The Importance of Lingering and Engaging
As Jesus was beginning His public ministry He intentionally selected His disciples to carry on His work. John 1:38-49 reveals the fact that Jesus was the Son of God, the Lamb of God, the Anointed One! Jesus attracted the attention of many and for a few, they began to realize He was the Messiah (the Anointed One). What did those who believed He was the Messiah have in common? They earnestly looked for Him and in v.38 when Jesus noticed that a couple of them were following Him He asked: "What are you looking for?” They answered: “Where are you staying?” He replied in v 39: “Come and see.” Regardless of who or what, when one is earnestly seeking truth, he/she will take the time to linger and engage! When His disciples lingered and engaged they began to realize more and more each day that He was who He said He was!
In time the Truth is revealed for those who seek it …when Philip tells Nathanael in v.45 “we have found the One Moses wrote about in the Law: Jesus the son of Joseph from Nazareth!” Nathanael responds in v.46 with doubt stating what others had said: “Can anything good come out of Nazareth?” To which Philip responds: "Come and see” (the statement Jesus had made earlier). “Then Jesus saw Nathanael coming toward Him and said about him, ‘Here is a true Israelite; no deceit is in him.’ How do you know me? Nathanael asked. Before Philip called you, when you were under the fig tree, I saw you, Jesus answered’’ (v.47-48). Nathanael believes v.49: Rabbi, Nathanael replied, “You are the Son of God! You are the King of Israel!” This very interaction brings Psalm 139 into focus …God is omniscient!
Those who believe in the Lord Jesus Christ will invite others to join them is their journey just as Christ’s disciples did!
Think about this: although the disciples confessed belief in the Lord Jesus Christ, they did not have a full understanding of who this God-man really was, but they still asked others to join them in their search for truth. In time those men (His disciples) became true believers!
Will you do as Christ’s disciples did? Even though none of us know everything about Jesus Christ, will you still invite others to join you on your journey of knowing Him?
An MCHA Stop~n~Think - 1.10.2025 - Courtesy of MCHA Ministry Coordinator Tim Chastain
