True Bread: When We Choose the Seen Over the Unseen
The story of Jesus feeding the five thousand with just a few loaves and fish is a familiar one. But there's an interesting detail often overlooked: the crowd's reaction afterward.
More Than Just Food
The Gospels tell us Jesus withdrew after this miracle, seeking solitude. But the people were persistent. They found him again, not because they craved spiritual wisdom, but because they craved more bread. They wanted a king who would provide for their physical needs.
Jesus, however, offered something far greater. He told them, "The work of God is this: to believe in the one he has sent" (John 6:29). Here, Jesus presents faith in him as the true work God desires.
Missing the Point
The people, however, remained fixated on physical sustenance. They couldn't see beyond their immediate needs. It's easy to judge them, but are we any different?
Choosing the Seen Over the Invisible
Just like the crowd in this story, we often prioritize the tangible over the intangible. We chase fleeting pleasures, the comfort of relationships, or the security of possessions, neglecting the far greater promises of the gospel.
C.S. Lewis observed this tendency in us, calling us "far too easily pleased." The truth is, nothing this world offers compares to the everlasting love and purpose found in Jesus.
The Remedy: Weighing Our Affections
So how do we break free from this short-sightedness? The answer lies in actively comparing Jesus to everything else that tempts us. We must weigh the pros and cons, the fleeting satisfaction of the present against the enduring fulfillment of a relationship with Christ.
This week, I challenge you to do the same. Ask yourself:
What am I chasing that pales in comparison to Jesus?
How can I actively prioritize my faith in my daily life?
By intentionally focusing on Jesus' greatness, we can make sober choices that align with our true desires.
With You;
Pastor Tim
