What are You Looking For?

John 1:35-39 NRSV

“The next day John again was standing with two of his disciples, and as he watched Jesus walk by, he exclaimed, “Look, here is the Lamb of God!” The two disciples heard him say this, and they followed Jesus. When Jesus turned and saw them following, he said to them, “What are you looking for?” They said to him, “Rabbi” (which translated means Teacher), “where are you staying?” He said to them, “Come and see.” They came and saw where he was staying, and they remained with him that day. It was about four o’clock in the afternoon.”

When I was a union rep I cared for the grievances of the 240 people that I represented. They came to me with all kinds of grievances. Many times, while they had a real issue, some came with so much baggage wrapped around the issue itself that I had to unpack what was grievable and what was not grievable. In order to do that I always asked the six w’s: 

Who- who was involved, witnesses?

What- what happened

Where- where did it happen?

When- when did it take place?

Why- why do you think it is grievable? 

What- what do you want?

We get so caught up with some stuff that it’s not worth the stress. And we miss where we should focus our heart, our time, our energy. 

Jesus asks the question, “What are you looking for?”  If we are not clear what we are looking for we will look in wrong places and to wrong people that will hinder our spiritual journey. Knowing what we are looking for is a fundamental step on our faith journey. Self reflection, meditation, and prayer helps us explore us. 

The disciples followed Jesus as Rabbi (teacher), but recognized him as Messiah (the deliverer). We respond to his question through actively pursuing him, opening our heart, and living intentionally.  

We want what not only fills us but fills us to overflowing. We want to be, as an instructor used to say, “Under the spot where the glory comes out.” more later.