Come and See: An Invitation to Transformation
Scripture: John 1:35-42 (NIV)
“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?’ They said, ‘Rabbi’ (which means ‘Teacher’), ‘where are you staying?’ ‘Come,’ he replied, ‘and you will see.’ So they went and saw where he was staying, and they spent that day with him. It was about four in the afternoon. Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother, was one of the two who heard what John had said and who had followed Jesus. The first thing Andrew did was to find his brother Simon and tell him, ‘We have found the Messiah’ (that is, the Christ). And he brought him to Jesus. Jesus looked at him and said, ‘You are Simon son of John. You will be called Cephas’ (which, when translated, is Peter).”
In these verses, we witness the beginning of a journey that would transform the lives of those who followed Jesus and, ultimately, the world. John the Baptist, with deep conviction, points to Jesus and declares, “Look, the Lamb of God!” This simple yet profound statement is filled with meaning and invites us to explore the implications of encountering Christ.
John’s proclamation of Jesus as the “Lamb of God” immediately captures the attention of two of his disciples. Recognizing the significance of John’s words, they begin to follow Jesus. What follows is a brief but impactful interaction that reveals much about discipleship and our own journey with Christ.
When Jesus notices the two men following Him, He asks a powerful question: “What do you want?” This question invites introspection, compelling us to consider our true desires and motivations in seeking Christ. The disciples respond with a question of their own: “Rabbi, where are you staying?” In asking this, they are expressing a desire to be in Jesus’ presence, to learn from Him, and to follow wherever He leads.
Jesus’ response is an open invitation: “Come, and you will see.” This invitation is extended to all who seek Him. It is an invitation to experience, to learn, and to be transformed by the living presence of Christ. The disciples accept this invitation, and their time with Jesus leaves a lasting impact on their lives.
Andrew, one of the two disciples, is so moved by his encounter with Jesus that he immediately seeks out his brother, Simon, to share the news: “We have found the Messiah.” This encounter not only changes Andrew’s life but also leads to the transformation of Simon, who is given a new identity as Peter, the rock upon which Jesus would build His church.
These verses offer several key lessons for our daily lives:
Recognize Jesus’ Invitation: Jesus’ invitation to “come and see” is extended to each of us. Are we taking the time to be in His presence, to experience His love, and to allow Him to transform our lives? Reflect on how you can more fully respond to Jesus’ invitation in your daily walk with Him.
Examine Your Desires: Jesus’ question, “What do you want?” challenges us to consider our true desires. Are we seeking Christ for who He is, or are we distracted by lesser pursuits? Take time to align your desires with His will, seeking first His kingdom and righteousness.
Share the Good News: Andrew’s response to encountering Jesus was to immediately share the good news with his brother. Who in your life needs to hear about the hope, love, and truth you have found in Christ? Don’t hesitate to share your testimony with others, inviting them to “come and see” as well.
Embrace Your New Identity in Christ: Just as Simon was given a new name and identity as Peter, Jesus calls each of us into a new identity in Him. Embrace who you are in Christ, allowing His truth to define and guide you in every aspect of your life.
A Prayer for Today:
Heavenly Father, thank You for the invitation to come and see who Jesus is. Help us to seek You with all our hearts, to experience Your transforming presence, and to share the good news with those around us. May we embrace our identity in Christ and live out the calling You have placed on our lives. In Jesus’ name, Amen.