Come and See
by Thomas A. Robinson. Copyright 2025. All rights reserved.
Philip said it first—quietly,
as if wonder required no force.
“Come and see” [John 1:46].
To Nathanael beneath the fig tree,
to the Greeks with careful questions,
to all who asked more than they dared believe.
From the city where stone once unsuccessfully sealed a tomb,
he walked east,
past borders and maps,
until the hills of Phrygia
received his last breath.
No gospel records the words he spoke there.
What remains is this:
the hill remembers.
The stones lean inward.
A silence deeper than ruin lingers.
I stood there—
feet on earth that had cradled his bones,
morning sun rising clean and unshaded,
a faint breeze threading through colonnades,
light pooling on broken marble
as if memory had weight.
The Martyrium still watches,
a broken circle of presence.
The tomb nearby lies patient,
as if waiting for another question.
No crowds.
No miracles.
Only the ache of what was given
and the hush of what remains.
And still the words come:
”Come and see.”
Not just then, but now.
Not only for them, but for us.
Come and see
what witness looks like
when no one is watching.
Come and see
how faith walks forward
even when the story nears its end.
Come and see
how the blood of the apostles
soaks not just stone,
but time.
Beautiful and moving words bring both joy and sadness. Written in response to such an important place. Thank you for sharing your thoughts.
Travel mercies Tom.
Judy
Thank you for the kindness. It was a great trip. I’ll share some highlights (short) with the group on Wednesday. Take care.
Very nice and encouraging words for me this morning. Thank you.
Thank you, Joe. Jane and I send our best to you and Lil.
You have uncovered yet another remarkable gift….as you beautifully and powerfully express amazing truths through verse. Wow! Sure makes me want to “Come and See.” Thank you for finding time during your travels to write these inspiring words.
Thank you, love. Visiting the graves of two of the apostles was a moving experience, particularly at St. Philip’s tomb, where I stood there alone, embraced by 2,000 years of Church History. Hope to see you and Robert soon. Again, we rejoice in his recent news.