John 6:25-35
Jesus had just fed the 5,000. The disciples climbed into a boat after the smorgasbord and set sail for Capernaum. They ran into a storm that night, and Jesus walked out to the boat and saved the day (actually, the night). Meanwhile, back where the feast had happened, everyone had gone comatose--much like we all did after our Easter dinner at Grandma's house. They awoke to see that Jesus was gone. They knew the disciples had left in the boat, but without Jesus. So, being that some other boats had arrived on the shore, they loaded up and set for Capernaum. "Seeking Jesus" is how Scripture describes their intent (vs. 24).
Let me ask you a question. Why do you seek Jesus? These sought Jesus merely because He met a physical need. It seems that Jesus even pointed it out to them; "You're not looking for me but for what I can do" (v. 26). Then He says, "Don't settle for merely what I can do; rather, just seek me" (v. 27-35).
Couple of thoughts:
1. As did Jesus, we must show the character of Jesus by meeting other's needs. We cannot be so arrogant as to think that merely asking others to come and join us and be like us and look like us will attract people to the gates of heaven. Showing off Jesus--that's the hook. (Remember Real Life Manifestation?)
2. Coming to Jesus for what we can get is not the end, but a means to an end. I am convinced that churches are filled with those seeking what they can get. That's not bad in and of itself (see point 1), unless that is where we remain. We must become a people who do not chase what we can get out of Jesus, but a people who go hard after Jesus. He is the bread of life.
3. The "I just really need to be fed" syndrome is a copout. It either means that Jesus is a liar in v. 35, or that we are not seeking Him daily.
4. We must understand that just as Jesus took the 5 loaves and 2 fish, blessed it (consecrated it), then distributed it to 5,000 with leftovers, God took the Son, consecrated Him through sinless and miraculous living, and then distributes Him to us through the Holy Spirit such that we should be continually hungry for Him and at the same time full and satisfied with Him. The miraculous only attests to the trustworthiness or satisfaction available through Jesus; a hint of the really good stuff.
5. What does it mean to just seek Jesus, the bread of life? What does it mean to seek to be full on Jesus? To never thirst because of Him? I think it means to have a real, vital relationship every day. That might sound trite and existential, but I think it means to seek Jesus such that you begin to be like him; or better, such that He begins to seep out of you.
All I know is this: Jesus is the bread I want. My satisfaction only makes me hungry for more.
