A large crowd followed Jesus as He preached near the shore of the Sea of Galilee. “We want to perform God’s works,” they said. “What should we do?” Jesus told them, “Believe in the One He has sent.”
They answered, “Show us a miraculous sign if You want us to believe in You. What can You do? After all, our ancestors ate manna while they journeyed through the wilderness! The Scriptures say that Moses gave them bread from heaven to eat.”
The day before, they had watched Jesus, with only five loaves of bread and two fish, feed more than five thousand people, and there were 12 baskets full of leftovers. They had followed Him to the other side of the sea. Now they were asking Him for a sign. Just in case He didn’t get what they had in mind they reminded Him (hint, hint) that Moses gave their fathers manna to eat in the desert!
As Jesus pointed out, they even got that wrong. It was God, not Moses, who had provided the manna. These people were not truly looking for a sign to prove the spiritual reality of who Jesus was. They were hoping for another free meal! Jesus told them He was the true bread come down from heaven, but they could only understand bread in the physical sense and could not perceive the truth of what He was telling them.
Before becoming too critical of these people’s short-sightedness, we should examine our own hearts. When we go before God, do we seek provision for our daily needs, or a relationship with God our Provider? Are we looking for healing, or quality time with God the Healer? Are we looking for peace in our lives, or do we truly desire to know the Prince of Peace?
It is easy to let our prayers become a grocery list of wants and wishes instead of an opportunity to enjoy the presence of God. The Creator of the universe invites us to enjoy intimate fellowship with Him, but sometimes we are more focused on what we want Him to do for us. Just like the people in Jesus’ day, we seek after the gifts instead of the Giver. And yet, He who does not look upon the outward appearance but looks upon our heart assures us that when we seek His Kingdom and His righteousness first, everything we need will be added to us ( John 6:33).
If you would like to hear good Bible teaching that emphasizes the importance of having a relationship with God, come visit us at Charis Christian Church, 4811 E. Julep St., Suite 101, in Mesa