{"id":67595,"date":"2020-02-26T23:18:26","date_gmt":"2020-02-26T20:18:26","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/wingulamashahidi.org\/?p=67595"},"modified":"2026-02-16T22:56:18","modified_gmt":"2026-02-16T19:56:18","slug":"rabbi-where-are-you-staying","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/wingulamashahidi.org\/en\/2020\/02\/26\/rabbi-where-are-you-staying\/","title":{"rendered":"Rabbi, Where Are You Staying?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

(John 1:35\u201339 \u2014 A Call to True Discipleship)<\/em><\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

The Scripture says:<\/p>\n

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\u201cJesus turned and saw them following, and said to them, \u2018What do you seek?\u2019
They said to Him, \u2018Rabbi\u2019 (which means Teacher), \u2018where are You staying?\u2019
He said to them, \u2018Come and see.\u2019 They came and saw where He was staying, and remained with Him that day; now it was about the tenth hour.\u201d<\/strong>
\u2014 John 1:38\u201339 (NKJV)<\/em> (YouVersion | The Bible App | Bible.com<\/a>)<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

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1. Why Did the Disciples Ask, \u201cWhere Are You Staying?\u201d<\/strong><\/h2>\n

At first glance, this question may sound ordinary \u2014 as if the disciples simply wanted to know Jesus\u2019 physical address. But spiritually, their question carried a much deeper meaning.<\/p>\n

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 \u201cWhere are you staying?\u201d<\/em> was essentially saying:<\/p>\n

\u201cWe want to be where you are. We want to learn your life.\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n

They were not seeking information \u2014 they were seeking relationship<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

The Gospel shows that their desire was to remain with Him, not just listen to Him briefly. The Greek word used for stay\/remain<\/em> also points to abiding \u2014 a theme that later becomes central in Jesus\u2019 teaching about spiritual union with Him. (johnmckinnon.org<\/a>)<\/p>\n

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2. Jesus\u2019 First Question: \u201cWhat Do You Seek?\u201d<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Before answering them, Jesus asked:<\/p>\n

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\u201cWhat do you seek?\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

This question reveals an important spiritual principle:
God first examines the motives of the heart<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

Many people follow Jesus for miracles, blessings, or solutions to problems. But true disciples seek Christ Himself<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

This echoes another teaching of Jesus:<\/p>\n

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\u201cSeek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.\u201d<\/strong>
\u2014 Matthew 6:33<\/em><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

Christian faith begins when a person moves from seeking things from God to seeking God Himself<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

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3. \u201cCome and See\u201d \u2014 The Invitation to Experience<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Jesus did not give them directions. Instead, He gave an invitation:<\/p>\n

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\u201cCome and see.\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

This is the pattern of discipleship throughout Scripture. Faith is not built only through explanation but through experience with Christ<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

The disciples spent the day with Him \u2014 and that encounter changed their lives forever. One of them, Andrew, immediately went to bring his brother Simon Peter to Jesus (John 1:40\u201342).<\/p>\n

A genuine encounter with Jesus always produces transformation and testimony.<\/p>\n

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4. The Meaning of the Tenth Hour<\/strong><\/h2>\n

The Bible carefully records that it was about the tenth hour<\/em> (around 4 PM). This detail shows that the moment was unforgettable. When someone truly meets Christ, the experience becomes spiritually marked \u2014 a turning point in life.<\/p>\n

Many believers can remember the moment they truly encountered the Lord \u2014 when faith moved from religion into relationship.<\/p>\n

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5. The Spiritual Message for Believers Today<\/strong><\/h2>\n

The question \u201cRabbi, where are You staying?\u201d<\/em> is still relevant today.<\/p>\n

It represents three levels of faith:<\/p>\n

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  1. \n

    Curiosity<\/strong> \u2014 following Jesus from a distance.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

  2. \n

    Desire<\/strong> \u2014 wanting to know Him personally.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

  3. \n

    Commitment<\/strong> \u2014 choosing to remain with Him.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

    Jesus still responds the same way today:<\/p>\n

    \u201cCome and see.\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n

    He invites us to dwell with Him spiritually.<\/p>\n

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    \u201cAbide in Me, and I in you.\u201d<\/strong>
    \u2014 John 15:4<\/em><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

    Christianity is not merely believing doctrines; it is living in continual fellowship with Christ.<\/p>\n

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    6. The True Place Where Jesus Dwells<\/strong><\/h2>\n

    Today, Jesus does not dwell in a physical house that we can visit. Scripture teaches that He dwells:<\/p>\n