John 6:22–24 (ESV)
I Am the Bread of Life
22
On the next day the crowd that remained on the other side of the sea saw that there had been only one boat there, and that Jesus had not entered the boat with his disciples, but that his disciples had gone away alone. 23 Other boats from Tiberias came near
the place where they had eaten the bread after the Lord had given thanks. 24 So when the crowd saw that Jesus was not there, nor his disciples, they themselves got into the boats and went to Capernaum, seeking Jesus.
We are beginning the “Bread of Life” portion of John, chapter 6. This is probably the most controversial text of John. The big question is not in today’s reading. Today’s reading is basically establishing the
setting for this section. It is interesting to see the growing support for Jesus. The people are looking for Jesus and when they can’t find him... they jump into boats and going looking for him. What causes someone to go to this extreme
to get into a boat and go seeking Jesus? Well, they want to see him. They have heard and maybe even experienced his miracles and teachings... and they want more. When I read this... it takes me back when a firetruck would go through our neighborhood.
We all jumped on our bicycles and tried to find where the went and to see what was going on. There was excitement and we didn’t want to miss what was happening. Well, this too is going on with Jesus. The people have heard and or seen
and they want to see Jesus.
I pray: O Lord, I pray for the people of this world to become excited for Jesus, to want to seek him out. Help me to do my part and to plant the seeds of faith where
ever I go. Help me to plant the seeds of faith to all people, regardless of color or social background. Forgive me when I play God and choose to whom I share Jesus and to share Jesus with all people. Help me to be ready for the harvest.
Use me Lord... shape me and mold me according to your will. Amen.