Thousands traveled on foot to see Jesus of Nazareth that day. He often attracted large crowds, and why not, considering the extraordinary things He said and did.
The Bible tells us that when Jesus saw the multitude He “had compassion on them” (Matthew 14:14). In another place, we’re told, “he welcomed them and spoke of the kingdom of God and cured those who had need of healing” (Luke 9:11-17).
When evening arrived, Jesus took time to feed the people … in a miraculous way. You may know the story. Five thousand men were there, not to mention an unknown number of women and children. The Bible says that Jesus took five barley loaves of bread and two fish and, with the help of His disciples, fed those assembled there. “And they all ate and were satisfied” (Matthew 14:20).
Imagine witnessing a few loaves of bread and a couple of fish becoming thousands of loaves of bread and thousands of fish.
The next day, the crowd searched and found Jesus on the other side of the Sea of Galilee. It was on the hearts of many that day to have their hungry stomachs filled. Jesus understood that.
Truly, truly, I say to you, you are seeking me, not because you saw signs, but because you ate your fill of the loaves. Do not work for the food that perishes, but for the food that endures to eternal life, which the Son of Man will give to you. For on him God the Father has set his seal (John 6:26-27).
Soon afterward, Jesus made this remarkable statement: “I am the bread of life; he who comes to Me will not hunger, and he who believes in Me will never thirst” (John 6:35). Surely some were shocked by the declaration by Jesus. Or perhaps puzzled. The bread of life?
Perhaps there was another group of people. I’m picturing someone in the crowd that day - maybe several - who listened to what Jesus said, and, by God’s grace, they understood what Jesus meant when He declared that He was the bread of life. Who cares about a few hunger pangs when your heart has just been filled with the bread of life?
I recall first believing in Jesus, this same Jesus who showed compassion to the crowd that day. I had spent years trying to fill up on the things of this world, but they always left me empty. I was desperate to truly know Jesus. I cried out to God for help, and He did. In an instant, there in my bedroom in Winona, Mississippi, Jesus filled my empty heart; my hunger was satisfied. It’s a night I’ll never forget.
I wonder if you’ve had that same experience that I had that night over 40 years ago. Or perhaps you’re like I was for so many years. I foolishly resisted the bread of life, preferring the sweets of this world. Looking back, God was merciful in protecting me from destroying myself with sinful choices.
If you’ve come to the end of yourself from feasting on the things of this world, I plead with you to stop and seriously consider your hopeless state. And then look to Jesus to fill your empty heart.
Get alone with a Bible and read in the Gospel of John. John was written to give readers a clear understanding of who Jesus is and why He came to the earth. As you look at this passage, ask God to show you what it means to believe in Jesus and why that’s so critical to your life.
Please remember that nothing this world has to offer matches the satisfaction that comes from trusting your life to Jesus.
If I can help in any way, email me at rrobertson@afa.net.
