A word from Dr. Rusty Freeman: “Welcome to the Movement Ministries Blog. This is my daily attempt at diving into God’s Word. I work methodically through passages of Scripture one book at a time. I am no scholar but a fellow pilgrim seeking the Truth of Jesus and attempting to walk in his ways. I hope you will be blessed by what you read and that this might supplement your own devotional time with the Lord.”
“When they found him on the other side of the lake, they asked him, “Rabbi, when did you get here?” 26 Jesus answered, “Very truly I tell you, you are looking for me, not because you saw the signs I performed but because you ate the loaves and had your fill. 27 Do not work for food that spoils, but for food that endures to eternal life, which the Son of Man will give you. For on him God the Father has placed his seal of approval.” John 6.25-27
So Jesus has crossed to the other side of the lake and he left the crowds behind. As soon as the crowds realize he is gone they pack up and come in their boats to follow. When they find him they ask, “Rabbi, when did you get here?”
That’s an interesting question isn’t it? On the surface it’s a pretty straight forward question — “”Hey Jesus, when did you show up?” It’s like one of those water-cooler questions, “Hey Jack, how’s the weather?” or “How’s your day going?” At face value these questions aren’t too deep and neither was the one posed to Jesus upon their arrival, but Jesus’ answer is what matters.
Jesus could have answered with small talk, details about the trip or about the day. But Jesus is intentional. He is mindful and he is straight-shooting. They ask one question which Jesus never even answers. He cuts right to the heart of a teaching by replying, “Very truly I tell you, you are looking for me, not because you saw the signs I performed but because you ate the loaves and had your fill.” What? I bet the people were like, “Dude, we were just asking about your day, what are you talking about?”
The people were so drawn to Jesus that they couldn’t keep away from him. In their humanity they probably didn’t know why they were following. Free food? Entertaining miracles? No. Jesus tells them why they are following him all over the Galilee region — because they saw and heard from Jesus the words of life. The food he offered wasn’t merely fish and bread but eternal life. Jesus says this in his next response — “Do not work for food that spoils, but for food that endures to eternal life.” Jesus offered spiritual food leading to life everlasting.
The crowds follow because in Jesus they found someone who offered eternity. Jesus, who is the Son of Man to whom God had placed his “seal of approval,” gives us way more than we could ask or imagine.
Thanks be to God!
“O Lord God, you are good. Thank you for taking our meanderings and making them meaningful. Thank you for drawing people to yourself even if we have no clue as to why we are drawn to you. You have the words of truth and you are the Bread of Life. You offer living water to all who drink from your well. Thank you Lord for your power and passion and for saving me. I am but a sinner saved by your grace. Come now, Holy Spirit, fill me with your power and love and help me be all you have called and created me to become. For you are good and your love endures forever.” Amen
