The passage in John 6:1-58 is one which continually stirs thoughts. Jesus feeds the five thousand after posing a question to Philip. “Where are we to buy bread, so that these may eat?” (John 6:5, NASB)
I love that Jesus asked a question of Philip, already knowing He was the only One with the answer. Jesus already knew what He was going to do.
In this scenario, we can see four possibilities:
- send the people away
- raise money to feed the people
- use a boy’s small lunch that hardly seems ample for the crowd
- And then Jesus – takes the boy’s lunch, blesses it, breaks it apart and hands it to the disciples to disperse.
We can laugh at the first three suggestions as they are sort of funny. But then … how many times do we also make suggestions to the Lord on how to satisfy us or fill our needs.
“Jesus pointed out that there are two kinds of food: food for the body, which is necessary but not the most important, and food for the inner man, the spirit, which is essential.”
(from the Wiersbe Study Bible, page 1558)
The question I find myself asking is this: Do I (we) want what is necessary and not important, or what is essential?
Only Jesus can give us what is essential in this life and in the life to come, I would add.
“We may still find ourselves hungry for satisfaction in other places. We can look to success, personal affirmation, or financial gain to make us feel satisfied. But we can benefit from Jesus’ exhortation not to pursue food that does not last.”
(from I AM: Who Jesus is Changes Everything, by The Daily Grace Co., page 33)
May we feed on that which
Jesus gives to us so that
our souls would truly find satisfaction only in Him.
Photo by Sixteen Miles Out on Unsplash
Today I may be joining … Tell His Story
‘Do I (we) want what is necessary and not important, or what is essential?’
I’m thinking, trusting that the older we get in our walk of faith in Christ, our view on what is essential is sharpened, clarified, expanded. And in this space is where we experience His peace that passes understanding.
The unimportant or the essential–our choice should be a no-brainer, shouldn’t it, Joanne? Thanks for another great reminder.
I love this! I don’t know that I have really ever thought about it this way. Great post!
I appreciate that you stopped here to read my words. Blessings to you!
It’s neat how God has been leading us along the same wave length this week. Truly our satisfaction is only from Him.
I thought so as well, Barbara, and was encouraged by your post, Jesus Satisfies the Longing Soul. I love when God works this way – repeating the same thought and putting it in front of me from other sources.
Necessary vs essential… hmmm? While both are important, only one provides true satisfaction. The hymn “Give Me Jesus” comes to mind.