finding the meaning of life

In the One Year Bible today, we read from John 1:29-51. One of John's followers, Andrew, hears John talking about Jesus. And when he goes to Him, Jesus says, "What do you want?"

That's a good question, and one that we can ask ourselves today. We have the opportunity to pray every day. What do we want?

Andrew's answer is a little surprising. He answers with a question: "Where are you staying?" This implies that what Andrew wants is to spend time with Jesus. To live with Him and learn from Him. And Jesus says something that He also says to us today: "Come and see."

That's two things we can learn from today's story in Jesus's life. "What do you want?" is a huge question, and "To be with You," is one of the best answers we can give. "Come and see," Jesus says to us. Come walk with Him. Spend time with Him. See how He treats people. His love. His forgiveness. His grace. Come and see what life is like with God - what the meaning of life is.

As soon as Andrew hears this, he goes and tells his brother. And you have probably heard of his brother. His name is Peter, and he becomes the mouthpiece of the disciples, and eventually, one day, gives his life like Jesus did. Only Peter said he was unworthy to be crucified the same way as Jesus was, so they crucified him upside down.

None of that would have happened if Andrew hadn't "come and seen" what Jesus was doing, and did the most natural thing in the world: told his family. Let's do like Andrew. Go to Jesus. When He asks what you want, let Him know it's to be with Him. And then tell everyone - starting with your family - what the meaning of life is all about.

God, thanks for teaching us about the meaning of life - help us share it with those we love.