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John 6:32-40
At this point in time, Jesus’ ministry is in full swing. There are miracles – Jesus feeding thousands, for example. And by the way if you think it was only 5,000 then you are mistaken. Back then they noted it was about 5,000 men. Which means they only counted men ages 13 and older. But we know Jesus had many women followers. There are mathematical people who estimate that there were over 13,000 people that were fed that day.
Jesus walks on water, and there are a million sermons on this. The people of His day have gotten to the point where they simply see the signs and wonders, the miracles and cannot see past it. It’s the free food and healthcare that they want, not the teaching. Which causes me to wonder are we in the same place?
Jesus begins to give deep thoughtful teaching, and those who have been following Him are simply asking for more. They want more free food and healthcare, they are asking for more miracles and signs. As if feeding thousands, healing the sick and walking on the water is not enough. When it comes down to it, there is so much more, and Jesus gives to them what they truly need.
And here is Jesus trying to explain it to them. They begin to question Jesus , what is it that we need to do that God desires? Jesus simply tells them to believe in Him. And as He does he begins to explain that there is more than simply physical sustenance more than food. There is more to this life than just working for the next meal. We are more than physical beings, we are emotional, intellectual and spiritual beings who need more.
John 6: 32-40 (NIV) Jesus said to them, “Very truly I tell you, it is not Moses who has given you the bread from heaven, but it is my Father who gives you the true bread from heaven. For the bread of God is the bread that comes down from heaven and gives life to the world.”
“Sir,” they said, “always give us this bread.”
Then Jesus declared, “I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never go hungry, and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty. But as I told you, you have seen me and still you do not believe. All those the Father gives me will come to me, and whoever comes to me I will never drive away. For I have come down from heaven not to do my will but to do the will of him who sent me. And this is the will of him who sent me, that I shall lose none of all those he has given me, but raise them up at the last day. For my Father’s will is that everyone who looks to the Son and believes in him shall have eternal life, and I will raise them up at the last day.”
I believe that we as Christians need to be asking ourselves if we are simply following Jesus just so we can see the miracles, just so we can have free food and healthcare. Or are we going to be the followers who are about our Savior’s business, are we going to be about meeting the physical and spiritual needs of the least of those around us?
At some point in time we have to make the switch from being a fan of Jesus to being a disciple of Jesus. When Jesus came to earth He gave us the example of how to do this, He surrendered His will completely to the will of the Father – that’s everything not just some things. You have to come to that same place, I have to come to that same place - I surrender all.