When someone close to us goes missing, or we lose an object that belongs to us, we search. We make every effort to find it. Today’s passage, daily devotional for May 2, from John’s Gospel, speaks of people who come to Jesus in search. But do they realize what they are looking for? Why do you seek Jesus?
Daily Devotional for May 2
Jesus answered, “Very truly I tell you, you are looking for me, not because you saw the signs I performed but because you ate the loaves and had your fill. Do not work for food that spoils, but for food that endures to eternal life, which the Son of Man will give you.” (John 6:26-27)
Is Jesus the tool for success?
Jesus tells the people who come openly what they are looking for. They are convinced that Jesus is the most important thing for them. But Jesus shows them their real motives – you are not looking for me, but for the bread, you have eaten and been filled with. (John 6:26) In other words, these people are driven by the search for material wealth and success.
Jesus rebukes this primitive motive.
Does this rebuke not apply to us?
Why do you seek Jesus?
It is a very open question for each of us – Do we seek Jesus only to be satisfied with temporal things? Each of us personally must answer this question.
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Today’s man, though he has much, is always dissatisfied. He longs to be satisfied with something, such as entertainment, sports, science, and culture. But all this is not enough.
And here we have the same problem as in the Gospel – if we come to Christ only to ask for earthly bread that is not right.
Our efforts are still focused on the material realm. I think you have already noticed how many pastors and megachurches preach Jesus not as a suffering Redeemer, but as a means of material wealth and success in this world.
We work so that we can have something to possess. Then we want to enjoy what we have. We are afraid of losing what we have. But we also know that with death we will lose all earthly possessions.
See in Jesus God, not a wish-granter
Jesus tells us that we should first seek Him, a friendship with Him that will lead to the Kingdom of God. He wants us to trust Him more and to accept Him for who He really is – the Messiah, not a “wish-granter”.
Let us put God first in our lives. This gives new meaning to our lives. Whoever believes in Christ, whoever trusts in Him, will not be disappointed.
Prayer for Today
Jesus Christ, You are our life. In you, we have life and the peace of eternity. To you, Jesus, we pray. We are blessed when we eat the bread you give us, Jesus. That bread gives us eternal life.
Jesus, people have come to you for help. Lord, have mercy on us. You have prepared for us the bread of the body. Christ, have mercy on us. You have given us faith without limits. Lord, have mercy on us. Amen.
