| Pastoral Ponderings by Bob Smith |
| “So Jesus, perceiving that they were intending to come and take Him by force to make Him king, withdrew again to the mountain by Himself alone.” What was it that caused the crowd to react so enthusiastically that they wanted to make Jesus their king--even if it meant physically opposing the existing authorities to do it? This leads us to a great insight about Jesus and the Christian life which is still at work today. What had Jesus done to bring about such devotion? Was it because Jesus had just exposed the Pharisees and their self-serving laws? Was it because Jesus had the audacity to eat with harlots and tax collectors? Was it because the crowds were so amazed at Jesus' teaching? No. These words are found in John 6:15. In the previous verses John records Jesus' feeding of the five thousand. The crowds were convinced that Jesus was “the Prophet” who was to come because they were hungry and He gave them food. The great temptation, then and now is to pursue God because of the experience we have or the feelings we get. These experiences and feelings are in many ways what we look to as an indication of God's presence, approval or leading. Our churches are filled with messages aimed at showing us how we can have these feelings and experiences ourselves. When Christians hear a “good” message, isn't it often because of how it made them feel? Jesus made the crowd feel good. So good, in fact, they wanted to make Him their king. But why did Jesus withdraw? Why did Jesus stop the coronation? John doesn't tell us specifically, but Jesus does indirectly. After withdrawing, the crowds found Jesus again and their enthusiasm was quickly built again. In the face of this momentum, Jesus says in John 6:26-27, “Truly, truly, I say to you, you seek Me, not because you saw signs, but because you ate of the loaves and were filled. Do not work for the food which perishes, but for the food which endures to eternal life, which the Son of Man will give to you, for on Him the Father, God, has set His seal.” Jesus knows that we tend to base our needs on what our feelings tell us, but there is a deeper need which we don't often feel. This is the real need He came to meet. | Jesus then presented to the crowd the offer to meet their real need in verse thirty-five, “I am the bread of life; he who comes to Me will not hunger, and he who believes in Me will never thirst.” Now is when the people should want to make Him king. Talk about Christmas! Jesus is offering what they truly need. Sadly, in verse sixty-six we read, “As a result of this many of His disciples withdrew and were not walking with Him anymore.” To the crowd looking for dinner, Jesus is talking crazy, even insulting. Today they would say that it wasn't practical and relevant. As a result, they turned away. What about us? Even as Christians whose names are written in the Book of Life, do we get caught up in our feelings and the emotions of the experience? Are we frustrated because God/Jesus isn't doing anything about returning the loving feeling in our marriage or coming through on the job front or with a health issue? Is it possible that Jesus is offering to address the real need in our situation? Is Jesus saying we need to love unconditionally and trust Him when that love isn't returned? Is Jesus saying that we don't have a money problem, but that we have a spending problem? Is he saying that we need to work two jobs for a while? Is Jesus speaking but, to us, it just sounds like crazy talk? In verse sixty-seven, Jesus turned to His disciples and asked, “You do not want to go away also, do you?” Peter is often known for his boneheaded moments, but here he really shines, “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have words of eternal life.” Peter knows that it's not an emotional experience or a certain feeling Jesus brings about. Instead, it is His words which make the difference. Experiences and feelings are wonderful; but when it comes to really understanding what we need, it comes back to His word. Is it in you? |
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