Jesus turned and beheld them following Him. He stops and says to them, “What do you seek?” (The historic present is used, so that we can almost hear the voice of the Lord ourselves.) The disciples respond with great deference, addressing Him as Rabbi (John translates the term as Teacher for any Gentiles who might read the account). The term “rabbi” did not yet have an official flavor, as designating an ordained religious functionary. At this time it was used as a term of respect for any whom the