The Pastor's Desk (1/17/26)

What Are You Looking For?

Greetings Trinity Church,

What are you looking for?

This is the question that Jesus asked a few disciples of John the Baptist when they started following him. This Sunday we will look at John 1:29-42 and how John the Baptist calls Jesus the Lamb of God twice. The sermon is titled, simply, “The Lamb of God” and that will be the focus.

But for this short reflection, I wanted to highlight a different portion of that passage. When John the Baptist calls out Jesus as the Lamb of God, two of his disciples follow Jesus. Jesus doesn’t say to them, “Welcome! Glad you’re here!” He doesn’t say, “How can I help you?”

No, he says, “What are you looking for?”

It might sound like a curt or abrupt way to begin a conversation with these potential disciples, but I think it reveals something about Jesus and I think the response reveals something about us.

By asking the question “What Are you Looking for?” Jesus wasn’t being rude or dismissive. I don’t think he was saying “What are you lookin’ at?” I believe he was genuine. I think he wanted to know what these two potential disciples desired from him. And this is what this text reveals to us about Jesus. He wants to know what you are looking for. He wants you to be honest with him. He wants you to be able to acknowledge your desires and wants and can address them to him directly.

So, church, what are you looking for? Maybe it’s clarity about a big decision. Maybe it’s a new job. Maybe it’s physical or emotional or relational healing. Maybe it’s for the exit. What are you looking for?

Bring these to Jesus. Because he wants to know! Part of what we do in worship is bring our wants and desires to Jesus. We gather week in and week out to bring our whole selves to Christ. We join in worship to present ourselves vulnerably to Jesus, where our hearts can be truly known.

Then the disciples’ response to Jesus question might sound weird. They ask, “Where are you staying?” To us that might sound like an odd response to Jesus’ question what they want. But by asking the question where Jesus is staying, they are ultimately asking, “Where are you from?’” Or, “Who are you?” It was an indirect way of asking Jesus his identity. He doesn’t tell them directly, but instead invites them to join him where he is staying. “Come and see.”

Jesus wants to know the desires of your heart. He wants to know what you are looking for. But ultimately he wants you to bring that to him and trust him with your future. Come and see.

Once these disciples encountered Christ - “We have found the Messiah” - they brought others to encounter Jesus as well! One of them brought their brother who would become the apostle Peter.

One thing we profess is that worship is not just about “getting something out of it.” I hope and pray you do, but ultimately gathering on Sundays is about encountering Christ! It is about opening your heart and spirit to be met by Christ. And when we are met by Christ, it’s contagious.

So, let me ask you. When was the last time you invited someone to encounter Christ in worship? Not an invitation to come to church because we have a great kids ministry. Not an invitation to listen to our great worship team. Not an invitation to hear a preacher or be part of an exciting youth group. But an invitation to encounter Christ in worship?

Because the truth is, Jesus meets us in worship. When we are honest and present ourselves to Jesus (“What are you looking for?”) he is faithful to show up (“Come and See!”).

This is why we worship. And it’s what we anticipate tomorrow.

The Good News is that Jesus is present, Jesus is available, Jesus can be encountered. “We have found the Messiah!”

There are people in your life Jesus is asking “What are you looking for?” And it might just be that they need someone to say to them, “We have found the guy! Come and see him with me!”

I am looking forward to a great day together tomorrow! I know that Christ will be present.

Will you? Not just there, but truly present. Not just in the room, but present. Bringing your whole self - heart, soul, mind, strength.

Grace and Peace,

Pastor Danny