My Journey Group has been diving into the Gospel of John.

Last week we caught "the bumper video" to this amazing book, John 1:1-18. In these 18 verses we can catch an introduction to the amazing story of Jesus - his miracles, what he said, what he did, how people responded, etc. The bottom line in this intro is the fact that Jesus is God and that he is among us with grace and truth. More can be unpacked here obviously, but THIS WEEK really worked us over in a deep way...at least for me personally.

In John 1:19-51 all kinds of things are happening. John the Baptist is baptizing people and the Pharisees question the whole deal (big surprise right?). John is relieved to see Jesus, the lamb of God, arrive on the scene. Jesus is pretty intriguing right off the bat and guys start following him and Jesus keeps allowing it - and the story unfolds from there...

Jesus hits the ground runnin and extends this simple invitation - "come and see."

a few CONTEXT bullet points here:
John the Baptist knows that this guy is the Messiah (vs 32-34).

The day after John knows this to be true, he is hanging out with two of HIS disciples and "when he saw Jesus passing by, he said, "look the Lamb of God!" The two disciples were so intrigued that they began following him (v.37).

Jesus turns around and notices the obvious followers and they dialogue in a quick, but polite conversation that basically changes the next two years of everything...and the rest of the world...forever.

COME and SEE
These followers want to know where the Rabbi (or Teacher) is staying. Instead of "telling them" he invites them. This is simple but radical. He could have said, "don't worry about it," "it's really none of your business," or he could have just told them, "it's a little hotel up here and to the right." I mean, his response could have been anything really. But he extends the invitation, "come," he replied, and you will see."

Well, what would you do? They went. Not only did they go, but they spent that day with him. It was a day that turned Andrew's world upside down. He even remembered what time it was (v.39) when this life changing visit took place. In fact, not only did he remember what time it was (about 4 o'clock in the afternoon depending what scholar you check out), he wanted to tell other people about it. He had to tell his brother Simon Peter. Upon hearing the crazy news that "the Messiah is here," Peter joined the crew and Jesus has some serious plans for this guy.

The next day Jesus picks up a couple more followers (with an invitation approach). So, here you have it, John, Andrew, Simon Peter, Philip, and Nathanial. Nothing like pickin up a couple of guys for a long walk.

This entire idea of "come and see for yourself" is really amazing stuff if you think about it. This was God (John 1:1). He could have orchestrated this entire deal a lot differently, anyway he wanted really. But he chose the invitiation method. He is about to change the world and he invited a couple knuckleheads along for the ride. It wasn't formulaic. It wasn't a system. There were no sit down interviews. No formalities. Just "come and see."

the COME and SEE LIFESTYLE CHALLENGE
Makes me think about my own life in a lot of different ways. Perhaps this come and see stuff is exactly where we miss the boat (if you will) in the Christian faith sometimes. One of the biggest challenges for me is simple - when I do come and see and expect Jesus, it leaves me wanting more. It isn't duty driven, just experience. An experience of Jesus that I have to have again. In other words, when I'm really following hard after Jesus with the right heart I "have to" come and see it all again the next day.

Do we do ministry this way?
Do you have a "come and see" lifestyle?
How about this (this might dig a little deeper so buckle up), do you want people to come and see? Is the real you an intriguing Jesus follower that draws people to the cross and life of Christ?
Who are we inviting?
How are we using this Jesus approach?

May we see Christ in His fullness and so walk with an intriguing faith in who He was, who He is, and who He will be upon return. Amen.