(Read John 1)
Undoubtedly, we all require a Messiah for our lives, but in our most troubled times, the necessity for a Savior is even more crucial. I don’t know, nor will I ever know what’s inside the mind of our Lord, but I know from studying His word that, more than anything else, He wants a relationship with us. We won’t get that simply by reading or talking about Him. Even regular church attendance isn’t enough to deeply connect us with Christ. The relationship He desires requires more of an active call, a faithful response to Him that draws us closer to Him.
The next day again John was standing with two of his disciples, and he looked at Jesus as he walked by and said, “Behold, the Lamb of God!” The two disciples heard him say this, and they followed Jesus.
John 1:35-37
John the Baptist, the fiery prophet heralding the Messiah, had declared Jesus the “Lamb of God.” These words resonated deeply with Andrew and John, disciples of John the Baptist, for they carried the weight of centuries-old sacrifice. The lamb, a symbol of purity and atonement, pointed towards a truth far greater than John himself.
Andrew and John, with hearts stirred by John’s profound statement, turned their gaze upon Jesus. At that moment, a shift unfolded. John, the one they followed, proclaimed another – not as a rival, but as the fulfillment. This wasn’t about John’s diminishing ministry but the dawning of a new era. Jesus, the Lamb of God, stood before them, the embodiment of hope and redemption.
John’s ministry had led his disciples to the one true Light. His disciples, recognizing Jesus’ divinity, turned to follow Him. John’s purpose, his very reason for being, was to point the way to Christ. He joyfully witnessed his role fade, knowing the true King had arrived.
Jesus turned and saw them following and said to them, “What are you seeking?” And they said to him, “Rabbi” (which means Teacher), “where are you staying?” He said to them, “Come and you will see.” So they came and saw where he was staying, and they stayed with him that day, for it was about the tenth hour.
John 1: 35-39
The question Jesus asked Andrew and John is one we should all answer honestly. What am I seeking? What am I looking for and desiring in Jesus? Jesus’ questioning went beyond a mere inquiry about their physical presence and probed into their deeper intentions and yearnings. As God, Jesus can see past our outward walls. His invitation was and always will be an invitation to experience His life, teachings, and mission.
Being John’s disciples, the two fishermen knew about Jesus, but just knowing about Him wasn’t enough. One friend of mine commented that Jesus asked them to “Come to see His life as revealed in Scripture; to draw them closer to Him, to experience Him.” Jesus invited them into a relationship; for that matter, He invites all of us into a relationship with Him so we can know him.
My friend added, “John’s Gospel invites us to meet Jesus through the Gospel rather than just hearing about Him.”
If we claim to believe in God but don’t go with Him, we will never see the full glory of His work. We can only discern, pray, or even hope so much — but we are missing out if we aren’t jumping in, climbing on board, grabbing His cloak, or holding His hand and walking with Him.
“Jesus wants us to ‘Come and see’ with Him,” my friend added, “so that we can learn how to walk in a way that brings honor and glory to God. He came to this earth that He created to experience what we experience, to show us that just like him, we can conquer and face our challenges knowing that we have the power to overcome them just as He did if we remain in Him drawing from His strength.”
The Lord wanted to discover what motivated these men. Did they want to learn the truth, to learn of Him, His ministry, and His mission? Jesus wanted to know if these disciples of John wanted to know Him personally or if their curiosity was scratching the surface for looks, showing their shallow faith.
“Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with that person, and they with me.”
Revelation 3:20
While often used as an invitation to salvation for unbelievers, the context within Revelation reveals a deeper meaning explicitly focused on the Laodicean church and generally for us. Jesus standing at the door symbolizes Jesus’ eternal presence and longing to enter our lives. Jesus’ knocking represents His patient and persistent invitation to open our hearts to Him. But are we truly open to Jesus? Are we open to hearing His voice and allowing him deeper access to our lives?
In the cultural context of Biblical times, sharing a meal was a significant, even intimate, act of communion and friendship. By opening up to Jesus’ invitation by coming to see Him, we are responding to His calling for repentance, renewed commitment, and deeper intimacy with Him.
Victory at all costs, victory in spite of all terror, victory however long and hard the road may be; for without victory, there is no survival.
Winston Churchill
Winston Churchill was a powerful, inspiring British Prime Minister and military leader during World War II. Churchill played a key role in shaping history during this tumultuous time, leading Britain through threats of destruction and tyranny with resolution, eloquence, and inspiration. He was an indisputable leader who didn’t blink in the face of the darkness of evil.
Jesus paid the ultimate price that cost Him everything for victory. Despite His pain, suffering, and humiliation, His victory guaranteed our survival. My friend concluded, “Jesus is telling us to ‘Come see for yourself that it’s me, the risen Lord. Don’t you remember that I told you I will rise again?’”
While reading the passages in John and Revelation, I realized something about my walk with Jesus. Jesus doesn’t ask us to know about Him; He invites us to know Him. He wants us to share in His victory. Victory over evil, lies, deceit, pride, and death. It’s one thing to talk about victory but another to see, and more so to experience it.
When we come and see Jesus, we gain His victory.
What Hell meant to break me has failed
Now nothing will silence my praise
I will cry out in worshipThe walls of the prison will shake
The chain-breaking King will rise to save
As we cry out in worshipThe victory is Yours
You’re riding on the storm
Your name is unfailing
Though kingdoms rise and fall
Your throne withstands them all
Your name is unshaken
The Victory is Yours – Bethel Music
Key Application:
- Don’t settle for a surface-level knowledge of God. Jesus’ invitation goes beyond a fleeting glance; it calls for deeper understanding and experience. Immerse yourself in scripture, prayer, and reflection to truly “see” Jesus and his message. Seek Him in all you do, good times and bad. Share in His victory.
Where else in your life can you live out the teachings of Christ? Look for next week’s Devotion.