What Do You Want From Jesus?
Understanding John 1 and the Power of True Desire
Apr 15, 2026
5 min read
What Do You Want From Jesus?
It’s a simple question—but when Jesus asks it in John 1:38, it cuts deeper than most of us expect. These are the first recorded words of Jesus at the beginning of His public ministry. Instead of opening with a sermon, miracle, or command, He asks a question that still echoes today: What do you want?
At first glance, it may seem casual. But it’s deeply intentional.
Jesus doesn’t begin by telling them what to do—He begins by uncovering why they’re there.
Jesus Diagnoses Desire Before Giving Direction
It’s similar to a doctor’s visit. You don’t walk in and immediately receive a prescription. The doctor first asks, “What’s going on?” Without identifying the issue, the solution can’t be applied.
Jesus works the same way spiritually.
Before He gives direction, He diagnoses desire.
And that’s where things get uncomfortable.
Why Your Motives Matter in Following Jesus
If we’re honest, people follow Jesus for different reasons:
- Relief from pain
- Answers to life’s questions
- Peace, clarity, or purpose
These aren’t wrong—but they’re incomplete.
You can follow Jesus for many reasons, but only one will sustain you when faith becomes costly: wanting Him above everything else.
Jesus isn’t just interested in your presence—He cares about your motive.
Seek God First (Matthew 6:33 Explained)
In Matthew 6:33, Jesus addresses people consumed with everyday needs—food, clothing, security. He doesn’t dismiss those needs but reframes their priority:
“Seek first the kingdom of God…”
In other words:
Don’t make the benefits the goal—make God the goal.
Everything else flows from there.
You Can’t Fake Spiritual Desire
Jesus starts with desire, not behavior.
You can fake devotion for a season—but you can’t fake desire forever. Eventually, what you truly want will show up in how you live.
Ask yourself:
- What do you want when no one is watching?
- What do you want when prayer feels silent?
- What do you want when God doesn’t respond quickly?
Do you want relief… or do you want Him?
That’s the dividing line.
When We Avoid the Real Question
In John 1, the disciples don’t answer Jesus directly. He asks, “What do you want?” and they reply, “Rabbi, where are you staying?”
It feels like a deflection—and it’s relatable.
Jesus asks something deep, and we respond with something safe.
Why? Because honest answers require surrender.
To truly say, “I want You,” means letting go of control, expectations, and outcomes.
Jesus’ Invitation: “Come and See”
Instead of correcting them, Jesus responds with grace:
“Come… and you will see.”
It’s an invitation.
You may come to Jesus wanting answers—but if you stay with Him long enough, you’ll realize:
He is the answer.
Desire Determines Direction
Your life doesn’t move in the direction of your intentions—it moves in the direction of your desires.
- If you desire comfort, you’ll build a comfortable faith
- If you desire success, you may try to use God to achieve it
- But if you desire Jesus, everything changes
You begin to reorder your life around Him.
So… What Do You Want?
Why People Drift Away From Faith
Many people start following Jesus for what He can do:
- A better life
- Restored relationships
- Inner peace
But when following Him requires surrender, obedience, and sacrifice, they drift away.
Not because Jesus failed them—but because they never truly wanted Him.
They wanted the outcome, not the relationship.
Pressure Reveals What You Truly Want
In the Garden of Gethsemane, Jesus prays:
“Father, if it’s possible, take this cup from me… yet not what I will, but what You will.”
Even when He desired relief, His deeper desire was obedience to the Father.
That’s the difference.
A Deeper Kind of Desire (Psalm 63)
Psalm 63 expresses it powerfully:
“I thirst for You… my whole being longs for You in a dry and weary land.”
This isn’t casual faith—it’s deep spiritual hunger.
So… What Do You Want?
The question still stands.
Not the quick, polished answer—but the honest one.
Because Jesus is still asking:
What do you want?
And how you answer will shape everything that follows.
FAQs
What does “What do you want?” mean in John 1:38?
In John 1:38, Jesus asks His first recorded question: “What do you want?” It reveals that He is more interested in our motives than just our actions. The question invites deeper reflection on why we follow Him.
Why does Jesus ask about desire instead of giving instructions?
Jesus focuses on desire because it shapes direction. Before giving guidance, He addresses the heart. What you truly want will ultimately determine how you live and follow Him.
Is it wrong to want blessings from Jesus?
No, it’s not wrong to seek peace, help, or provision. However, Jesus teaches that the priority should be seeking Him first. When He becomes the goal, everything else falls into the right place.
What does it mean to truly want Jesus?
To truly want Jesus means valuing who He is more than what He can give. It involves surrender, trust, and a desire for relationship over results.
Why do people stop following Jesus?
Many people begin following Jesus for what He can do for them. But when faith requires sacrifice or obedience, they drift away—not because Jesus failed them, but because their desires were misplaced.
How can I know what I really want from God?
You can discover your true desires by asking honest questions:
- What do I seek in difficult moments?
- What do I prioritize daily?
- Do I want God, or just what He provides?
Your consistent choices reveal your deepest desires.
How does desire affect my spiritual growth?
Desire drives commitment. When your desire is rooted in Jesus, it leads to spiritual growth, transformation, and a deeper relationship with God.
What did Jesus mean by “Come and see” in John 1?
“Come and see” is an invitation to experience Him personally. Instead of giving immediate answers, Jesus invites people into relationship—where understanding grows over time.