Come and See (John 1:35–42)

Have you ever been served in a shop by someone who seemed more interested in chatting to the person at the next till? Or perhaps you’ve been on the other side, trying to serve someone who’s too busy on their phone to even look up at you? Both situations are frustrating.

We all get distracted at times — with strangers, with loved ones, and yes, even with God. But being present matters. It communicates worth and love. Learning to be truly present with Jesus is one of the most important and life-changing practices we can develop.

In John 1:29–39 we are given a wonderful glimpse of what it means to be present with Jesus. The theme of seeing and looking runs through the book of John and is particularly clear in that first chapter of John’s Gospel:

• John saw Jesus coming toward him (v.29).
• John testifies that he saw the Spirit descend on Jesus (v.32).
• God tells John that the one he sees the Spirit descend on is the Messiah (v.33).
• John declares, “I have seen and testify that this is God’s Chosen One” (v.34).
• John points his own disciples toward Jesus saying, “Look, the Lamb of God!” (v.36).

And then comes the encounter I really want to focus on:

Jesus turned around and, seeing them following, asked, “What do you want?”

They said, “Rabbi (which means Teacher), where are you staying?”

“Come,” he replied, “and you will see.”

(John 1:38–39)

It’s fascinating. John the Baptist has just proclaimed Jesus as “the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world” — a statement packed with centuries of theology and prophecy. But when the disciples approach Jesus, they don’t ask him to unpack all that heavy theology. They simply ask: “Where are you staying?”

It’s not small talk. It’s not nosiness. They want to be with him. They want to see him. They want to know him — not just from a distance, not just in theory, but up close, in real life. And Jesus’ reply is beautiful: “Come and see.”

There’s something very real about spending time in someone’s home. In my ministry, when I visit people’s homes — for a baptism, a funeral, or just a pastoral visit — I often find myself looking at the bookshelves, the family photos, and the little details that reveal something about their lives. Homes tell stories. And in a way, that’s what happens with these two disciples. They spend the afternoon and evening simply being with Jesus — watching, learning, soaking in his presence. And it changes them.

We see the impact almost immediately. Andrew, one of the two, races off to find his brother Peter and declares: “We have found the Messiah!” (John 1:41). Presence with Jesus turns Andrew into an evangelist. Later, as the Gospels and Acts unfold, we see how being with Jesus transforms all the disciples. Not all at once. Not perfectly. But steadily and surely.

The good news for us is that Jesus’ invitation — “Come and see” — is still open today.

We may not be able to visit his earthly home. We can’t sit with him in a room the way Andrew and the other disciple did.

But he promises to meet us:

• In Church: “Where two or three are gathered in my name, there I am among them.” (Matthew 18:20)
• In the Scriptures: “My word… will accomplish what I desire.” (Isaiah 55:11)
• In Prayer: “The Lord is near to all who call on him.” (Psalm 145:18)

Being present with Jesus today means intentionally showing up:

• Coming to worship.
• Opening our Bibles with expectancy.
• Speaking to him in prayer, even clumsily or distractedly.

It isn’t always easy. We live in a world full of noise and distraction. Phones buzz. Clocks tick. Minds wander. Even when we intend to be fully present with Jesus, distractions creep in. But here’s the beautiful thing: Even when we aren’t fully present with him, Jesus is fully present with us. Our flawed, distracted attempts to draw near are still honoured. Our imperfect prayers, our sleepy Bible reading, our distracted worship — he sees it all, and he welcomes it. He knows we are works in progress. He loves us just the same.

So today, Jesus still invites us:

“Come and see.”

• Maybe we need to set aside a night without the TV to open our Bibles.
• Maybe we need to silence our phones for an hour to sit in quiet prayer.
• Maybe we simply need to notice his likeness in the people around us in church.

Whatever it looks like, the invitation is open. Come and see.