We’re at the Jordan River. Jesus of Nazareth goes strolling by. John the Baptist points and says, “Look! There goes the Lamb of God.” A couple of John’s followers go, “Where? Hmmm. Maybe we should find out what that guy’s up to.” They follow Jesus. Jesus turns and says to them, “What are you looking for?”
They said to him, “Teacher, where are you staying?” He said to them, “Come and see.”
“Come and see” is a recurring refrain in the Gospels. Angels say it to the shepherds outside Bethlehem. Jesus says it to these inquirers. One of these men, Andrew, will soon say it to his brother Simon. Philip says it to Nathaniel. A woman who encounters Jesus at a well says it to her town, “Come and see a man who told me everything I ever did…” And, perhaps most important, Jesus’ followers who find his tomb empty after his burial and have encountered his resurrection form, say it: “Come and see!”
That’s all Jesus says here. Not, “Come and hear me explain the meaning of life.” Not, “Come and join my growing band of followers.” He simply invites them to explore and experience; they can respond as they feel led. “Come and see” is an invitation to explore, a launch pad for expanding our knowledge. It is the least we can do when someone wants to introduce us to a new person, place or product. We cannot truly know until we have “come and seen.” And sometimes, when we have come and seen, we find out how much more there is to learn.
John does not tell us what Andrew and the other disciple experienced with Jesus, but we soon learn that day changed the trajectory of their lives, and ours - and this world.
Who in your life has invited you to come and see, to learn more about where Jesus is showing up in their lives? Did you go? Did you experience? Give thanks for those people today.
And have ever invited another to come and see this living Lord you honor? To spend time in his presence, see what he’s all about? (This isn't necessarily inviting someone to church - it might be an invitation to spiritual conversation.) Can you think of someone who might appreciate that invitation? We can limit our invitations to those we feel will be glad we did… or take a chance more broadly.
The invitation to “come and see” is offered every single day. We have never seen enough, known enough of Jesus’ power, peace, presence, purpose. And often, when we take up His invitation to “come and see” we find ourselves compelled to “go and tell.” And so the circle grows.
No comments:
Post a Comment