Community Matters

John 1: 38-42

³⁸When Jesus turned and saw them following, he said to them, ‘What are you looking for?’ They said to him, ‘Rabbi’ (which translated means Teacher), ‘where are you staying?’ ³⁹He said to them, ‘Come and see.’ They came and saw where he was staying, and they remained with him that day. It was about four o’clock in the afternoon.

Today is Sunday and perhaps you’re off to church? Or maybe you’re thinking about it? Where should we go? When the first disciples heard who Jesus was they followed Him. Jesus was aware of their presence and asked the age old question that He asks you and me today all over again… ‘What are you looking for?’ A great question! In today’s church experience the offers seem endless… are you looking for: physical healing, miracle evidence, someone to hear your sins and give you absolution, are you looking to be confirmed as one of the chosen elect or are you looking for the confirmation of your free choice? Well it’s all out there; keep looking you’ll find it. I hope you’re not disappointed with what you’ll get. The first disciples wanted to know where Jesus was staying.  They were not too concerned with themselves and their own narrowly defined set of personal needs; they wanted to be where Jesus was. I wonder what it was like to spend that first day with Jesus. One of the two guys, Andrew, went and got his brother and brought him. When he arrived Jesus knew him straight away. Jesus was expecting him. The true disciple wants to be where Jesus is and wants to share Jesus, that is, His time and space with others. As Christian people we have to ensure that Jesus is the centre of our gatherings and when people come they will see that Jesus is among us and that they were expected. Jesus expects us to turn up and He promises to be all we need Him to be. Perhaps you have recently heard who Jesus is and are looking for a community where He lives. Then look for where Jesus, the biblical Jesus is the centre of everything; where His story is told, accepted and lived by. Jesus is present where His words are taken seriously and lived by.  Grace and peace to you this Lord’s Day; Jesus is expecting you!