Jesus Satisfies, Part Two

Jesus said to them, "I tell you the truth, it is not Moses who has given you the bread from heaven, but it is my Father who gives you the true bread from heaven. For the bread of God is he who comes down from heaven and gives life to the world. “

In John 6, a crowd of Jews question Jesus: how can they really believe he really is who he claims to be? At first glance, it borders on idiotic that these people could be asking for yet another sign of his divinity. After all, the food that he miraculously multiplied for them was hardly out of their stomachs! And yet they needed another sign?

I don’t think Jesus looked like who they were expecting. Where was the Prophet who would provide satisfaction for their material needs…not just one meal, but many? Where was the one who would release them from oppression…not just with words, but with the power to establish an earthly kingdom! This Jesus just didn’t quite fit.

How often I relate to this very problem. I fill my heart with a series of “if onlys.” If only I wasn’t in this stage with my kids, then I would be satisfied by God. If only you could change my relationships. If only money wasn’t such a stressor. If only I had that new pair of shoes…. Just like the Jews in John 6, I’m so busy painting a picture of what it will look like when I’m satisfied; I miss the One who is the ultimate satisfaction.

Living a satisfied life despite circumstances—not because of circumstances—is a testimony to Christ in our lives. We live with the “if onlys” in life right at the center of our heart and we are frustrated that God does not give them to us. But when we acknowledge Christ as the ultimate satisfier—who meets our needs, responds to our desires, pays off our debt and makes reparation for our wrongs—when we put him at the center of our heart, then we are able to be satisfied by Him, and with the things he gives. Seek first his kingdom—and then let him add good things to that as well.

Conversation with Jesus This Week:
Ask Jesus to illuminate places of dissatisfaction in your life. Ask him to help you place the hope you have in your “if onlys” back onto Him. Praise Him for the ways that he is your real satisfaction by personalizing Psalm 103 as a prayer to him.

Join us this Thursday as Marji shares from John 15: "Jesus Serves." We will see you there!