Daily EncouragementSample

John and Andrew were the two addressed by Jesus. They had begun to follow him in response to the Baptist’s words, “Look, the Lamb of God!” (verses 35-37).

There is something deeply moving about this incident. Jesus turned around - just imagine that majestic face and the marvellous eyes - and then asked the searching question, “What do you want?” He asks it of us all and, as with so many of his questions, he is not looking for information but is looking into our hearts and calling us to do the same.

Their simple reply - “Teacher, where are you staying?” - hides as well as reveals. They do not know what to say, and yet what they are saying is, “We want you - to know you, to follow you.” To articulate what we want at any stage of our spiritual lives is often beyond us, but we are safe when we sum it up like this: “I want to know Christ” (Phil. 3:10).

His invitation to them - “Come, and you will see” - is a complete guide to the spiritual life. We begin by coming to him to receive the life which opens our eyes to his kingdom. And all our advances are really new comings and clearer seeings, until we come home and see him face to face.