Read John 6:15-50
"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. Do not work for food that spoils, but for food that endures to eternal life, which the Son of Man will give you. On him God the Father has placed his seal of approval" John 6:26-27
The passage opens with Jesus retiring to a solitary place because he perceived they wanted to take him by force… to make him king. it would’ve been tempting to ride the wave of popularity, but Jesus is in full control. He can see that the crowd’s faith is a thin veneer. They are more interested in full bellies than full hearts. Jesus needs to draw aside to pray and reset for a few hours.
Then he gives his disciples a chilling but important lesson on his identity. He is no mere prophet, not even a great prophet. When Moses provided bread in the desert, it was God performing the miracle. Moses was just the messenger. Now imagine you’re rowing all the way back from that wondrous day with Jesus. It’s dark, the wind has picked up and waves are slopping into the boat. Suddenly a figure is walking toward them. A ghost? And then the voice. It’s Jesus, but how did he get out here in the middle of the lake? He walked of course. He is God. His footprints are on the waves.
Jesus has treated his disciples to something extra special. King David once described the parting of the Red Sea in Psalm 77:19, “God’s way was through the Sea, your path through the great waters; yet your footprints were unseen”
Only God can suspend the laws of nature. And notice how the moment they let him in the boat they’re not only safe, they’re home! Afraid but home.
And yet they now Jesus must again face the superficial crowds and the next doubtful envoy of skeptical Jewish leaders. The conversation that follows is about the bread of heaven and faith. Jesus says, “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”.
Just as he has said he is the living water, now he declares himself to be the bread of life. Only Jesus can satisfy. There is a theology (if you can call it that) that believes God wants you to be prosperous. There is nothing wrong with wealth, in fact it’s a blessing because you can give generously to kingdom work. But to fall for prosperity doctrine is to fall for the same mistake of the crowd who wanted full bellies not full hearts.
RevGeoff
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