John 1:35-42 (NRSV)
Read John 1:35-42 on biblegateway.com
Verse 35The next day John again was standing with two of his disciples, Verse 36and as he watched Jesus walk by, he exclaimed, "Look, here is the Lamb of God!"
Verse 37The two disciples heard him say this, and they followed Jesus. Verse 38When 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?" Verse 39He 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. Verse 40One of the two who heard John speak and followed him was Andrew, Simon Peter's brother. Verse 41He first found his brother Simon and said to him, "We have found the Messiah" (which is translated Anointed). Verse 42He 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).
Devotion
I'm always fascinated by the question "Where are you staying?" in today’s gospel reading. I learned a long time ago that it could be read as a turn of phrase. It could mean something like "What is it that you believe?" or "Where do you stand?" as in "Where do you stand on the issues of the day?"
When we reflect on the life, work and teachings of Jesus, I wonder what he said to these disciples as they gathered early on. Did he ask them as well "Where are you staying?"—in your minds? in your hearts? Were they changed by their first moments with Jesus just as much as they were changed each day as they walked with him? Do we notice the changes God makes in us as we walk with Jesus, or do we purposefully stay in one place?
Prayer
O God, as we journey and ponder in the light of the season of epiphany, help us to see the signs of your movement in the world. May we always watch and walk and stay with Jesus as we follow him on the way of discipleship. Amen.