bread:day 1
[Read & meditate on John 6. What did the people want from Jesus?]
It seems that they really wanted their physical needs met. They were oppressed, 90% of the Jewish people in that area lived in poverty–truly praying everyday that God would provide some bread. Now Jesus provides bread and it seems that they want him to be their cosmic bread machine. I suppose that they hoped he would be the prophet that Moses spoke of (Deuteronomy 18.15,18), and he was, it’s just that he wasn’t the way they wanted him to be.
Maybe they wanted him to mount a revolt against Rome and take over, making them the ruling people, and eventually probably the oppressors. They seemed to want to be comfortable. Their focus seemed to be on what would make them feel good–on themselves.
I wonder if we aren’t so different. God, give me a well-paying job. Give me a good parking spot. Help me get an ‘A’ on this test. Help us win this game. And on and on it goes. It’s all about me and making sure I don’t suffer.
When was the last time I asked Jesus what he wants for me?
How important is a comfortable lifestyle for a Christ-follower?
What do I want from Jesus?
What does he want for me?
Do I really want what he wants?
What do I really want from Jesus?
I am just as basic as the people wanting their physical needs met because they were hungry and poor and oppressed.
I want a Provider. I want unconditional love. I want the safety of knowing that Someone bigger than me is in control. I want a comfy home, a safe life…I want my children to be safe. I want to have enough money & food –bread– so that my “needs” are met. (But our “needs” would shock 80 percent of the rest of the world.) I want a meaningful life that goes on forever…the hope of eternal life. I want Jesus to answer my prayers — for healing, and safety and jobs and relationships.
Yep, I am pretty me-centered. Yet, sometimes I think I am God-centered.
It’s hard for me to look beyond my own little world…my own “kingdom.”
Jesus died to be my Savior…to meet my deepest need for salavation because I was separated from God. But He also asked me to be His follower–to be like Him.
One more thing–
I noticed that verse 4 says that the Passover Feast was near.
Is this significant to the story?