John 1:35-39
I vividly remember the first backpacking trip I ever went on. I was a late addition to the roster. When I first tried to sign up, the trip was full, so I landed on the waiting list. Two days before departure, someone got sick, and suddenly, I was in. What I didn’t realize was how unprepared I was. I’d never been backpacking. I didn’t know how to read a map. And I only knew a handful of the people who were going.
When we arrived at camp, we were issued our gear, loaded up, and headed toward the trailhead. Somewhere in the miles that lay ahead, my life was quietly, unexpectedly changed. I’ll never forget standing on the summit as the sun rose, watching mountain ranges stack up like layers of watercolor. I remember thinking, If I had said no… I would have missed this. One simple yes opened the door to an experience that shaped me forever.
Following Jesus often works the same way. In John 1, two future disciples begin following Jesus. They were curious, a little unsure, maybe even awkwardly close. Jesus turns, looks them square in the eyes, and asks the question He still asks every one of us: “What are you seeking?”
They respond with a question of their own: “Where are you staying?” It sounds odd to us, but it was their way of saying, “Who are you really? Can we come close enough to find out?”
And Jesus’ invitation couldn’t be simpler: “Come and see.”
Notice what He doesn’t do.
He doesn’t demand a doctrinal statement.
He doesn’t require certainty.
He doesn’t hand them a checklist called “Discipleship.”
He simply invites them into a relationship, into proximity, presence, and discovery.
Discipleship always begins with holy curiosity. Something in us whispers, maybe there’s more to Jesus than I’ve known. Maybe He really can reshape my life. None of us starts following Jesus because we’ve figured everything out. We follow because we’ve seen just enough of Him to want more. And it begins with one small step: opening the Scriptures, showing up in community, whispering a prayer, asking an honest question, paying attention to the tug in your soul.
Ryan Paulson
Lead Pastor