John 1:35-42

Be Still: Lord, today open the eyes of my heart. Speak to me through your Word. Guide my steps and lead me in your everlasting ways. Amen

Read: John 1:35-42
'Turning around, Jesus saw them following and asked, ‘What do you want?’ They said, ‘Rabbi’ (which means ‘Teacher’) ‘where are you staying?’' (v38)

Encounter: Albert Einstein was a remarkable intellect whose discoveries transformed history. He once remarked, 'The important thing is never to stop questioning. Never lose a holy curiosity.' Great leaders ask great questions. 

The very first words of Jesus in John’s Gospel are a question. Speaking to two of John the Baptist's disciples, he asks, 'What do you want?' I love the way Jesus repeatedly draws a deeper reality out of people by asking a question.

These two men have just been told that Jesus is the ‘Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world.’ The obvious response to Jesus’ question is, 'Are you the long-awaited Messiah?' But their curiosity and intrigue in this remarkable person leads them to respond with another fascinating question, 'Where are you staying?'

There is no interrogation. Jesus what is your vision? What is the big idea? What is your great cause? No, they simply want to know where Jesus is staying. In effect they are asking to be around Jesus. They want to enter into a relationship with Jesus.

The Greek word for stay is ‘menein’. It is special in the Gospel of John and his letters to his disciples, appearing sixty-three times. It is a word used to signify deep friendship. It speaks of an intimate, dynamic relationship that takes place between two people. What a wonderful thought that Jesus, the Lamb of God, the Saviour of the world, desires friendship and intimacy with us. 

Apply: God is a relational God. Still today He stands before us and asks: 'What do you want?' How would you respond to this question today? It’s so easy to respond with our list of requests: provision, healing, breakthrough, protection. None of these prayers is wrong. But within all of this, God wants to draw us deeper into something more profound than an answered prayer. He’s drawing us into a life-giving relationship. The joy of dwelling in his company. These two disciples were so overwhelmed by Jesus that suddenly, their greatest longing was simply to be in his presence.

Devote: Lord Jesus, how lovely is your dwelling place. Better is one day in your courts than a thousand elsewhere. May I know your friendship in a deeper way this year. Amen