My initial thought is “Really, the creator of the world, asks ‘what do you want?,’ and all they can think to say is ‘where are you staying?’” I guess they simply didn't know to ask for more because they didn't yet know who He is. Later someone pointed out to me that this could be part of John’s consistent emphasis on the concept of “abide” (translated here as “staying”). In either case, notice something significant about Christ’s response. He doesn't present them with grandiose challenges or ambitious commissions. His response is simply, okay “come and you will see.”
We've addressed 39 areas of Christian doctrine thus far. It's possible that no new revelations were made to you. It's possible that you haven't been convicted about anything. It's possible that you are unchanged from when you started. But if you've been paying attention at all, then seeds have been sown. It's completely up to you whether the seeds turn into fruit or not.
By now, we hope you see the incredible blessing of having Jesus Christ as our Good Shepherd. We pray that you grasp the abundant resources our loving Father, almighty God, provides for His children. May you also comprehend “the breadth and length and height and depth” of the love of Christ and understand the privilege and impact of extending that love to others within the Church.
Those first disciples eventually came to these realizations. But, it was at a cost. Without exception, believers must “sacrifice” something of the old in order to integrate new truths. The first two disciples (John 1:37) had to leave the teacher whom they had come to trust (John the Baptizer). They had to separate from the one they had been abiding with. I don't know if that first day felt like a big sacrifice to them or not. There is no indication that they made any long term commitments on that day. But, some part of their old life was gone. One cannot abide simultaneously in two camps.
The New Testament offers a startling new paradigm in regards to change. In many different ways, the message is that life/growth must be preceded by sacrifice and death (John 12:24, 1 Cor 15:20-28, Rom 8:13, Col 3:1-10, Rom 6:1-11). A call to follow certainly means a call to sacrifice:
Rom 12:1 Therefore I exhort you, brothers and sisters, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a sacrifice—alive, holy, and pleasing to God—which is your reasonable service. 2 Do not be conformed to this present world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may test and approve what is the will of God—what is good and well-pleasing and perfect. (NET)
What is it you are being called to sacrifice or die to? If you need some ideas, begin reading Romans chapter 12. Paul begins admonishing a lot of changed behavior. I find it interesting that some of the “big changes” we often think of only appear late in chapter 13 (or not at all).
If you are looking for strength and motivation to change, just ask yourself again, “Who is Jesus?” Because, you won’t truly change until your answer to that question evolves.
John 1:36 Gazing at Jesus as he walked by, he said, “Look, the Lamb of God!” 37 When John’s two disciples heard him say this, they followed Jesus. 38 Jesus turned around and saw them following and said to them, “What do you want?” So they said to him, “Rabbi” (which is translated Teacher), “where are you staying?” 39 Jesus answered, “Come and you will see.” So they came and saw where he was staying, and they stayed with him that day. Now it was about four o’clock in the afternoon. (NET)
