The first words of Jesus in the Gospel of John pose a question: “What do you seek?” He directs these words to two of His disciples who have been studying under John the Baptist. In response to their question, “Where are you staying?” Jesus offers a simple invitation: “Come and see” (John 1:39). His initial question requires the disciples to look within, to put words to their longings and desires. And when they do, He invites them to bring both themselves and those desires to Him.
This pattern of revelation and invitation continues throughout the rest of John 1. Jesus gives those He encounters a glimpse of the unseen, revealing something of the mystery of His identity and, at times, their own. Then He extends an invitation. To some, He says, “Come and see.” To another, “Follow me.” In one form or another, the invitation remains the same: Come closer. Know Me. Walk with Me.
And is this not just like Jesus? He reveals what we cannot yet see, draws us toward what we do not yet know but deeply long for, and promises to “tell [us] great and unsearchable things [we] do not know” (Jeremiah 33:3). As we continue reading the Gospel of John, let us remember that so many of Jesus’ words are invitations, not simply rebukes to heed or puzzles to solve. Our Savior desires for us to draw near, to know Him more deeply, and to share in the mysteries of salvation and the abundant life found in His kingdom.
