The Gospel of John is a beautifully woven narrative, complete with beautiful poetry, stark images, abundant hyperlinks to Old Testament motifs & promises, and layered meaning. As an author, he uses every tool at his disposal to expose and reinforce his most important themes throughout the text. There isn't much included that isn't incredibly intentional. And one point that he makes over and over is God's consistent call to His people to come and see.
This isn't a new call. It isn't something John invents in his narrative alone. No, we first see this phrase appear in Psalm 66:5. In the midst of a song of praise for who God is and all that He has done for His people, the psalmist entreats all people to "Come and see what God has done, his awesome deeds for mankind!"
Come and see.
Jesus repeats these words to His first disciples. They come to Him, compelled by what John the baptizer has seen, convicted by another man's testimony, and Jesus invites them to experience their own. He invites them to come and see. To take action and experience God for themselves.
And they do.
This is what God wants for us. Not simply to know about Him or to profess He is God, but to really experience Him. To know Him. And to be transformed.
Come and see is our invitation from God. .
All the yearnings of God for His people are summed up in this short phrase. It is the song that has been pouring out from the heart of the Father since Genesis 3. A song that He sings over you today.
Come and see.
When Adam and Eve pull away from God in the garden, hiding in shame, He searches for them, inviting them back into His presence when they had no right to be there.
Even when their actions demand their removal from the garden, God doesn't leave His people. He goes with them.
God has been singing this song throughout time, pursuing us, and inviting us home.
And John seems desperate for us to hear it. It will come back again and again, sometimes turned over and reimagined, sometimes acted out, but always there.
In the final pages of scripture, God leaves His people with this same call. He declares:
"The Spirit and the bride say, 'Come!' And let the one who hears say, 'Come!' Let the one who is thirsty come; and let the one who wishes take the free gift of the water of life."
From the opening notes of scripture to the end, God invites us over and over again to come and see.
Come and see that God is good.
Come and see that God gives peace.
Come and see that God gives strength.
Come and see that God gives love.
And kindness.
And joy.
And power.
And resilience.
And freedom.
Come and See.
Join Our Study of John
on the Podcast!
 |
Responses