“I tell you the truth, you are looking for me, not because you saw miraculous signs but because you ate the loaves and had your fill.” – John 6:26
There are many reasons why people follow Jesus. Some because they hear him and fully understand the message of the kingdom. There are some who follow him for the loaves and fishes. In today’s language they are those who hang around only for what they can get.
Jesus was trying to reveal himself to his followers, but all they could see was the loaves and fishes that filled them when they were hungry. He was trying to teach kingdom principles, but their focus was on their need.
In this passage Jesus goes on to relate the story of Moses and the manna which fed the children of Israel in the desert. Then he said, “I am the bread of life. He who comes to me will never go hungry, and he who believes in me will never be thirsty.” Jesus was telling them that the kingdom was about more than food; it is about eternal life.
Those who heard him speak did not understand his message and began to grumble. They argued that he was just the son of Joseph, how could he say he came down from heaven?
Never mind that this man went around doing miracles that no one had ever done before and speaking truth which only reinforced faith in his Father. Forget the demoniacs who were freed and the lepers who were cleansed. Don’t mention the blind and deaf who were healed. Oh no, we can’t accept him because we don’t understand him.
Working with people who struggle with recovery from drug and alcohol abuse I have known many people who enjoy the high but want to get over the addiction. They want the benefits of being clean and sober, but don’t want to live without the high. Many of us are like that; we want the kingdom, but we don’t want to serve the king.
We all know those who call themselves “Christian” only for the benefits, but have never really gotten hold of the message of the kingdom. The blessing of the kingdom is not our needs and desires being met; it is establishing God’s rule of love and life.
Prayer: Lord, I do enjoy the loaves and fishes, but help me to not make that my focus. Grant me grace in your kingdom. Amen.
Message: Many of us want the kingdom but we don’t want to serve the king. Some call themselves “Christian” only for the benefits, but have never really gotten hold of the message of the kingdom. The blessing of the kingdom is not our needs and desires being met; it is establishing God’s rule of love and life.
Affirmation: Believing in Christ is more than receiving the blessing. It is establishing a relationship with God.
Reflection: Listen carefully to how kingdom life is described by believers. Notice how often we express a "bless me" mentality.
There are many reasons why people follow Jesus. Some because they hear him and fully understand the message of the kingdom. There are some who follow him for the loaves and fishes. In today’s language they are those who hang around only for what they can get.
Jesus was trying to reveal himself to his followers, but all they could see was the loaves and fishes that filled them when they were hungry. He was trying to teach kingdom principles, but their focus was on their need.
In this passage Jesus goes on to relate the story of Moses and the manna which fed the children of Israel in the desert. Then he said, “I am the bread of life. He who comes to me will never go hungry, and he who believes in me will never be thirsty.” Jesus was telling them that the kingdom was about more than food; it is about eternal life.
Those who heard him speak did not understand his message and began to grumble. They argued that he was just the son of Joseph, how could he say he came down from heaven?
Never mind that this man went around doing miracles that no one had ever done before and speaking truth which only reinforced faith in his Father. Forget the demoniacs who were freed and the lepers who were cleansed. Don’t mention the blind and deaf who were healed. Oh no, we can’t accept him because we don’t understand him.
Working with people who struggle with recovery from drug and alcohol abuse I have known many people who enjoy the high but want to get over the addiction. They want the benefits of being clean and sober, but don’t want to live without the high. Many of us are like that; we want the kingdom, but we don’t want to serve the king.
We all know those who call themselves “Christian” only for the benefits, but have never really gotten hold of the message of the kingdom. The blessing of the kingdom is not our needs and desires being met; it is establishing God’s rule of love and life.
Prayer: Lord, I do enjoy the loaves and fishes, but help me to not make that my focus. Grant me grace in your kingdom. Amen.
Message: Many of us want the kingdom but we don’t want to serve the king. Some call themselves “Christian” only for the benefits, but have never really gotten hold of the message of the kingdom. The blessing of the kingdom is not our needs and desires being met; it is establishing God’s rule of love and life.
Affirmation: Believing in Christ is more than receiving the blessing. It is establishing a relationship with God.
Reflection: Listen carefully to how kingdom life is described by believers. Notice how often we express a "bless me" mentality.
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