Come and see

Bible Reading: John 4:19-30

 

As part of Gideon International Ministries, my husband visits different churches to present the ministry, and I accompany him as a prayer partner.  Once, we went to Christ Chapel in Aminjikarai, Chennai, pastored by Rev. V. P. Isaac.  I was challenged to see the words, “Come and see”, written above the altar.   I have never seen these words above any altar anywhere! 

 

"Come and see" is just as important as “Go and Make” (Matthew 28:19-20). 

 

‘Come and see’ is a bold invitation to those around us to see our transformed lives.  Sometimes going and telling is a lot easier than inviting people come and see our messy personal lives!  And exactly that is what makes this invitation many times more powerful! 

 

When the Samaritan woman was touched by Jesus's words, she left her pot at the well, ran to the villagers, and invited them to ‘come and see’.  The Bible says that many Samaritans in that city believed in Jesus because of the woman who testified (John 4:39). This is one of the most powerful invitations in all of Scripture.

 

When Nathanael heard that Jesus came from Nazareth, his response was sharp: “Can anything good come out of Nazareth?” (John 1:46). Philip understood that Jesus cannot be explained; he must be encountered and experienced. Philip trusts that if Nathanael truly meets Jesus, his doubts will not survive the encounter.  Philip does not argue with Nathanael but simply says, “Come and see.”

 

“Come and see” is an invitation to move from head knowledge to experience, from hearsay to commitment. And that is our challenge today!

 

“Come and see” is the heart of Christian witness.  

 

We are not called to convince the world, but to invite it.  Invite it to come and see what Christ has done in our lives.  Come and see His grace at work in our lives.  Come and see hope, peace, and joy where none was expected.

 

My friend, God has given us another season of Lent to examine our lives.  Come with your doubts, your questions, and your weariness.  Those who come to Jesus never leave unchanged.

 

Prayer:  Lord Jesus, transform my life so that I can boldly tell people to come and see. Give me the courage to invite others to come and see.  Open my eyes and my heart to witness Your works in unexpected places.  Amen.

 

 

 

 

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