John 6:26- In Need of Jesus

In Need of Jesus

Jesus had fed 5,000. That was a miracle. People saw that happen. People saw that it was Jesus. Jesus walked on water. That too was a miracle and an example of how when we keep our eyes on Jesus, amazing things can happen. But, even after Jesus provided miracles and examples of great faith, people wanted more. They desired more. They desired more of what they wanted than what they needed. They had their fill (verse 12) but still sought Jesus for more of their wants and not their needs.

Jesus traveled from the Sea of Galilee to Capernum by walking on water for a bit and then riding in a boat with the disciples the rest of the way. The crowd that had been on the other side of the sea saw Jesus the next day and wondered how he got from one side to another when they never saw him get on a boat. This is when Jesus calls out their infatuation with his travels. In John 6:26 he says to them, "Truly, truly, I say to you, you are seeking me, not because you saw signs, but because you ate your fill of the loaves." He knows that they aren't concerned with Jesus in this moment outside of what they want, not anything else.

In verse 27, Jesus really straightens their focus on what is the most important. He tells them to focus on the food that brings eternal life, not the food that perishes. Didn't he say something like that to the Samaritan woman at the well?

In verse 35 Jesus refers to himself as the bread of life. He says that whoever comes to him will not hunger and will not thirst (this unifies what he said to the Samaritan woman and in this chapter). He does not mean physically hunger and thirst, but spiritual hunger and thirst. Jesus wants us to come to him. Not just when we need something. Not just in an emergency, but before that. Jesus is not a genie. To follow him takes effort and a humble spirit (James 4:6) that is ready to leave the old life and begin anew in Christ (2 Corinthians 5:17).

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Luke 22:19- And when he had given thanks

And when he had given thanks...

Sometimes we can over look something so simple and easy. It may sound silly but when I come home late and there is a good parking spot in front of my house, I thank Jesus. When I make it home safely and pray before bed, I thank Jesus for my safety. I give thanks. In Luke 22:19, it is literally right in front our faces and we overlook because it is not a major part of the story, but still gives insight into who Jesus was and how we can interact with God.

During the Lord's Supper as he takes his bread, Jesus says thanks. It's just a piece of bread. Nothing major, but still food to eat and something that Jesus gives thanks to God for. Pretty simple and insignificant for some people. But for me, it shows how even in the small things, we can be thankful.

The small thing of giving thanks before eating the bread shows how Jesus could be thankful for something seemingly insignificant and small. remember Luke 16:10, "one who is faithful in a very little is also faithful in much." If Jesus were the type to over look even the smallest of things to be thankful for and to be faithful in such as giving thanks and his personal prayer life, then that would be evidence to show him to not be the Messiah.

Paul writes in 1 Thessalonians 5:18, "give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus." This is exactly what Jesus did. Jesus knew his body would be broken and his blood would be spilled but still gave thanks to God anyway before telling the disciples about the upcoming events. Give thanks.

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