Scripture: John 1:38 (ESV) – “Jesus turned and saw them following and said to them, ‘What are you seeking?’ And they said to him, ‘Rabbi’ (which means Teacher), ‘where are you staying?’”
In John 1:38, Jesus asks the first recorded question in the Gospel of John: “What are you seeking?” This profound question speaks directly to the heart of every individual. It challenges not just the actions of the two disciples following Him, but the motivation and purpose behind those actions. Why are you here? What is it you truly want?
The disciples, who had been following John the Baptist, now physically follow Jesus after hearing John’s declaration, “Behold, the Lamb of God!” Their response to Jesus’ question, “Where are you staying?” may seem simple on the surface, but it reflects a deeper desire to be with Him and learn from Him. They recognize Jesus as a teacher, but their journey to fully understanding Him as the Messiah has just begun.
Jesus’ question is one that we must all answer at some point. As the sermon document emphasizes, we live in a world searching for meaning in all the wrong places. Many seek fulfillment in success, relationships, or pleasure, yet these pursuits ultimately leave us empty. Jesus confronts us with the question: What are you really looking for? Is it meaning, purpose, peace, or truth? Only He can provide what our hearts truly long for.
The disciples’ response also reminds us of the importance of being with Jesus. They weren’t content with a passing interaction—they wanted to stay where He was, to know Him more deeply. This challenges us to evaluate our own relationship with Christ. Are we content with superficial knowledge, or do we desire to truly dwell with Him, learning from Him and abiding in His presence?
Reflection Questions:
- What are you seeking in your life, and how does Jesus fulfill that desire?
- Are you pursuing a deep, abiding relationship with Jesus, or settling for surface-level faith?
- How might Jesus’ question, “What are you seeking?” shape your daily priorities and decisions?
Prayer:
Lord Jesus, thank You for meeting us where we are and inviting us to follow You. Help us to honestly answer the question, “What are you seeking?” Teach us to recognize that our deepest needs and longings are satisfied in You alone. Give us the desire to dwell with You, to know You more deeply, and to abide in Your presence each day. Lead us to live lives that reflect Your truth and draw others to You. In Your name, Amen.
*edited from Pastor Chris Cousine’s sermon on John 1:35-51, supplemented by writings from J.C. Ryle and John Calvin*
Covenant Presbyterian Church 