The Curious Questions Of JesusНамуна

Day 1: What are you looking for?

Jesus often led people by asking them a thought-provoking question. His very first question to His first followers was “What are you looking for?” What astounds me is that Jesus’ first question to those who would follow Him is not about God, sin, politics, or family history. It is a question that gives us a glimpse into the heart of Jesus. It is also a question that gives us a glimpse into ourselves.

Jesus' question gives us a glimpse into ourselves because it forces us to examine what genuinely matters most to us. We are all looking for something. There may be no greater tragedy than a life spent looking for the wrong thing. There are people who spend their whole lives looking for something only to find it, achieve it, buy it, or gain it and then realize it was not what they were actually looking for. It did not fill the void or end the quest or answer Jesus’ question. 

Most of us are looking for good things—security, meaning, success, love, hope—but we're not always certain where and how to find it. Jesus is aware that we can be distracted by the cares of the world, looking for even the right things in the wrong places and in the wrong ways. His question stops us long enough to take measure of whether the activity of our lives matches what genuinely matters. 

The good news is that Jesus' question also gives us a glimpse into His heart. In John 1:35–39 He offers these two men conversation and relationship. They answer by asking where he is staying. “Come,” Jesus replied, “and you will see.” He could have just given them the address of the house. But Jesus’ invitation shows them that He actually wants to be with them. In one short interaction, Jesus moves from a question that invites us to explore our lives and hearts, to an invitation to come and see if what we are looking for is ultimately met in Him.

Prayer: Lord, help me to search my heart to answer Your question of what I am looking for. Show me today how You meet all my deepest needs and longings. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.