The two disciples heard [John] say this, and they followed Jesus.When Jesus turned and saw them following, he said to them, “What are you looking for?” [John’s Gospel 1.37-38]

The poetry and mystery which suffuse the opening of John’s Gospel draw aside the curtains to reveal John the Baptist standing centre stage. John, in turn, bows and steps to one side, as Jesus enters the drama.

John’s hyperbolic introduction appears to be just that, as Jesus’ first words are deceptively simple, yet ask the central question, “What are you looking for?”. When editors elect to highlight the words of Jesus in red, these are the first colour in John’s story.

These are essential elements of any vital conversation; what is it that we value, that we seek, that we believe we need? This question has so much more purpose and hope to it than the abrupt, formulaic model of “witnessing” in which I was originally discipled.

Jesus begins by asking about the other person, by showing interest in them.

In a world which, at the moment, seems particularly “shouty” – with indignation, offence and blinkered opinion – what might happen if we ask the people with whom we are talking (and, hopefully, listening) what matters to them?

What might happen when we ask ourselves the question that Jesus asks us? What are we looking for? If we have the courage to sit with the question and not be content with the hasty answer, what might we discover about ourselves?

The Gospel of John is only beginning. When Jesus asks his essential question of us, he does not leave us there. When these two disciples respond, asking Jesus where he is staying, the next words in red are where Jesus invites them farther up and further in; “Come and see.”