Come And See
33 I myself did not know him, but the one who sent me to baptize with water said to me, 'He on whom you see the Spirit descend and remain is the one who baptizes with the Holy Spirit.' 34 And I myself have seen and have testified that this is the Son of God." 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). (John 1:33-41)
John the baptizer spent his entire ministry pointing away from himself to the One coming who would be greater than him. As Jesus' ministry began, John's terminology changed from obscure to specific - referring to Jesus as the Son of God and Lamb of God - but he still kept the focus off of himself. John even pointed his own disciples to Jesus, and with deference they called Jesus Rabbi when asking permission to spend time in his presence. That time with Jesus was so illuminating that, when they left, their understanding of Jesus had shifted from teacher to Messiah, and they shifted from seekers to followers - disciples.
In our churches we make a big deal about making disciples and what steps we must take to do that. But what if we just point to Jesus? We don't need to do the convincing - God can handle that. We just need to strive, in our words and actions, to acknowledge, glorify, and credit the Son of God who is with us, the Lamb of God who forgives us, the Rabbi who teaches us, the Messiah who saves us. God, in Christ, working in and through us is all people need to "come and see" so that they might know their savior for themselves.
5 You have multiplied, O LORD my God, your wondrous deeds and your thoughts toward us; none can compare with you. Were I to proclaim and tell of them, they would be more than can be counted. 6 Sacrifice and offering you do not desire, but you have given me an open ear. Burnt offering and sin offering you have not required. 7 Then I said, "Here I am; in the scroll of the book it is written of me. 8 I delight to do your will, O my God; your law is within my heart." 9 I have told the glad news of deliverance in the great congregation; see, I have not restrained my lips, as you know, O LORD. 10 I have not hidden your saving help within my heart, I have spoken of your faithfulness and your salvation; I have not concealed your steadfast love and your faithfulness from the great congregation. (Psalm40:5-10)
