Jesus Has Life

Where is he?"

Byki looked around. Everyone was asking the same question. The multitude of people searched high and low. Just yesterday, Jesus had fed them. How, Byki didn't know. There were thousands and thousands of men, women, and children here, but they had all eaten their fill.

Byki desperately wanted to find Jesus. He took care of them.

Someone screamed over the crowd, silencing them for a brief moment. "He's not here!"

So, where had he gone?

"His disciples crossed the sea during the night, but Jesus was not with them," an old man claimed. Others chimed in, agreeing that Jesus had not gone with his disciples.

Byki looked out to the calm waters. There had been a great storm during the night, but you couldn't tell from the waters gently lapping at the shore and the cloudless blue sky.

If Jesus wasn't here, when and how did he get across the sea?

Almost at the same time, the people around Byki started shouting his conclusion. "We need to cross the sea, and find him!"

Based on John 6:22-27

"When they found him on the other side of the sea, they said to him, 'Rabbi, when did you come here?' Jesus answered them, '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 6:25-27

When reading this the other day, it struck me how Jesus said that they weren't looking for Him because of the signs and miracles. No, they were looking for Him because, well, He fed them! Jesus then took their appreciation and need for physical food to talk to them about their need for spiritual food.

It kind of amazed me. How many times do we see in the New Testament the Pharisees demanding a sign or miracle? These simple people didn't demand a miracle. Originally, they had followed Jesus to the middle of nowhere because He met their physical needs. He healed and loved them.

And that's the reason they chased after Him. Their bellies were filled, and someone who could fill their bellies was a man worth following.

Guys, are you following after things that will only fill you temporarily? Are you slaving to fill your physical needs while not knowingly starving your spiritual needs? Follow Jesus. Cause He's got both. He holds the means to fill your bellies, provide all your needs, and fill your heart completely.

These people chased after Jesus to meet their physical needs, but they left with so much more. He can meet both needs. He can meet all needs. Jesus has the eternal food, the living bread, and the never ending supply of water.

Jesus has life, in every sense of the word.

V. Joy Palmer