Andrew was standing next to the faithful prophet when that herald of Jesus said, “Behold, the Lamb of God!” (John 1:35-36 ESV). Having heard John’s remarkable declaration, Andrew and his companion left their Rabbi for another. Their walk with Jesus began humbly enough, as they simply followed his steps.

As he turned to look at his nascent disciples, the great Teacher’s first lesson was the piercing question, “What are you seeking” (John 1:38).

As readers of John’s gospel, we have the benefit to see Jesus introduced as God in the flesh, “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things were made through him, and without him was not any thing made that was made” (John 1:1-3). He is the light (John 1:4-9), the Christ (John 1:20), the Lamb of God (John 1:29), the Son of God, and the King of Israel (John 1:49).

We know that these men — Andrew and likely the apostle John — were first disciples of John the immerser. As his task was to “prepare the way before” Jesus (Malachi 3:1), he would have taught his disciples the true nature of the Son. Upon hearing John’s words, they knew that their duty was to follow Jesus.

Yet Jesus’ question to them, “What are you seeking?” gave them the opportunity to confess Jesus as Rabbi (Teacher), and to inquire about staying with him, “where are you staying?”

“What are you seeking?”

When Andrew located his brother Simon, he said to him, “We have found the Messiah” (John 1:41). When Philip found Nathanael, he said, “We have found him of whom Moses in the Law and also the prophets wrote” (John 1:45).

These men, along with the faithful remnant, were looking for the Messiah. Their souls were longing for the promised One who would deliver them. Though they had much to learn, they were dedicated to being taught by their Master.

“What are you seeking?”

Many people have seen Jesus. Some find him intriguing enough to walk a few steps toward him. The question we must all ask ourselves is, “What am I seeking?”

Am I seeking someone who will primarily comfort me in my distress? Am I seeking someone who will confirm all my priors? Am I seeking someone who will conform to my priorities? If so, it is not Jesus of Nazareth for whom I am longing.

Yes Jesus comforts, but he also challenges.

“If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me. For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will save it. For what does it profit a man if he gains the whole world and loses or forfeits himself?  For whoever is ashamed of me and of my words, of him will the Son of Man be ashamed when he comes in his glory and the glory of the Father and of the holy angels” (Luke 9:23-26).

Jesus calls us to make his desires ours (Luke 16:13), and to transform our way of living to his (Romans 12:2; Galatians 4:19).

None of that is easy. But if we claim to seek Jesus, it is necessary. Knowing about Jesus is not enough, the information we gather about him should beget transformation.

On that afternoon nearly two millennia ago, two disciples began their walk in the Son. And it all started with a question, “What are you seeking?”

Lee Parish, link to original article