As a kid, I eagerly looked forward to Vacation Bible School every summer. I loved learning about Jesus, memorizing Bible verses, and singing songs like I’ve Got the Joy, Joy, Joy. Joy Down in My Heart and Deep and Wide. One of my favorite stories was how Jesus called His disciples to follow Him.
The other day, I found myself skimming over this story, thinking I already know how it ends. But then I remembered: each verse is there for a reason. Each verse holds meaning waiting to be discovered and rediscovered time and time again.
So I decided to slow down and read the story again, anticipating it would once more come alive and speak to me. It didn’t disappoint. Here is what I rediscovered in John 1:35-39.
But first, if you’d rather watch than read, I also created a video sharing my thoughts on this passage. Please feel free to check it out below. Whether you watch or read, my prayer is that you rediscover the beauty of this story and feel encouraged to follow Jesus more deeply.
Knowing About Jesus Isn’t Enough
Andrew and John were the first two disciples Jesus called to follow Him. Before becoming disciples of Jesus, they were disciples of John the Baptist who came to testify concerning Jesus (John 1:7). These men knew about Jesus because of John’s testimony. But knowing about Him was not enough—they wanted to meet Jesus personally—to see Him for themselves.
When John the Baptist pointed to Jesus, declaring, “Look, the Lamb of God,” Andrew and John acted immediately. They boldly followed Jesus without hesitation, showing us that hearing about Jesus is just the beginning. The fundamental transformation begins when we seek Him personally.
What Do You Want?
As Andrew and John followed Jesus, He turned and asked them a simple yet profound question: “What do you want”? They responded to Jesus’ question with one of their own—”Where are you staying?” revealing their desire to know Him more deeply.
Jesus didn’t question their motives or tell them to come back later. Instead, without hesitation, He invited them to “Come and…See.” Because they asked, they spent the day with Jesus.
Can you imagine spending a day with Jesus? What might you talk about? Perhaps Jesus spoke to them as He did to His followers on the Road to Emmaus, where he “explained to them what was said in all the Scriptures concerning himself.” (Luke 24:27)
Though John doesn’t tell us about their conversation, we know one thing for sure: Whatever Jesus shared with them was life-changing.
What Are You After?
Jesus’ question, “What do you want?” wasn’t just for Andrew and John—it’s for all of us. He asks us to reflect on our desires and motivations. What are you genuinely seeking by following Him?
He’s Calling You to Follow Him
“Come to Me, all who are weary and heavily burdened [by religious rituals that provide no peace], and I will give you rest [refreshing your souls with salvation]. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me [following Me as My disciple], for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest (renewal, blessed quiet) for your souls. For My yoke is easy [to bear] and My burden is light.”
Let’s pray:
Heavenly Father, thank You for Your Word that speaks to us in new ways each time we come to it. Just as Andrew and John heard the call of Jesus and followed, we ask that You help us answer Your call with boldness.
Lord, You ask us, ‘What do you want?’ (John 1:38), and we pray that our hearts desire You above all else. Show us what it means to ‘Come and see’ (John 1:39)—to walk in Your truth, to trust in Your promises, and to follow You wholeheartedly.
Jesus, You invite all who are weary to come to You for rest (Matthew 11:28-30). We bring our burdens to You now, knowing Your yoke is easy and Your burden is light. Teach us to walk in step with You, to live as Your disciples, and to reflect Your love in everything we do.
We ask this in the name of Jesus, the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world. Amen.
Victory! Possessing the Gates of Our Enemies Through Christ
Making Him Known July 17, 2025 7:38 am