Article May 14, 1955 Issue

"WHERE DWELLEST THOU?"

MARION ALICE BOWERS

A man was quietly walking home; behind him walked two strangers in earnest conversation. They had just heard a remarkable description of this man given by one whose opinion they respected. They wanted to know him. At last they approached the man, who turned and asked kindly (John 1: 38), "What seek ye?" The narrative continues: "They said unto him, Rabbi, (which is to say, being interpreted. Master,) where dwellest thou?" The Master, Christ Jesus, was not offended at their question. He replied with an invitation, "Come and see." The account goes on, "They came and saw where he dwelt, and abode with him that day." This is more than a beautiful story of the birth of a great friendship. In its spiritual interpretation this episode has much to tell us.

Jesus set little store on human habitations. He once said (Matt. 8:20), "The Son of man hath not where to lay his head." But he often spoke of his Father's house. Obviously his concept of home was mental and spiritual. He showed that man does not dwell in a material house but in heaven, a state of divine consciousness.

These early disciples sought to know what Jesus was thinking, what he believed of the nature of God and man and of the promised Saviour. In modern language we might say, "Where do you stand?" They had heard John the Baptist's wonderful tribute (John 1:36), "Behold the Lamb of God." They wanted to find out what Jesus had to offer. Was he the promised Messiah? Where did Jesus dwell?

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