What Are You Seeking?

January 20, 2023

By Brooke Holt

“The next day again John was standing with two of his disciples, and he looked at Jesus as he walked by and said, ‘Behold, the Lamb of God!’ The two disciples heard him say this, and they followed Jesus. Jesus turned and saw them following and said to them, ‘What are you seeking?’” John 1:35-37

Jesus had an interesting way of making friends and disciples. Instead of spending time getting to know people in the synagogue or over dinner, there is something so compelling about Jesus that people immediately follow him. The men who followed Jesus on this particular day were disciples of John. Better than anyone, they had been trained in what was to come. They knew John was the forerunner though I wonder if they could fathom who was to follow John.

John knew, and John declared who Jesus was: “Behold, the Lamb of God” (John 1:36). Most likely, John’s disciples did not understand what “the Lamb of God” meant. In the Old Testament, the lambs were used as sacrifices for the sins of the people. How could a man be a lamb, a man be an offering to take away peoples’ sin? Makes you wonder what would have compelled these men to follow Jesus – a sense, a longing, sheer curiosity, or a need.

Jesus turns and asks the men a simple question: “What are you seeking?” Such a simple but profound question. These men followed Jesus from that point and seemed to never look back; these men became his closest friends as well as his disciples. That simple act of following changed their lives forever! Andrew would later tell his brother that he had found the Messiah then Andrew brought his brother, Simon (to be called Peter) to Jesus. From there, Jesus’ followers increased daily. And it all began with John’s declaration and Jesus’ question.

I think Jesus would ask you the same question today: “What are you seeking?” Why are you following him? It is an important question to ask. So many today are looking for easy answers or quick fixes to their problems. They long for comfort in the pain, maybe a little bit of hope or peace, but are they really looking for a Messiah, one on whom to build their lives? True disciples of Jesus will be just like Andrew – one whose entire life changed and one who couldn’t help but sharing the good news, “We have found the Messiah” (John 1:41).

Reflection:

What are you seeking today and how is your life being transformed by the one or the thing that you are seeking? We would love to hear your thoughts in the comments.

Recommended Resource:

The Crucified Life small group Christian study is designed to reflect upon the Seven Last Words of Christ from the cross and what they mean for us today. Walk the road of Calvary with Jesus in order to grow closer to Him. The Crucified Life small group study examines human suffering as it is mirrored in Christ’s suffering on the cross and what His seven last words say to a hurting world. Find out incredible insights into these words as Jesus teaches us, even in death, how we can use our suffering and triumph over it for His glory. Begin your Crucified Life today.