Jesus' First Invitation with Man: Why He Chose Connection Over Displaying Power

Jesus' encounter with the two disciples in John 1:38-39 is a profound moment that reveals the heart of Jesus' ministry and the nature of His relationship with humanity. It highlights the delicate balance between Jesus as the Son of God, who meets people in their humanity, and Jesus as God, who holds all divine authority and knowledge. This moment is rich with lessons about the kind of relationship God desires with us—a relationship built not on compulsion or spectacle, but on personal discovery and intimate connection.

John 1:38-39: When Jesus turned and noticed them following him, he asked them, “What are you looking for?” They said to him, “Rabbi” (which means “Teacher”), “where are you staying?” “Come and you’ll see,” he replied. So they went and saw where he was staying, and they stayed with him that day. It was about four in the afternoon.

Jesus Invites, Not Overwhelms

In these verses, Jesus doesn’t assert His divine authority or display His power to compel belief. Instead, He turns to the disciples, sees their desire, and asks a simple yet profound question: “What are you seeking?” This invites self-reflection and intentionality. Though Jesus, as God, already knows their hearts and intentions, He refrains from imposing His knowledge on them. He honors their autonomy and respects the process of their faith journey.

The question 'What are you seeking?' isn’t about what God doesn’t know—it’s about what we need to realize.

Rather than overwhelming them with miraculous signs, Jesus invites them into relationship through a personal and unassuming gesture: “Come and see.” This invitation reflects the nature of God’s love—one that does not coerce or force but gently beckons and allows space for exploration and trust.

Jesus’ method of self-revelation emphasizes the value of discovery over immediate answers. While He could have proven His divinity instantly, He chose to let the disciples learn who He is through time spent with Him. This gradual process mirrors how God often works in our lives.

Instead of quick fixes or dramatic interventions, He calls us to seek Him, to journey with Him, and to grow in understanding through relationship.

This process deepens faith and fosters genuine love. The disciples didn’t follow Jesus because they were awestruck by miracles in that moment—they followed because they were drawn to Him, curious and hungry to know more. Faith that develops through personal discovery is more enduring than faith born out of obligation or spectacle.

Faith that is discovered,

not dictated, grows roots that withstand any storm.

Jesus Came in Humility, Not Spectacle

Another striking aspect of this moment is Jesus' humility in how He reveals Himself. Unlike the gods or superheroes portrayed in movies—figures who descend to earth with dramatic flair, wielding mighty hammers, donning elaborate costumes, and commanding humanity's awe through displays of power—Jesus comes quietly and humbly. Where the world glorifies spectacle and showiness, Jesus chooses quite the opposite. He walks among ordinary people as an ordinary man. He doesn’t seek admiration or applause through feats of strength or dominance; instead, He draws people with gentleness, relatability, and love.

Jesus, as God, could have used His divine authority to immediately prove who He was. He could have dazzled the disciples with miracles or revealed His glory in unmistakable ways. But He refrained because His goal was not to impress or demand worship. He sought love that was freely given, born out of relationship rather than coercion. This humility sets Jesus apart and demonstrates the beauty of His character. He shows us a better way to know and love God—through intimacy, not intimidation.

The King of kings chose a stable over a stage, showing us that humility is the truest path to glory.

Relational, Not Transactional

In His humanity, Jesus models the kind of relationship God desires with us: relational, not transactional. He doesn’t promise the disciples immediate rewards or extraordinary benefits for following Him. Instead, He invites them to simply “come and see,” to spend time with Him and learn who He is. This underscores that faith isn’t about what we can get from God but about the transformative power of being with Him.

By engaging with the disciples in such a personal way, Jesus establishes a foundation for a relationship built on trust and love. His approach shows that true discipleship is about walking with Him daily, not about being dazzled into belief.

Jesus doesn’t barter for our belief; He invites us to experience His heart.

Jesus Honors Critical Thinking

When Jesus asks, “What are you seeking?” He challenges the disciples to examine their intentions and desires. This question is as relevant today as it was then. It asks us to consider what we truly want from Jesus. Are we seeking Him for who He is, or merely for what He can do for us?

By prompting the disciples to articulate their intentions, Jesus respects their ability to think critically and make meaningful choices. He doesn’t impose answers or dictate their response. Instead, He invites them to take ownership of their faith, knowing that a faith rooted in personal discovery is stronger and more enduring than one compelled by external forces.

Jesus doesn’t just ask for our faith; He asks for our understanding, knowing that true love comes from choice.

The Slow, Intimate Work of Relationship

Jesus’ invitation to “come and see” speaks to the power of time spent with Him. It’s not a call to immediate transformation but to a process of gradual, deliberate growth. The disciples’ decision to stay with Him that day (John 1:39) marks the beginning of a journey—a day likely filled with conversation, questions, and moments of quiet reflection.

This slow, intimate work mirrors how God often operates in our lives. While we may desire instant answers or dramatic changes, God invites us into a relationship that unfolds over time. It is in the ordinary rhythms of life that He reveals Himself most profoundly, drawing us closer through patience and presence.

God doesn’t rush transformation—

He walks it with us,

one moment of love at a time.

Jesus’ first encounter with the disciples reveals the heart of His approach to humanity. He doesn’t force belief or overwhelm with spectacle. Instead, He invites us to follow, to spend time with Him, and to discover who He is through relationship. This encounter challenges us to reflect on our own walk with Jesus. Are we seeking Him for the right reasons? Are we willing to journey with Him, to trust the process of growth and discovery, and to embrace the slow work of transformation?

Jesus’ humility, patience, and relational approach remind us of the kind of love God desires from us—love that is freely given, born out of knowing Him deeply. He doesn’t want shallow adoration or blind allegiance. He wants our hearts.