COME AND SEE | Northstar Church

“…They replied, “Rabbi” (which means “Teacher”), “where are you staying?”“Come and see,” …“Can anything good come from Nazareth?” “Come and see for yourself,” Philip replied.” – John 1, 39,46.

The phrase “come and see” – shows up four times in the Gospel of John. In John 1:39, Jesus invites two men to “come and see” where He was staying. In John 1:46, Philip tries to talk to his friend Nathanael about Jesus and begins to get some pushback. So he invites Nathanael to “come and see.”

In John 4:29, a Samaritan woman runs back to her town, fresh from an encounter with Jesus. She tells everyone she can about her conversation with Jesus. “A man who told me everything I ever did” she exclaimed. “Come and see.” In John 11:34, Jesus has just lost a friend. Lazarus dies, and his family mourns him. Jesus shows up during the funeral and meets with the family. He asks where the body is, and they reply, “Come and see.” Jesus raises Lazarus from the grave.

It is hard for some people to put aside old ideas and notions about Christianity, Christians, and the church in general. It’s a skepticism born from a life of bad experiences with Christians and with the church. But all that would change if they “come and see” Jesus.

Lots of people know about Jesus. He is recognized worldwide. He is the subject of countless books, movies, artwork and conversations. But He is much more than that. Jesus is not just an amazing person; He is the Son of God—and God’s gift to us. Psalm 66:1 says, “Come and see what our God has done, what awesome miracles he performs for people!”

If we want a personal relationship with Him, we must come to know Him through scripture. While it can be hard to understand, it is also comforting. We don’t need a philosophy or theology degree to know the truth. We need to get to know Jesus.

The Old Testament prophets proclaim the coming of a Savior, and then Jesus comes. He lives, He teaches, and He performs miracles. We know the big events. His birth at Bethlehem. The miracles, His crucifixion and resurrection. Knowing Jesus is having a personal relationship with Him. However, a relationship with Jesus is not just about head knowledge or facts, it’s about a connection with Him deep in our hearts. It’s about letting Him lead, guide, convict, and even correct you.

So come and see the One who died to reconcile us to God. Come and see the One who fulfills our most profound hopes and needs. If you have never had a relationship with Jesus, it is never too late to know Him.

Discussion Questions:

What does a life of intimate relationship with God look like? Spend a few minutes thinking about your relationship with Jesus. Reflect on Psalm 139 and Philippians 3:8. What’s your relationship with Jesus like? Is it more about facts and rules than an intimate, personal relationship?
What might you be missing out on in your relationship with Jesus? What needs to change for you to have a more intimate, personal relationship with Jesus Christ?