John 6:22-24 -- On the next day the crowd that remained on the other side of the sea saw that there had been only one boat there, and that Jesus had not entered the boat with his disciples, but that his disciples had gone away alone. 23 Other boats from Tiberias came near the place where they had eaten the bread after the Lord had given thanks. 24 So when the crowd saw that Jesus was not there, nor his disciples, they themselves got into the boats and went to Capernaum, seeking Jesus.
Yesterday we watched as the disciples obeyed Jesus and headed across the Sea of Galilee without Him. They got caught in a storm, but Jesus came walking along the water and things turned out okay. They arrived safely on the western shore of the Sea of Galilee.
In today's verses we find all is not okay on the eastern shore. The crowd that had been following Jesus nonstop still had a taste for fish, bread, and more. He'd managed to slip away the previous day when they were about to force Him to be their king. Now they realize the disciples and Jesus are both long gone. Nothing to do but climb into some boats and rush after Him.
Christian, take note it is quite possible to zealously follow Jesus for the wrong reasons. We see an example of it right here in God's Word. It is of the utmost importance what the heart behind following Him is, not just that you follow. This should be a wake up to call every Christian to stop and answer Jesus' question from John 1:38. When the two men first start walking after Him, He turns around and asks, "What are you seeking?".
Beloved, what are you seeking in following Jesus today?
This is a serious thing that requires more than a simple glance. This requires a Psalms 139 deep search of your heart because if there is anything you're seeking other than Jesus Himself, Lord of Lords, King of Kings, then warning lights should be going off.
These people so desperately wanted Jesus they would go anywhere. They'd climb onto boats that weren't theirs even. The Jewish people were under the heavy thumb of the Roman empire and their own hypocritical religious leadership. They were hurting, they were hungry, and they were hopeless. When Jesus showed up there were three types of responses we've seen. Reject Him (includes those who persecute or are on the fence). Accept Him for what He can do. Accept Him for who He is. That sums up the choices and there is only one of the three that leads to a narrow gate, and narrow path beyond, which leads to life.
Beloved, make sure you get into the Word every day and get to know Jesus. Learn His voice and His character. Learn what God's will is. Seek first the Kingdom of God in your life. Because following a crowd that is following Jesus could lead you to a very scary and tragic destination.
Matthew 7:21-23 -- “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. 22 On that day many will say to me, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and cast out demons in your name, and do many mighty works in your name?’ 23 And then will I declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from me, you workers of lawlessness.’
Well, that's where the journey went today. Some deep things to really think over. I pray you will have the courage to seek the Lord in prayer and don't take my word on it, be the Berean and get into the Bible and read for yourself.
Comments