Today's Scripture
John 1:29–42
The next day he saw Jesus coming toward him and declared, “Here is the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world! This is he of whom I said, ‘After me comes a man who ranks ahead of me because he was before me.’ I myself did not know him; but I came baptizing with water for this reason, that he might be revealed to Israel.” And John testified, “I saw the Spirit descending from heaven like a dove, and it remained on him. I myself did not know him, but the one who sent me to baptize with water said to me, ‘He on whom you see the Spirit descend and remain is the one who baptizes with the Holy Spirit.’ And I myself have seen and have testified that this is the Son of God.” The next day John again was standing with two of his disciples, and as he watched Jesus walk by, he exclaimed, “Look, here is the Lamb of God!”
The two disciples heard him say this, and they followed Jesus. 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?” He said to them, “Come and see.” They came and saw where he was staying, and they remained with him that day. It was about four o’clock in the afternoon. One of the two who heard John speak and followed him was Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother. He first found his brother Simon and said to him, “We have found the Messiah” (which is translated Anointed). He brought Simon to Jesus, who looked at him and said, “You are Simon son of John. You are to be called Cephas” (which is translated Peter). (NRSV)
Reflection
What was I looking for?
In Childhood
The smell of my mother’s steaming rice pilaf; surging into the sky on the Jack and Jill pre-school swing; the peace, safety, and creative messiness that was my father’s office.
The anticipation of the next lick of a mint chocolate chip ice cream cone; the smile and soft laugh from a beloved elementary teacher. Love.
Adolescence
Lunch at the cool kids’ table; a starting spot on the high school basketball team; being Lieutenant George Wickham in Pride and Prejudice; proof that grit and passion result in success — sometimes.
How to not be awkward with peach fuzz on my face, braces in my mouth, and a voice that kept cracking. Love.
Adulthood
The perfect job, the ideal partner, the city that felt like home; would my life be interesting; a definition of success and purpose.
More time… more time for work… more time for family… more time for others… more time for me. Love.
Later Adulthood
To be present; the grace to accept joys and sorrows; accept me.
Play “Yesterday” on the piano; hit a satisfying topspin serve. Love.
In this lesson from John’s gospel, Jesus asks the above question. He then answers it in three simple words: “Come and see.”
No detailed plan or easy answer. With those words, Jesus, the Lamb of God, invites me — and you — into his presence to share a lifetime relationship. Jesus promises that there is a place for each of us to go and a reality for each of us to see and experience.
What are you looking for?
Prayer
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Written by Phil Calian, Member of Fourth Presbyterian Church
Reflection and Prayer © Fourth Presbyterian Church
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