John 1:35-39 
The next day John was there again with two of his disciples. When he saw Jesus passing by, he said, “Look, the Lamb of God!” 

When the two disciples heard him say this, they followed Jesus. Turning around, Jesus saw them following and asked, “What do you want?” 

They said, “Rabbi” (which means “Teacher”), “where are you staying?” 

“Come,” he replied, “and you will see.” 

So they went and saw where he was staying, and they spent that day with him. It was about four in the afternoon. (NIV)

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“What do you want?” is the kind of question that depends on tone of voice to fully understand what it means. 

A harsh tone indicates you probably ought to leave that person alone. 

A fatigued tone indicates you’re probably weighing down an already weary heart. 

A whispered tone indicates someone isn’t sure he or she can manage any more drama. 

A gentle tone, delivered with a smile, is an invitation. 

Can’t you see Jesus looking over his shoulder at these two guys who are suddenly following him, turning, and asking this question? 

And these two guys did what you and I have done at one time or another. They blurted out something that sounded completely dorky in retrospect. It sounded something like, “Uh . . . Where are you staying?” 

It was as if they were inviting themselves to join Jesus. And they were. The question was, did Jesus want them tagging along? He did. 

Jesus’ answer is simple and welcoming. He says, “Come and you’ll see.” 

This is where I need to pause and say, “Jesus still invites you to come and see.” Not only that, but he gives you the privilege of offering others the same invitation: “Come and see.” Look down the page to verses 43 and following. There you have Philip going to find Nathanael. When he finished telling Nate about Jesus, Nathanael asked, “Can anything good come out of Nazareth?” and Philip answered, “Come and see.” 

Who do you need to invite to come and see Jesus?

One other thing to note here is that they got to where Jesus was staying late in the afternoon, when the evening, which began the new day in that culture, was near at hand. This meant Jesus had house guests for the evening. This was not uncommon for a Rabbi and his disciples. In the ordinariness of daily life, disciples learned what their Rabbi thought about the many issues of everyday living. 

Walking along the way exposed them to first one scene and then another. All kinds of encounters took place along the path. Sitting around the fire or gathering around a meal opened other opportunities for conversation regarding matters great and small. 

In those travels and conversations, the first disciples became convinced of who Jesus was. They had heard John’s testimony, but now they were discovering firsthand who this mysterious stranger was. 

This is good to remember for the day when we get to John chapter 15 where Jesus talks about abiding. It is in the unforced rhythms of daily living that he explained the heart and mind of God and demonstrated the grace and truth of God. 

Jesus wants us to walk with Him through our days today. The Holy Spirit indwells us. He gives us clear direction. He helps us see with God’s eyes, hear with God’s ears, speak with God’s words, and serve with God’s hands. 

Seeing people as Jesus sees them changes how we relate to them. Encountering problems and troubles with a heavenly perspective drives us toward solutions that seek the highest good for everyone involved. There is no such thing as ordinary when we walk with God. 

Jesus helps us see the world not only as it is, but as it can be by his grace and truth. Take a walk with Jesus today. Ask him to help you see what he sees. Ask him to put his thoughts in your mind and his words in your mouth. Ask him to empower you for the kind of service that builds up others. 

There’s a good chance this is a brand new way of thinking for you. That’s okay. There’s somebody in your life who’s been thinking about this and living like this for a long time. It might be an opportune moment to ask to accompany them for a day so that you can see how they do life with Jesus. 

A good role model beats a good instruction manual every day. 

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I will accept Jesus’ invitation to accompany him, see what he sees, and do what he does. 

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Our Father, empower us for this day. Put your thoughts in our minds and your words in our mouths. Give us your heavenly perspective on everything we encounter. Make us a blessing to everyone we meet. Use all that you’ve entrusted to us to serve others in a manner that helps them see how good you really are. Amen.