The above question was asked by the Lord when two disciples of John the Baptist followed Him after hearing John's testimony as to Him. We read: "Again the next day after John stood, and two of his disciples; and looking upon Jesus as He walked, he saith, Behold the Lamb of God! And the two disciples heard him speak, and they followed Jesus" (John 1:35-37).

John's testimony as to Christ caused these two disciples to follow Jesus. "Then Jesus turned, and saw them following, and saith unto them, What seek ye? They said unto Him, Rabbi, (which is to say, being interpreted, Master), where dwellest Thou? He saith unto them, Come and see. They came and saw where He dwelt, and abode with Him that day" (John 1:38).

While we have a beautiful foreshadowing of a heavenly company presented in this part of the chapter (verses 35-42), there is also something very practical for us all. The Scriptures themselves bear a perfect testimony as to Christ (John 5:39), as does also the Holy Spirit (John 16:13,14), and this ought to be true also of every child of God. If John the Baptist spoke out clearly what was in his heart as to who Christ was—exalting Him in the presence of others—should we do anything less?

The result of this testimony was that his own disciples left him and followed Jesus. There was no resentment on John's part because of this, but rather what he expected. Later we hear John saying, "He that hath the bride is the Bridegroom: but the friend of the Bridegroom, which standeth and heareth Him, rejoiceth greatly because of the Bridegroom's voice: this my joy is therefore fulfilled. He must increase, but I must decrease" (John 3:29,30). Whatever doubts may have come into John's mind later when he was cast into prison, he did bear a clear testimony here as to Christ, and we will do well to do the same. We can be sure that it will please our God and will also bring results, though we may not see the full results of such testimony this side of heaven.

May the Lord's question to the two disciples who followed Him, "What seek ye," also be most important to us. Their answer was, "Where dwellest Thou"? His answer was also very short (three words), but how important, and how blessed the invitation—"Come and see." The place is not named, but that is not important as long as He is there. "They came and saw where He dwelt, and abode with Him that day." What transpired, what was said, we are not told, but we can be sure it resulted in their blessing. They could not forget what they had seen and heard. Andrew, one of the two who had this blessed experience, soon finds his brother Simon and relates to him what was uppermost in his heart: "We have found the Messias, which is, being interpreted, the Christ."

May we not ask ourselves, what are our aspirations in this world? As the Lord's words fall upon our ears: "What seek ye"? shall we not search our hearts and see what is uppermost there? The world has innumerable attractions, but which one of them—or all of them together—could compare with being in the blessed company of the Son of God? This is something very individual. The Lord grant that we may know more of it this side of heaven! It is a most blessed privilege open to every child of God. And if anyone should read these lines who is not born again into the family of God, be assured that the way is open for you to become a child of God. This is only brought about by faith in Him. We read: "As many as received Him, to them gave He [the right] to become the [children] of God, even to them that believe on His name" (John 1:12). Soon this wonderful day of grace will be over, how soon we cannot say. Therefore, how important to be sure of our salvation by faith in Christ, and then experience the joy of fellowship with Him during life's little day down here on earth, and finally to be with Him and His own forevermore in the Father's house!

While awaiting the Lord's return for His own, may we bear a clear testimony as to His Person, as did John the Baptist; may we also desire His company above all else, abiding in that blessed fellowship with Him until our sojourn here is ended. In answer to His words, "What seek ye?" shall we not say, as in substance those two disciples said, We desire to be with Thee? May we also be able to say from the heart, as we sometimes sing:

"Jesus! Thou art enough
   The mind and heart to fill;
Thy patient life—to calm the soul;
   Thy love—its fear dispel."

—James F. Paulsen (Reprinted from 1967 Scripture Almanac.)