What are you looking for?”

You see, if you don’t answer that question, you can never follow Jesus’ desire for you to “Come and see.”.

Do you know the first time this question is recorded in the Gospel of John? Jesus actually draws the first disciples to their first steps of faith this way.

Take a look.

Again, the next day, John was standing with two of his disciples, and he looked at Jesus as he walked, and said, “Behold, the Lamb of God!” The two disciples heard him speak, and they followed Jesus. 

 Jesus turned and saw them following, and said to them, “What are you looking for?”

They said to him, “Rabbi” (which is to say, being interpreted, Teacher), “where are you staying?”

He said to them, “Come and see.”

They came and saw where he was staying, and they stayed with him that day. It was about the tenth hour.

One of the two who heard John and followed him was Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother. He first found his own brother, Simon, and said to him, “We have found the Messiah!” (Which is, being interpreted, Christ.  He brought him to Jesus.

Jesus looked at him and said, “You are Simon the son of Jonah. You shall be called Cephas” (which is by interpretation, Peter).

The mysterious and wonderful plan of God was knowing all along where these men would be in that moment in time. God orchestrated it all.

Just think about that. Jesus has a plan for you, too.

My husband uses the word fascinating to describe how God works in the events of our lives. What we see as happenstance is very often God, weaving our steps into His intricate, exquisite plan. It is fascinating. That is the perfect definition:

Fascinating. Captivating. Filled with wonder.

Stop and think of this passage:

Or do you despise the riches of his goodness, forbearance, and patience,

not knowing that the goodness of God leads you to repentance.

Romans 2:4

Now there is one more disciple that heard the words, “Come and see.” Actually, Jesus wasn’t the one who said the words to him. But when this disciple responded he found out that Jesus already knew something about him. He was amazed by the Master and when he met Jesus; he came to stay.

Click John 1:43-51 to read this short passage.

Jesus was already pursuing the man before the invitation was given to come and see. Look at verse 43.

Who invited the man to come and see?

As you read through the Gospel of John, see how many times you find the invitation, “Come and See”.

Why not make it a part of your conversation as you share the Gospel in your world!

World English Bible (WEB)

by Public Domain. The name “World English Bible” is trademarked.