Jesus’ question for you

Every recorded first divine encounter in the Bible begins with a question. God in Eden – "Where are you?" (Genesis 3:9). An angel with Hagar – "Where are you going?" (Genesis 16:8). Jesus after his resurrection – "Who are you looking for?" These are deep questions requiring careful thought. In John's gospel, Jesus is introduced asking another: "Turning around, Jesus saw them following and asked, 'What do you want?'" (John 1:38). He poses this to two disciples of John who had begun following him – "When the two disciples heard him say this, they followed Jesus" (John 1:37). They were truly the first Christians, since "Christian" means follower of Jesus. But when Jesus asks what they want, they seem unsure, replying with their own question – "where are you staying?" (John 1:38). Jesus invites them into his life so they can discover what discipleship truly means – not riches, rewards, healings, or gifts, but knowing him. Paul later answered the question this way: "I want to know Christ-yes, to know the power of his resurrection and participation in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death," (Philippians 3:10). Jesus himself gave the same answer: "Now this is eternal life: that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent." (John 17:3). The question remains – what do you want? (Craig B). Open Bible – bit.ly/Gen3v9, bit.ly/Gen16v8, bit.ly/Joh1v38, bit.ly/Joh1v37, bit.ly/Phi3v10, bit.ly/Joh17v3