John 1:38 shows that genuine discipleship begins when we actively draw near to Jesus and seek His wisdom and guidance.
And Jesus turned and saw them following, and said to them, “What do you seek?” They said to Him, “Rabbi (which translated means Teacher), where are You staying?” (v.38). In this moment, Jesus—who lived on earth from around 6 or 4 BC to AD 30 or 33—catches the attention of John the Baptist’s followers. Historically, John the Baptist (active from about AD 26-29) had been publicly proclaiming a baptism of repentance near the Jordan River. He ministered in the region of Bethany beyond the Jordan, about sixty miles east of Jerusalem, where crowds journeyed to hear his message of preparing for the Messiah’s coming. After John points out Jesus as the Lamb of God (John 1:29), two of his disciples decide to follow Jesus, prompting the Lord’s direct question: “What do you seek?” This question underscores Jesus’s desire that people come to Him with genuine openness and intention, rather than from mere curiosity.
When the disciples address Him as Rabbi—the Hebrew word for “Teacher” that John thoughtfully translates into Greek for his broader audience in the first century—Scripture highlights Christ’s authority to teach and transform those who follow Him. During that time, calling a person “Rabbi” was a respectful recognition of learning and leadership in the faith. Here, the words Rabbi (which translated means Teacher) convey that these disciples recognize Jesus as more than a casual acquaintance. They are willing to learn from Him and discover how His message about God’s kingdom can change their lives (Matthew 4:19).
Their question—Where are You staying?—also implies a desire to spend unhurried time with Jesus. This took place when He was still in the region where John had been baptizing near the Jordan. In seeking a closer relationship with the Messiah, these men signal readiness for a deeper walk of faith. Such a response can serve as an example for believers today: following Christ means spending personal time in His presence, listening to His teaching, and letting His truth shape the way we live.
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John 1:38 meaning
And Jesus turned and saw them following, and said to them, “What do you seek?” They said to Him, “Rabbi (which translated means Teacher), where are You staying?” (v.38). In this moment, Jesus—who lived on earth from around 6 or 4 BC to AD 30 or 33—catches the attention of John the Baptist’s followers. Historically, John the Baptist (active from about AD 26-29) had been publicly proclaiming a baptism of repentance near the Jordan River. He ministered in the region of Bethany beyond the Jordan, about sixty miles east of Jerusalem, where crowds journeyed to hear his message of preparing for the Messiah’s coming. After John points out Jesus as the Lamb of God (John 1:29), two of his disciples decide to follow Jesus, prompting the Lord’s direct question: “What do you seek?” This question underscores Jesus’s desire that people come to Him with genuine openness and intention, rather than from mere curiosity.
When the disciples address Him as Rabbi—the Hebrew word for “Teacher” that John thoughtfully translates into Greek for his broader audience in the first century—Scripture highlights Christ’s authority to teach and transform those who follow Him. During that time, calling a person “Rabbi” was a respectful recognition of learning and leadership in the faith. Here, the words Rabbi (which translated means Teacher) convey that these disciples recognize Jesus as more than a casual acquaintance. They are willing to learn from Him and discover how His message about God’s kingdom can change their lives (Matthew 4:19).
Their question—Where are You staying?—also implies a desire to spend unhurried time with Jesus. This took place when He was still in the region where John had been baptizing near the Jordan. In seeking a closer relationship with the Messiah, these men signal readiness for a deeper walk of faith. Such a response can serve as an example for believers today: following Christ means spending personal time in His presence, listening to His teaching, and letting His truth shape the way we live.