“When Jesus turned and saw them following, he said to them, ‘What are you looking for?’ They said to him, ‘Rabbi (which translated means Teacher), ‘where are you staying?’” (Jn. 1:38)
When Jesus noticed that some people were following him, He turned around and asked, “What are you looking for?”
Did they answer? No. Instead, they changed the subject by asking Jesus where He would be staying.
From that day until now, Jesus asks the same question: What are we looking for? Do we know? Can we say? Are we going to change the subject?
If we’re looking for a friend who will always love, be loyal, and stand by us, a friend who will share our concerns, help us to carry our burdens, laugh and cry with us, we need to look no further than Jesus.
If we’re looking for a teacher who can share wisdom and insight into who God is, how to live, how to treat others, and how to love, our search will be over with Jesus.
If we’re looking for a Lord because trying to be the boss of our own life isn’t working, a Lord who can lead us, a Lord we can honor and respect, Jesus can do that for us.
If we’re looking for a Savior who can forgive us and reconcile us to God, a Savior who can lift us up, heal and mend us, Jesus is our answer.
Because our relationship with Jesus goes both ways, I believe we need to ask what Jesus may be looking for from us. That’s a harder question, isn’t it?
I believe Jesus is looking for us to trust Him, love Him, have gratitude for Him, share Him, and honor how He wants us to live.
The two fellows who were following Jesus on that day long ago didn’t answer when He asked them, “What are you looking for?”
May we not be like them. Instead, I encourage us to believe that Jesus has all that we’re looking for and all that we need in this life and in the next. I also encourage us to lean right into all that Jesus may be looking for from us.
Reflection Questions:
- What are you really looking for and needing in this life?
- Does Jesus satisfy or fulfill your deepest needs and desires? If so, how?
- What could Jesus be looking for from you?
Thank you, I’ve printed this for my kids to read and consider. I agree with it all and always asking him what is he looking for from me.