Are you seeking Jesus for bread or because He is the bread?

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Tuesday, 13 December 2011 06:53

Are you seeking Jesus because He can give you bread or because you realize that He Himself is the Bread?

In John 6, Jesus fed a great multitude by multiplying a few loaves and fish (vv 1-14). Consequently, the next day those who had eaten searched Him out, crossing the sea of Tiberias in boats to reach Him. They put forth much effort not because they recognized their desperate need of Jesus, but as He pointed out, “because you ate your fill of the loaves.” (v 26) They sought Him because they wanted more free food and they knew He was capable of providing it.

Many today are still like that. They seek Jesus not because they recognize their desperate need of Him, but because they want the benefits they perceive He is capable of giving. “If He really is loving and all-powerful, then He can help straighten out my finances; help me deal with my stress; help me cope with the passing of a loved one; heal my relationships; give me some purpose and motivation in life; free me from this nagging sense of guilt and shame; help me with my low self-esteem …”.

Jesus’ response is, “Do not labor for the food that perishes, but for the food that endures to eternal life … I am the bread of life; whoever comes to Me shall not hunger, and whoever believes in Me shall never thirst.” (vv 27, 35)

Jesus is the Bread. He is the Goal and the Treasure we are to seek (Phil. 3:7-14; Matt. 13:44-46). He is not a means to an end. He is the End!

If you come to Jesus chiefly for the things He can give and not that He might give Himself to you, you are a spiritual adulterer asking God to fulfill idolatrous lusts (James 4:3-4). If you come to Him to get health, wealth, and prosperity and not because you recognize that He Himself is the health, wealth, and prosperity of His people – irrespective of their physical, financial, or social position – you are misled and in danger of great peril (cf. Luke 9:23-25). Jesus came to bring eternal life and He defines that life principally as knowing God and His Son whom He has sent (John 3:16; 17:2-3). Do not forfeit eternal life by treating Jesus like a vending machine whose real purpose is to dole out gifts for the improvement of your temporal life.

Examine yourself. Be honest with yourself. Why do you seek Jesus? Because He can give you bread? Or because you recognize that He Himself is the Bread?

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