2025 Advent-Christmas Devotions
Monday, December
John 1:35-42
35 The next day John again was standing with two of his disciples, 36 and as he watched Jesus walk by he exclaimed, “Look, here is the Lamb of God!” 37 The two disciples heard him say this, and they followed Jesus. 38 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?” 39 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. 40 One of the two who heard John speak and followed him was Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother. 41 He first found his brother Simon and said to him, “We have found the Messiah” (which is translated Anointed). 42 He brought Simon to Jesus, who looked at him and said, “You are Simon son of John. You are to be called Cephas” (which is translated Peter).
“… 38 When Jesus turned and saw them following, he said to them, “What are you looking for?” …”
Jesus’ question to the disciples of John is Jesus’ question to us. As followers of the Lord, “What are you looking for?” (Emphasis mine!)
Many who come looking for Jesus seek a friend or companion along the way. Such followers often discover the gentle and kind Jesus who cares for those he encounters. Their Jesus befriends strangers including tax collectors and sinners. He forgives the woman caught in the adultery, and on the cross issues a blanket absolution for those who crucified him.
Some come looking for a miracle worker and healer. They look to the one who restores frail bodies to health, who cures those with diseases, who casts our demons, and who raises the dead to life. For those, Jesus is the source of restoration and renewal of life in this world.
Still others imagine Jesus as king or ruler, the one who will make sense out of the chaos of the world. Like the anticipated messiahs of old, with his power and strength he will overcome all obstacles in life, strengthen and encourage hearts, and empower his followers to victory over the agents of sin and death in the world.
Finally, those who seek the Lord look for a savior, one who will deliver them and others from sin, death, and the devil. He will redeem their lives from the grave and raise them up to new life in the heavenly realms.
So, what are you looking for?
Prayer: Jesus, You are many things to many people. Help me not to forget that You are the Son of God and One with the Holy Trinity. To You is all honor and praise now and forever. Amen.