"The next day", as if it were just another day! John and two of his disciples see Jesus walk by. And John exclaims, "Look, the Lamb of God." That's it. There are no miracles or voices from heaven in this story. No healings, feedings or forgiveness. No disputes, declarations, or disturbances. No long-awaited prophecies were fulfilled. Jesus is merely walking by. John points him out, "Look, here is the Lamb of God!" And it is enough to make the two who have been disciples of John turn instead and follow Jesus.
During this season of Lent, we continue to listen for the voice of God. What do you hear? Many voices are crying out in this world, and it is hard to listen for the voice of God. But do you hear Jesus' invitation to Jesus' invitation to discipleship? Jesus asked those first disciples, "what are you looking for?". How would you respond to Jesus? Is your list short? Or is your list like mine, long with many subpoints? This text helps ground us because when we don't have the right questions, or when I have a long list in response to Jesus' question, "what are you looking for?". Jesus, again and again, offers an invitation to "come and see."
Like those first disciples, what we are looking for, seeking, is not a thing or an answer or a solution, but a way home, a way to get back to the place where God stays, dwells, remains, abides. Because when I look at the world through the lens of faith, I find compassion for the most egregious in my midst. My weaknesses become my greatest strengths. My pain becomes my capacity to understand. Giving becomes receiving, and receiving becomes a gift. Ambition gives way to purpose. Guilt yields to forgiveness. And death becomes life again.
As we continue on this Lenten journey, continue to hear Jesus' invitation to "Come and see." It is not a once in a lifetime offer, but a daily invitation to crumple up the lists of our want and to go where Jesus leads and to invite others to do the same.
Matthew D. O'Rear
Interim Dean of the Chapel & Assistant to the President for Strategic Initiatives
Wartburg Theological Seminary
