(John 1:35–39 — A Call to True Discipleship)
Greetings in the precious name of our Lord Jesus Christ. Let us reflect on the living Word of God and understand the deep spiritual meaning behind the question asked by the first disciples of Jesus.
The Scripture says:
“Jesus turned and saw them following, and said to them, ‘What do you seek?’They said to Him, ‘Rabbi’ (which means Teacher), ‘where are You staying?’He said to them, ‘Come and see.’ They came and saw where He was staying, and remained with Him that day; now it was about the tenth hour.”— John 1:38–39 (NKJV) (YouVersion | The Bible App | Bible.com)
At first glance, this question may sound ordinary — as if the disciples simply wanted to know Jesus’ physical address. But spiritually, their question carried a much deeper meaning.
In Jewish culture, following a rabbi meant more than attending teachings occasionally. A disciple lived closely with the teacher, observing his life, character, prayer, and daily walk. Asking “Where are you staying?” was essentially saying:
“We want to be where you are. We want to learn your life.”
They were not seeking information — they were seeking relationship.
The Gospel shows that their desire was to remain with Him, not just listen to Him briefly. The Greek word used for stay/remain also points to abiding — a theme that later becomes central in Jesus’ teaching about spiritual union with Him. (johnmckinnon.org)
Before answering them, Jesus asked:
“What do you seek?”
This question reveals an important spiritual principle:God first examines the motives of the heart.
Many people follow Jesus for miracles, blessings, or solutions to problems. But true disciples seek Christ Himself.
This echoes another teaching of Jesus:
“Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.”— Matthew 6:33
Christian faith begins when a person moves from seeking things from God to seeking God Himself.
Jesus did not give them directions. Instead, He gave an invitation:
“Come and see.”
This is the pattern of discipleship throughout Scripture. Faith is not built only through explanation but through experience with Christ.
The disciples spent the day with Him — and that encounter changed their lives forever. One of them, Andrew, immediately went to bring his brother Simon Peter to Jesus (John 1:40–42).
A genuine encounter with Jesus always produces transformation and testimony.
The Bible carefully records that it was about the tenth hour (around 4 PM). This detail shows that the moment was unforgettable. When someone truly meets Christ, the experience becomes spiritually marked — a turning point in life.
Many believers can remember the moment they truly encountered the Lord — when faith moved from religion into relationship.
The question “Rabbi, where are You staying?” is still relevant today.
It represents three levels of faith:
Curiosity — following Jesus from a distance.
Desire — wanting to know Him personally.
Commitment — choosing to remain with Him.
Jesus still responds the same way today:
He invites us to dwell with Him spiritually.
“Abide in Me, and I in you.”— John 15:4
Christianity is not merely believing doctrines; it is living in continual fellowship with Christ.
Today, Jesus does not dwell in a physical house that we can visit. Scripture teaches that He dwells:
In the hearts of believers
Through the Holy Spirit
Among those who walk in obedience
“Christ in you, the hope of glory.”— Colossians 1:27
Therefore, asking “Where are You staying?” today means:
“Lord, how can I live where Your presence is?”
The first disciples did not ask for miracles or blessings. They asked for His dwelling place — because they desired closeness with Him.
And Jesus still gives the same invitation to every believer:
👉 Come.👉 See.👉 Remain with Me.
True Christianity begins when we stop visiting Jesus occasionally and begin abiding with Him daily.
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