There is a lovely little verse in the Gospel of John 1:39 where Jesus invites people he has just met to “Come and see”.

I like the “no pressure, no hidden agenda, no terms and conditions” invitation in those three words from Jesus: ‘Come and see’.

This invitation goes deeper than becoming religious or attending the local chapel in my opinion. It is more than an invitation to suddenly start enjoying singing hymns, enduring church tea or knowing what Candlemas or Epiphany Sunday means.

Jesus’ invitation to ‘come and see’ is a journey to explore how Jesus lived his life and to question whether the way he lived his life (the ways and values he chose) is actually the best and fullest way to live. And to dare to ask: How do I want to live and what values and choices do I live by?

This invitation is at its core a call to meet and follow Jesus but not the kind of following we see on social media sites. It is an invitation to keep company with risen present Jesus and to believe in what he gave his life for.

‘Come and see’ for me is linked with the invitation to come and think, come and wrestle and question, come and weep, and also come and discover how an ancient, outdated book like the Bible if well explained and understood contains deep wisdom, direction and guidance for modern day life.  

‘Come and see’ is also a challenge to come explore a life where you are not placed at the centre, where generosity and sacrifice and surrender are values, where we explore how we each are called to love others and make a positive difference.    

As I look back on the journey of my own life. I heard this Jesus invitation to ‘come and see’ when I was a pimply insecure and confused 16-year-old. This journey has meant I have ended up in places I never would imagined being but most of all been privileged to enjoy the company of the most wonderful, open, kind and generous hearts.