What Do You Seek From Jesus?
In John 1:35-39, we see an illuminating encounter between Jesus and two of John the Baptist’s disciples. As Jesus walks by, John points Him out and says, “Behold, the Lamb of God!” He’s the that John has been telling them all about! The two disciples follow Jesus, and He turns and asks, “What do you seek?” (38).
Not “How can I help you?” or “Who do you seek?” but “What do you seek?” What are you looking for? Truth? A miracle? God? Philosophical teaching? The meaning of life? Eternal life? What do you seek?
The disciples respond by asking, “Rabbi, where are you staying?” (John 1:38). At first glance, it seems like they’re sidestepping the question. But their response reveals their desire: they want to spend time with Jesus, to be with Him.
Imagine Walking with Jesus
Imagine you’re walking with Jesus, and He looks you straight in the eye and asks, “What do you seek?” “Why do you follow Me?” “Why do you pray?” What would you say?
Would you stumble over your words, unsure of how to respond? Or do you know it well enough to be honest, to reveal the deepest desires of your heart?
Maybe you seek from Jesus healing, comfort, or guidance. Perhaps you desire a sense of purpose, forgiveness, or redemption. Maybe you seek a deeper understanding of God’s love and presence in your life.
The Invitation
As you follow Jesus, you begin to realize that He’s not just asking a question–He’s offering an invitation. He’s inviting you to come closer, to experience His love and presence more deeply.
If we spend any time answering the question, we may begin to see that what we seek is not just a quick-fix solution to our problems–but a sense of glory in knowing God’s greatness and love, it’s a sense of peace in a world that argues and struggles, a sense of hope for an awesome future, and a sense of freedom and rest.
We begin to see that what we seek is a deeper connection with the One who created you, who loves you, and who wants to transform your life. We don’t have it all at once. Well, we do, but we don’t fully experience it all at once. It’s a gift free given, but it’s as we walk with Him in real life, and focus on seeking to know Him and walk with Him, that we enjoy and grow into the gift of His eternal love and eternal life.
Reflection Question
What do you seek from Jesus? Why do you follow Him? Take a moment to answer His question, and see where it leads you.