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I. It was not an accident that the first words which the Master spoke in His Messianic office were THE PROFOUNDLY SIGNIFICANT QUESTION, "What seek ye?" which suggests —

1. The need of having a clear consciousness of what is our object in life.

(1) Most men have never answered that question, but are driven by circumstances, and whose incoherent, unreflective lives are a shame to their manhood.

(2) Others are full of low, unworthy aims.

(3) If we would ask this question and answer it thoroughly we should not make so many mistakes. If we knew what we were really seeking we should know where to go and look for it.

2. These words are also a veiled promise.

(1) Christ asks all such questions, not for His information, but for our strengthening.

(2) The condition of the fulfilment of the promise is that a suppliant is conscious of His own wants, and turns to Christ for their supply.

(3) Christ has done what He has promised. No man can ask from Christ what He cannot or will not bestow.

II. The second words which Christ speaks are a MERCIFUL INVITATION TO THE WORLD. The disciples' answer was simple and timid. They did not venture to say, "May we talk to you?" "Will you take us to be your disciples?" All they can muster courage to ask now is, "Where dwellest Thou?" At another time, perhaps, we will go to this Rabbi and speak with Him. His answer is "Come now!"

1. Christ is always glad when people resort to Him. When He was here in the world, no hour was inconvenient or inopportune. He was never impatient or wearied.

2. This invitation is a distinct call to first hand knowledge of Christ.

3. This is a call to the personal act of faith. "Come" and "see" are standing emblems of faith.

III. The words of the Evangelist are A PARABLE OF THE BLESSED EXPERIENCE WHICH BINDS MEN'S HEARTS TO JESUS FOR EVER.

1. "Dwelt" and "abode" are the same words in the original, and express the close, still communion which the soul may have with Jesus Christ.

2. John had nothing to say to the world about what the Master said to him and his brother in that long day of communion. A lesson for a great deal of blatant talk about conversion and the details thereof.

3. The impression of Christ's own personality is the strongest force to make disciples.

4. The experience of the grace and sweetness of the Saviour binds men to Him as nothing else will.

(A. Maclaren, D. D.)

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KJV: And the two disciples heard him speak, and they followed Jesus.

WEB: The two disciples heard him speak, and they followed Jesus.