Come And See - Sacred Questions

COME AND SEE

a prayer to open

Here I am, Lord. Quiet my mind. Open my heart.

Give me ears to hear your invitation and the faith to respond.

The following day John was again standing with two of his disciples. As Jesus walked by, John looked at him and declared, “Look! There is the Lamb of God!” When John’s two disciples heard this, they followed Jesus.

Jesus looked around and saw them following. “What do you want?” he asked them.

They replied, “Rabbi” (which means “Teacher”), “where are you staying?”

“Come and see,” he said.

“Come and see.” Jesus offered this invitation in response to the question “Where are you staying?” But he seemed to have much more in mind than simply showing his disciples his lodging. As we continue reading, we understand what he was really saying: “If you want to know who I am, just follow along. See what I do, how I respond to others, how I love.” Jesus didn’t demand blind allegiance. He didn’t ensure that those he encountered had the right beliefs or behaviors first. He invited them to walk with him and watch his interactions. He invited them to draw their own conclusions. And this invitation sparked such curiosity and expectancy that fishermen dropped their nets, and tax collectors gave up their profits to follow.

• What do you think Jesus was seeking to communicate to each person he approached?
• Read today’s passage again slowly. What invitation do you sense Jesus extending to you through this passage? What does he want you to come and see about him right now?
• Do you know someone who doesn’t have a relationship with Jesus? Seek God’s guidance and wisdom as to how you might be able to extend an invitation to “come and see” so that person can learn more about Jesus.

Loving God, thank you for the simple invitation to come and see, to experience your goodness and love. Give me eyes to see where I’ve gotten off track or forgotten what’s true about Jesus and the life and love he offers. Call me again and again to come and see. Grant me the courage and words to extend this invitation to the people in my life who are longing for more and only need someone to pique their curiosity and invite them. Amen.