John 1.38 - “What do you want?”

John 1.38 - “What do you want?”

Seems a bit brash doesn’t it? These are the first words spoken by Jesus in John’s Gospel (1.38 NIV). Surely these seekers had to work up their courage to approach this increasingly famous Jewish religious hero. The nosy crowds leaned in like when you talk to a shopkeeper in a busy Beijing market. Today some churches try to make coming to Jesus smooth and easy, very seeker-friendly. Of course, we want to extend the Great News of Salvation as far and wide as we can. But we can see here that those who come to Jesus better know what they are after. Nobody just stumbles into salvation. People must come with their eyes wide open. He calls us to rip ourselves away from our sinful habits, choices and embrace Him in radical abandon and devotion. A disciple follows Him, carrying a cross, living His abundant life.