Day 11 - More of Jesus or Only More of What He Gives? | February Devotional in the Gospel of John
John 6:24, When the people therefore saw that Jesus was not there, nor His disciples, they also got into boats and came to Capernaum, seeking Jesus. 25 And when they found Him on the other side of the sea, they said to Him, “Rabbi, when did You come here?” 26 Jesus answered them and said, “Most assuredly, I say to you, you seek Me, not because you saw the signs, but because you ate of the loaves and were filled. 27 Do not labor for the food which perishes, but for the food which endures to everlasting life, which the Son of Man will give you, because God the Father has set His seal on Him.”
This was the continuation of the story about the feeding of the 5000. We pick up the story the next day with Jesus having crossed the lake to Capernaum.
At first, it looked like the people were showing loyalty and dedication to Jesus by going through all the trouble to get into boats and cross the lake. Unfortunately, Jesus revealed the real reason the people found him. He said, "You seek Me, not because you saw the signs, but because you ate of the loaves and were filled."
I've always thought that the miracle of fish and loaves that Jesus served must had been some of the best food the people had ever tasted! I could not imagine Jesus making stale bread and bad tasting fish. This is what the people were seeking; They wanted more food, but not more of Jesus himself.
His message was simple, "Do not labor for the food which perishes, but for the food which endures to everlasting life." That message rings true today. Do we follow Jesus to love and serve God or do we want more material blessings?
Reflection Question: What adjustments do you need to make to live within the life and character of Jesus more than merely possessing things?
Action Item:
