I’ve been reading through the book of John this past week. It hit me that many people followed Jesus, but they had just witnessed his miracles and had their minds, hearts, and stomachs set on being filled by what Jesus could do to fill their physical needs. They were focused on the temporary.
It is easy for us, on this side of the cross, to point and say, ‘come on, now,’ or flap our hands at our sides in frustration with them not seeing Jesus’ divinity. Think about it, would we be so different?
Jesus performs miracles in our everyday lives. The sun rises and sets, we live and breathe, we have our jobs (whether we love or hate them), we have food on the table, and our daily lives are filled with little blessings we overlook. I am so guilty of forgetting to give glory to God for the things I have in life, even if it is the small things.
Imagine if Jesus were to show up today and perform the miracles he did back then. How much would he have to do for people to believe? Would people react the same way, requiring more proof, or simply look for the fulfillment of their immediate needs? Would we be so different from the people back in Bible times?
I have to challenge myself daily to look around me to see God in the everyday things. While it is true that Jesus performs miracles, I cannot get so wrapped up in the physical and overlook the power on display that just occurred. The permanent outweighs the temporary. Jesus goes on to speak on this in the following chapters, but people fail to grasp it. It is discouraging. Some even stop following him.
We need to see Jesus in the everyday things. He is there. Trust in Him and allow Him to guide us. Don’t be so concerned with what He can do for our physical needs but be concerned about seeking His love and what He did for us on the cross.
“But don’t be so concerned about perishable things like food. Spend your energy seeking the eternal life that the Son of Man can give you. For God the Father has given me the seal of his approval.” – John 6:27
Photo by Laura Chouette on Unsplash
Moments for the Heart 