Today’s Reflection
Mary Magdalene is searching for Jesus. She cries because she doesn’t know what to do or where to go without him. Then Jesus speaks her name. And she recognizes him. “Rabbouni!” she exclaims. He is her teacher, the one whom she follows, whom she seeks. Our question for today is this: Who or what are we seeking? What would bring us sorrow if it were lost? Our answer may not be (at least not exclusively) Jesus. If so, we can be honest with Jesus about that. When we listen for Jesus to speak our name, no matter how often we get confused or distracted, we know that he is always and everywhere seeking us.
—Matthew Croasmun, Let Me Ask You a Question: Conversations with Jesus (Upper Room Books, 2018)
Today’s Question
Who are you looking for? Join the conversation.
Today’s Scripture
When Jesus turned and saw them following, he said to them, “What are you looking for?” They said to him, “Rabbi” (which translated means Teacher), “where are you staying?” He said to them, “Come and see.”
—John 1:38-39a (NRSV)
Prayer for the Week
Lord, help me know the difference between what you ask of me and what the world asks of me.
Submit your prayer to The Upper Room.
Something More
We often think of Jesus as someone with all the answers. But over and over in scripture, he asks questions, seeking to engage with people and genuinely interested in their responses. Author Matthew Croasmun invites us to enter into conversation with Jesus by answering the questions Jesus asks. Learn more about this week’s featured book, Let Me Ask You a Question.
Lectionary Readings
(Courtesy of Vanderbilt Divinity Library)
Looking for lectionary-based resources? Learn more about The Upper Room Disciplines.
Save 45% and get free shipping on the regular and enlarged-print editions of Disciplines 2021 with promo code DISC45. Offer good while supplies last.
2 Comments
I’m not in an active search for someone. I am trying to stay in touch, close to God, Father , Son, and Holy Spirit. There are times when I do better and times when I’m not so good. I’m grateful that God is always close by. As a retired military linguist I most certainly have deep concerns for the Afghan interpreters who aided US military operations. I am concerned for women and girls now that the Taliban will rule Afghanistan. The US needs to evacuate ALL who supported us. Haiti faces unimaginable problems: poverty, the pandemic, the earthquake, loss of government leaders all at once. Prayers and as I am able assistance to Afghans and Haitians. Thank You, Lord.
Besides the Lord and his directions and guidance, myself. I am searching for my true self, not the abused person I have been my entire life. Not the child of abuse and neglect or the recipient of condemnation. I also would like to find a close friend.
Prayers of mine added to Robert’s regarding Afghanistan and Haiti. Today’s devotional addressed the fact that even those in far away countries are our neighbors and deserve our prayers.
Prayers for Ally and David’s health and finances. Prayers for Jill and Larry’s health and good to hear of Jill’s improved relationship with Becky. Prayers for Robert, Erich and Jenny, may all involved work together to improve their relationships. Prayers for Marti and her staff.
Megan is due back late tonight and this should be her last trip with her father. I spoke with my mother and she is back to her cane and only uses the walker if carrying something. Thank you for your prayers and may God bless all who visit here.
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