John 1:39

In this scripture text John was telling the story of how Jesus met his disciples, and invited them to “come and see”.

Simple words, but yet very powerful.

By definition come is to move or travel toward or into a place thought of as near or familiar to the speaker. And see is to perceive with the eyes; discern visually.

This is the most honorable and distinguished invitation you will ever receive. Yet this invitation for all to freely partake.

Jesus has invited the disciples to move closer to him so that they could discern with their eyes his goodness. First hand experience. It is sort of like back stage passes at your favorite event. It is the opportunity to see up close what the casual observer is not privileged to witness.

The invitation of Jesus is never ending. We are always able to move closer to him and witness his goodness to greater degree. We just have to be willing to take Jesus up on the invite.

However, just as the disciples had to sacrifice to follow Jesus, we must be willing to do the same. To follow Jesus, we have to be willing to give up our own ways to seek his. We must be willing to replace the way we have been doing things and governing our lives, with the his will and his ways.

But there are rewards for our sacrifice. We get to enjoy the abundant life he promised, along with the other promises noted in the Bible. We get to experience the miracles he works in our lives daily, and we get to be used as vessels for him. Jesus wants us to “come and see” so he can make disciples of us, and send us out to a world that greatly needs light. Jesus, the light of the world. He gives us power to be witnesses of him.

These are just some of the perks available when we take Jesus up on his invitation. The most important perk is that, if we endure until the end, we get to see his face in peace in heaven.

For me, that goal alone is worth it all. It is worth every sacrifice. But, because God is so good, just getting to know him better makes the journey with it.