COME AND SEE
REFERENCE: John 1:29-39 (NKJV) 29 The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him, and said, “Behold! The Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world! 30 This is He of whom I said, ‘After me comes a Man who is preferred before me, for He was before me.’ 31 I did not know Him; but that He should be revealed to Israel, therefore I came baptizing with water.”32 And John bore witness, saying, “I saw the Spirit descending from heaven like a dove, and He remained upon Him. 33 I did not know Him, but He who sent me to baptize with water said to me, ‘Upon whom you see the Spirit descending, and remaining on Him, this is He who baptizes with the Holy Spirit.’ 34 And I have seen and testified that this is the Son of God.”35 Again, the next day, John stood with two of his disciples. 36 And looking at Jesus as He walked, he said, “Behold the Lamb of God!”37 The two disciples heard him speak, and they followed Jesus. 38 Then Jesus turned, and seeing them following, said to them, “What do you seek?”They said to Him, “Rabbi” (which is to say, when translated, Teacher), “where are You staying?” 39 He said to them, “Come and see.” They came and saw where He was staying, and remained with Him that day (now it was about the tenth hour).
1. As the people gathered to be baptized by John, he redirected their focus to look at the Lamb of God. Two of John’s disciples, Peter and Andrew, followed Jesus because they wanted to know where He lived. Jesus said, “Come and see.” As yet, they did not understand the meaning of the description: THE LAMB OF GOD, but John attested to His purpose on earth: that of taking away sin.
Could it be that when we focus on Jesus, our perspective changes? When we discern the greatness of Messiah we can’t help but share the good news of His Names: Jesus (Savior), Christ (Anointed One). Names have meanings. Some examples are: Cephas (stone, Jn.1:42); Hannah (gracious, 1stSam. 2); Hephzibah (In whom is my delight, Is. 62:4) and Naomi (pleasant, Ruth 1:2). There is something about the Name, Jesus. It still causes men to draw near, bow in reverence, and hope for solutions to life’s situations.
2. For now, Jesus calls us Daughters, Royalty, Chosen Generation and Victors. As such, we feel a sense of belonging, confidence, comfort and hope which results in a relationship with God, the Father. In seeking to follow Jesus, we reciprocate His goodness. Other lives are then impacted with resulting favor that extends far and wide. He gives us everything that we need for life and godliness; therefore He does not require us to produce anything He has not provided.
We must draw closer so we can see the blessing He has for us. Peter and Andrew wanted to see where Jesus lived, but we must realize that as children of God, He dwells in us and wants us to acknowledge His presence. One of the ways to draw closer is through worship. Uncontainable joy exudes from Him when we praise Him. We will sense His presence as we acknowledge that He is to be honored and adored.
3. To Peter, Andrew and Phillip, He was Jesus of Nazareth and the son of Joseph, the carpenter. He was associated with His father’s town and trade. (a small insignificant town and trade … not even a profession). This small, Jewish village where Jesus grew up, had no economic importance. Persecution was rampant against Christians and there, Jesus’ greatness was belittled and not celebrated. It was so berated that Nathanael questioned Jesus’ character- “Can there any good thing come out of Nazareth?
Some of Jesus’ followers did not even want to be publicly associated with Him. At the crucifixion Peter followed afar off. Nicodemus visited Jesus away from everyone’s sight and Joseph of Arimathaea was a secret disciple until it was time for Jesus’ burial. Sometimes we too follow afar off, instead of sharing our testimony, but Jesus says, “Come and see.” If we get close to Him, He will be close to us.
4. What happens when we face Nazareth: our circumstances? We also wonder, “Can any good thing come out of this Nazareth?” Whatever our Nazareth may be, at times, it seems impossible that any good thing can come out of it, but His messenger says, “Come and see.” Peter and Andrew went to where Jesus was staying and they stayed with Him that day. There is just something special about being with Jesus.
Earlier, when Jesus saw Peter and Andrew following Him, He asked them to be specific as to what they were seeking. We also need to be specific and verbalize our desires so that they can permeate the atmosphere. They are then emitted into our innermost being thus bringing them into our conscious world. In so doing, we exercise our belief that He rewards those who diligently seek Him (Heb.11:6).
5. Firstly, He says, “Come!” When we obey, then He says, “… and see.” What does He have in store for us to see? Surely, it is not a physical dwelling place that He wants us to see because He dwells in our praises. Our spiritual eyes will be opened to gain spiritual insight. As we draw close to Him, He reveals Himself to us. We experience His greatness and realize that; yes, good things can come out of our Nazareth.
What do we seek? Be specific! He says to us, “Come and see.” He wants to shower us with favor and send angels to minister to us. Listen carefully! Obey His voice! Give Him a dwelling place! Come and see what He offers! The invitation still stands!
REFLECTION
- Think of something specific that you want God to do for you. Ask Him to do it.
- What do you think it means for our words to come into our conscious world?
Dr. O. A. James