Come and See

In this episode of the School of Love Podcast, hosts Mike and Kristi Dennihan guide families on integrating prayer into their daily lives. This insightful 3-5 minute episode reflects on the Gospel, focusing particularly on Jesus' invitation to His first disciples. Listeners gain valuable insights into deepening their relationship with Christ through contemplation and action.

Key Themes Explored

1. John the Baptist's Disciples

The podcast starts by discussing the context of John the Baptist's proclamation: "Behold, the Lamb of God." This moment is pivotal as it marks the transition of some of John’s disciples, including Andrew and traditionally believed John the Apostle, towards following Jesus.

• Immediate Followership: John's disciples physically follow Jesus, showcasing their readiness to seek a deeper understanding of His message.
• Jesus' Inquiry: Jesus, inquiring, "What are you looking for?", emphasizes the importance of self-reflection concerning one’s motivations and desires in faith.

2. The Invitation: "Come and See"

Jesus responds to His new followers’ question about where He is staying with a simple yet profound invitation: "Come and you will see."

• Invitation to a Relationship: This serves as a powerful reminder that faith is not merely about belief but about entering into a relationship with Christ. He invites everyone to explore, to genuinely understand who He is by engaging with Him directly.
• Personal Encounter: Understanding Jesus requires movement – both physically and spiritually. The true essence of Christ can only be comprehended when one makes the effort to seek Him out amidst life’s distractions.

3. Leaving Behind Familiarity

The podcast emphasizes the significance of leaving one’s comfort zone. When the disciples chose to follow Jesus, they abandoned their previous lives for an uncertain path with Him.

• Obedience to Christ: The act of leaving familiar surroundings is a metaphor for spiritual growth. The disciples' swift response to Jesus’ call highlights the essence of obedience and trust in God’s plan.
• Overcoming Obstacles: The hosts raise questions regarding what hinders us from becoming deeper followers of Christ, such as:
  • Busyness of modern life
  • Desire for comfort
  • Ambivalence towards spiritual commitment

4. Core Aspects of the Christian Life

The experiences of John’s disciples bond with broader aspects of the Christian faith.

• Desire for Intimacy with Christ: The quest for understanding one's faith is validated through the invitation to engage with Jesus personally.
• Community and Fellowship: Just as John’s disciples initiated a community with Jesus, families are encouraged to build their prayer life around shared experiences, fostering a stronger familial bond and spirituality.

Practical Applications for Families

The podcast provides families with practical advice on how to respond to Jesus’ call in their daily lives:

• Create Time for Prayer: Establish a routine where family members can come together for prayer, reflecting on the teachings of the Gospel.
• Engage with the Gospel: Regularly read and meditate on Gospel passages as a family to deepen understanding and connection with Jesus.
• Be Open to Change: Encourage openness to new experiences of faith that may challenge the comfort of routine.

Conclusion

The "Come and See" episode encapsulates a vital essence of Christianity – the call to personally witness and participate in the life of Jesus. With encouragement from hosts Mike and Kristi Dennihan, families are invited to cultivate their spiritual journey through prayer, reflection, and community engagement. By recognizing and responding to Jesus’ invitation, they can transform their lives and deepen their relationship with Him.

This podcast episode acts as a poignant reminder that the path to spiritual fulfillment lies in the willingness to seek, explore, and embrace the unknown with faith.