More than loaves

You seek Me, not because you saw the signs, but because you ate of the loaves and were filled.   — John 6:26

Seventeenth-century Quaker leader Isaac Pennington said, “The Lord has been teaching me to live upon Himself — not from anything received from Him, but upon the life itself.” The people in John 6 wanted to live off Jesus, but not for the same reason. It was not because their hearts were loyal to Him, but because their hearts were loyal to what they thought. He could provide for them — namely, food and deliverance from Roman oppression.

Jesus’ provision of the loaves and fish was a confirmation in their minds of what He could for them. Jesus knew that behind their interest in Him was their hope that He would become a different kind of king, so He withdrew from them (John 6:14-15). The next day they looked for Him and found Him, making their quest successful (vv. 22, 25-26). So they continued to follow Him because of what they thought He could provide. But Jesus turned the tables and identified Himself as the Bread of Life (vv. 32-33). They wanted a better life from Him, but He told them He came to offer them eternal life (v. 40). Only those who believe in Jesus can find true fulfillment — now and forever.

Follow Jesus, not just because He can provide “the loaves,” but because He can satisfy your deepest hunger — the quest for eternal fellowship with Him.   — Marvin Williams

I came to Jesus and I drank

Of that life-giving stream;

My thirst was quenched, my soul revived,

And now I live in Him. — Bonar

READ: John 6:25-36

You can experience complete fulfillment  if your life is filled with Christ.

The Bible in one year:

• Jeremiah 51-52

• Hebrews 9