Come and See: Curiosity as Invitation to Discipleship

The congregation is invited into a simple, theologically grounded reflection on curiosity, uncertainty, and discipleship. Using a personal fascination with language as a hinge, the talk names a common human fear: not knowing enough to speak or to step into something new. That fear is reframed by the gospel account of John the Baptist and the first followers, where even John—trained and prophetic—confesses he did not fully know Jesus. Far from being a weakness, that lack of total certainty becomes an entry point: the disciples respond not with doctrinal pronouncements but with quiet curiosity, following at a distance until Jesus turns and asks a probing question.

Jesus’ single, open question—“What are you looking for?”—is offered as a pastoral permission to examine motives and longings without performing religious expertise. Curiosity, rather than instant conviction, becomes the faithful posture that opens people to deeper revelation. The call “Come and see” models invitational discipleship: no immediate demands for full allegiance, only an invitation to observe, travel alongside, and witness Jesus at work in ordinary days.

This curiosity is then widened beyond personal comfort. The invitation includes seeking the one who “takes away the sin of the world,” which challenges listeners to look for structural and cultural transformation, not merely private moral improvement. Discipleship, in this reading, means allowing the encounter with Jesus to redirect desires, reshape identity, and cultivate companions who will pursue justice and peace together. The talk closes by urging the community to invite others into that exploratory journey—even while still learning—so that shared curiosity can birth communal witness and action. The final benediction sends the gathered to “go and see,” embodying a faith that proceeds by watching, asking, and walking toward God’s work in the world.

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Key Takeaways

• 1. Curiosity precedes full spiritual certainty Certainty is not the usual starting point for faith; curiosity is. Allowing questions and hesitations to exist creates space for honest searching and prevents premature doctrinal closure. A posture of curiosity protects against idolizing one's own theological neatness and opens the way to encountering truth in lived relationship. [41:33]
• 2. Jesus’ question reframes spiritual seeking “What are you looking for?” is less a test and more an invitation to discern desire. The question compels self-examination about motives—comfort, status, companionship, or something larger—and asks whether those desires align with Jesus’ purposes. It refuses easy answers and invites a disciplined, honest searching of the heart. [42:26]
• 3. Come and see—invitation over insistence Discipleship begins with invitation, not coercion or exhausted certainty. “Come and see” values witness and proximity: watching Jesus at work, sharing ordinary time, and allowing conviction to grow from encounter rather than proof. This posture sustains communities where people bring questions and are still welcomed to walk together. [47:28]
• 4. Seek redemption beyond personal sin The gospel names sin as both personal failing and systemic brokenness; true following presses toward the latter. Looking for “the sin of the world” requires prophetic imagination, structural critique, and practices that reorient life toward justice and peace. Faith that stops at private piety avoids the costly work of communal transformation. [45:53]

Youtube Chapters

• [00:00] - Welcome
• [12:34] - Decisions, gratitude, and apology
• [35:12] - Fascination with language
• [36:21] - Fear of speaking imperfectly
• [37:51] - John the Baptist’s honest uncertainty
• [41:05] - Disciples’ quiet curiosity
• [42:26] - Jesus asks: "What are you looking for?"
• [45:53] - Beyond personal sin: wider redemption
• [47:28] - "Come and see"—an invitational call
• [64:37] - Blessing, announcements, and benediction

Here is a Bible study guide based on the sermon:

Bible Reading

John 1:35-42 (ESV)
> 35 The next day again John was standing with two of his disciples, 36 and as he looked at Jesus as he walked, he said, “Behold, the Lamb of God!” 37 The two disciples heard him say this, and they followed Jesus. 38 Jesus turned, and saw them following, and said to them, “What are you seeking?” And they said to him, “Rabbi” (which means Teacher), “where are you staying?” 39 He said to them, “Come and see.” They came and saw where he was staying, and they stayed with him that day, for it was about the tenth hour. 40 One of the two who heard John speak and followed Jesus, indeed, was Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother. 41 He first found his own brother Simon and said to him, “We have found the Messiah” (which means Christ). 42 He brought him to Jesus. Jesus looked at him and said, “You are Simon, the son of John. You shall be called Cephas” (which means Peter).

Observation questions

1. John the Baptist declares, "Behold, the Lamb of God!" [37:51] What was John's role, and what did he admit he *didn't* fully know about Jesus? [38:53]
2. When Jesus asks the disciples, "What are you seeking?" [42:26] what is their initial response, and what does this reveal about their level of understanding at that moment? [41:54]
3. Jesus' invitation is "Come and see." [47:28] What does this invitation *not* include, in contrast to what might be expected? [47:48]
4. The sermon mentions looking for "the sin of the world." [45:53] What is the difference between personal sin and the "sin of the world" as described? [46:09]

Interpretation questions

1. The sermon suggests that certainty is not the usual starting point for faith, but curiosity is. [41:33] How does John the Baptist's own uncertainty about Jesus challenge the idea that one must have all the answers before engaging with faith? [38:53]
2. Jesus' question, "What are you looking for?" [42:26] is presented as an invitation to examine motives rather than a test. What might it mean for us to discern our own desires and see if they align with Jesus' purposes? [43:22]
3. The invitation "Come and see" [47:28] emphasizes witness and proximity over immediate demands. How does this model of discipleship allow conviction to grow from encounter rather than proof? [47:48]
4. The sermon calls us to seek redemption beyond personal sin, looking for transformation in culture and society. [45:53] What might it look like to pursue justice and peace as part of our discipleship? [46:44]

Application questions

1. We often feel like we need to know enough before we speak up or try something new, whether it's learning a language or sharing our faith. [36:21] When have you felt this fear of not knowing enough, and how might embracing curiosity instead of demanding certainty help you move forward?
2. Jesus asks, "What are you looking for?" [42:26] Take some time to honestly reflect: What are you truly seeking in your life right now? Are these desires aligned with what Jesus offers and invites us into?
3. The call to "Come and see" [47:28] is an invitation to walk alongside Jesus and witness his work. Who is one person in your life you could invite to "come and see" with you, perhaps by sharing a simple experience of faith or inviting them to an event?
4. The sermon encourages us to look for "the sin of the world" [45:53] and to seek structural and cultural transformation, not just private moral improvement. What is one way you can actively participate in seeking justice and peace in your community or beyond?
5. We are encouraged to invite others into our exploratory journey of faith, even while we are still learning. [49:49] How can you be more open about your own journey of faith, including your questions and discoveries, to encourage curiosity in others?
6. The benediction sends us to "go and see." [01:04:37] What is one specific way you can intentionally "go and see" God at work in the world this week, perhaps by observing, asking questions, or walking toward something new?