Five thousand men plus women and children followed Jesus to the far side of the Sea of Galilee because they saw his miraculous signs as He healed the sick. What were their motives? Did they want to see more miracles or were they interested in filling up on Jesus in a spiritual sense?
As Jesus sees the large crowd approaching, he looked to Philip, one of His disciples, and asked him where they could buy enough bread to feed the people. Jesus’ question to Philip was a test as Jesus knew what He was going to do. Philip never did answer the question before Andrew pointed out a boy with five barley loaves and two fish. But how would that feed such a large crowd?
John 6:10 “Tell everyone to sit down,” Jesus said. So they all sat down on the grassy slopes. (The men alone numbered about 5,000.) 11 Then Jesus took the loaves, gave thanks to God, and distributed them to the people. Afterward he did the same with the fish. And they all ate as much as they wanted. 12 After everyone was full, Jesus told his disciples, “Now gather the leftovers, so that nothing is wasted.”[1]
Filling Up on Physical and Spiritual Food
The people not only saw Jesus do a great miracle, but they were also able to participate in it by eating the bread and the fish until they were full. Although it was wonderful to fill up with physical food, the needs of each person were much more than physical. They, as we, have spiritual needs. Jesus’ signs, miracles and wonders were done to point people to Himself and to His heavenly Father.
The Difference Filling up on Jesus Makes
How can filling up on Jesus make an eternal difference in your life? As we spend time with Jesus, we begin to understand the depth of what Jesus did on the cross when He died for our sins. When we fill up on Jesus something happens, we begin to focus on others instead of ourselves. When we fill up on Jesus, life takes on a new meaning as we seek the Lord’s plan for our life instead our selfish desires.
Later Jesus calls Himself the bread of life. John 6: 35 Jesus replied, “I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never be hungry again. Whoever believes in me will never be thirsty.[2]
Is the Lord calling you today to fill up on the bread of Life? Don’t wait! John 6:26 Jesus replied, “I tell you the truth, you want to be with me because I fed you, not because you understood the miraculous signs. 27 But don’t be so concerned about perishable things like food. Spend your energy seeking the eternal life that the Son of Man can give you.[3]
To hear more about filling up on Jesus, listen here: https://podpoint.com/light-of-christ-church-podcast/encountering-jesus-with-a-crowd-of-5000
[1-3] Tyndale House Publishers. (2015). Holy Bible: New Living Translation . Carol Stream, IL: Tyndale House Publishers.