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Have you ever considered the significance of the fact that the first words of Jesus recorded in John’s account of his life are a question?
Two disciples decide to trail Jesus as he leaves the Jordan River: the first is Andrew (the brother of Peter), while the second is generally speculated to be John (the author of this narrative). On the surface, it seems relatively straightforward. Andrew and John hear John the Baptiser proclaim, “Behold the Lamb of God!” and begin following Jesus as he makes his way back into town. Jesus, likely hearing footsteps trailing him, turns and asks what they want.
Pause for a moment and think about that. Before we hear Jesus giving a single directive or instruction, he asks a question that gets right to the heart. Their hearts. What are you seeking? When God asks a question, he is not seeking information unknown to himself. He is helping us to see ourselves, in light of who he is.
He wants the meaning-seeking, beauty-desiring, satisfaction-questing centre of who we are: our hearts.
Jesus did not ask for his own sake but for Andrew and John’s. And for ours. Jesus desires our desires. He wants the meaning-seeking, beauty-desiring, satisfaction-questing centre of who we are: our hearts. And so he asks, “What are you seeking?” We humans are seeking-creatures, hunting for fulfilment. We can’t help it. For our desires, our identity, and our direction are all woven together. Jesus’ question penetrates to the core of who we are.
The scene closes with Andrew going to tell his brother Peter, “We have found the Messiah.” For these first disciples, the question that probed at a what was answered with a who. Because that’s what real Christianity is: a constant reorienting of everything in our lives around the person and work of Jesus.
Lord, there are a thousand things competing for my attention today. Some are important; many are not. But I don’t want a single one of them to obstruct my view of you. Help me not lose sight of you today. I want to follow you more faithfully. I want to know you more deeply. I want to want you more. Amen.
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“‘What is it that you seek?’ ... He puts the same question to you this morning—‘What seek you?’ Are you seeking pardon? You shall find it in Me. Are you seeking peace? I will give you rest. Are you seeking purity? I will take away your sin, a new heart will I give you and a right spirit will I put within you. What are you seeking? Some solid resting place for your soul upon earth, and a glorious hope for yourself in heaven? Whatever you seek, it is here ... O my dear friend, if you would but come and see Christ, if by humble earnest prayer you would give your heart up to Him, and then trust in Him implicitly to be your guide, you would never lament the decision.”
Charles Spurgeon, “The First Five Disciples,” Sermon #570
This is a sample devotion adapted from Truly, truly I say to you by Adam Ramsey, a book of meditations on the words of Jesus from the Gospel of John. These devotions are ideal to use for Lent and at Easter. With insights from the 19th-century “Prince of Preachers,” Charles Spurgeon, you will encounter Jesus through these pages and experience the transforming power and tender comfort of his voice.
Adam Ramsey leads Liberti Church on the Gold Coast, Australia and also serves as the director for Acts 29 Asia Pacific. The author of several books, including Truth on Fire and Truly, Truly, I Say to You, his favourite parts of life include being married to Kristina, making memories with their five kids, and preaching good news. Adam is quite serious about joy and an avid practitioner of laughter.
