Today, I read John’s account of Jesus feeding the five thousand. What stood out to me after this miraculous feeding of five loaves and two fish was what the Bible reveals about the hearts of these people. When the people saw the sign that he had done, they said, “This is indeed the Prophet who is to come into the world!” Perceiving then that they were about to come and take him by force to make him king, Jesus withdrew again to the mountain by himself. (John 6:14–15, ESV)
For the most part, the crowds that followed Jesus and sought Him out were motivated by the needs of their temporal lives, not by concern for eternal life. Jesus replied, “I tell you the truth, you want to be with me because I fed you, not because you understood the miraculous signs. But don’t be so concerned about perishable things like food. Spend your energy seeking the eternal life that the Son of Man can give you…” (John 6:26–27, NLT) Jesus then explains many spiritual things to the people, but they do not understand Him. Many were offended by His teaching, so much so that they rejected Him and left. From that time many of his disciples went back, and walked no more with him. Then said Jesus unto the twelve, Will ye also go away? (John 6:66–67, KJV)
As believers, the God we love and serve—the very essence of true Christianity—is an offense to many because their greatest need is eternal life, not making this temporal life more comfortable. Jesus did not come to do the will of the people; He came to do the will of His Father. What was the will of the Father? And this is the will of him that sent me, that every one which seeth the Son, and believeth on him, may have everlasting life: and I will raise him up at the last day. (John 6:40, KJV)
As Christians, may we have the discernment to embrace the spiritual work God is doing in our lives, even over our temporal comforts. May we also love those around us and boldly address their spiritual and eternal needs, even if it means rejection.
Thank you for joining me as I read and journal chronologically through the Bible! This devotional reflection comes from John 6.