Would You Feast Upon The Suffering That Was Christ’s?
He had turned the water into wine, healed the lame, and given sight to the blind. For this Jesus had gained many disciples who followed Him. They followed Him into the mountains to see His miracles. With great compassion, He fed the 5000 men plus their families from 5 barley loaves and two small fishes. They desired the miracles. They wanted with great desire that Jesus become King on earth to remove all their oppressions and to supply all their needs. They did not really believe that He was the Son of God; but, a prophet like Moses to lead them. As the crowd pressed more, Jesus slipped away to be alone with the Father. He did that regularly. Did He in His humanity need that time alone sitting in His Father’s presence? Would the crowd pressing to make Him King now be a testing of Satan? Yet, Jesus did not waiver from the Father’s will. Instead, Jesus went on to teach in the Synagogue as the crowd found Him and continued to follow.
Jesus is the bread of life to fill your spirit and soul. Come and feast at His table.
picture used permission 123rf.com/profile_subbotina
A TRAGIC FAILURE TO UNDERSTAND
As Jesus spoke, He told them that it had not been Moses who gave them bread, it was His Father who had supplied the bread. The crowd began to murmur again. Jesus told them that He was sent down from heaven and was the bread of life. Yet, more murmuring among the crowds. They did not see and did not understand. Jesus knew their hearts of disbelief. He pressed on to explain that “Verily, verily I say unto you. He that believeth on me, hath everlasting life. 49 Your fathers did eat manna in the wilderness, and are dead.50 This is the bread which cometh down from heaven, that a man may eat thereof, and not die.51 I am the living bread which came down from heaven: if any man eat of this bread, he shall live forever: and the bread that I will give is my flesh, which I will give for the life of the world” (John 6). Yet, they still did not understand that He was speaking of spiritual bread because they were so caught on their human desires here and now. They wanted bread to fill their bellies, not bread that fills their soul.
THEY ALL DEPART OFFENDED
Jesus presses on to teach. He knew that He would have to be beaten, crushed and hung on a cross rejected by man so that He would pay the penalty for man’s sin. His flesh would be torn and His blood poured out so that all who believed in Him would be saved eternally. Those who came to feast upon the truth and partake of the spiritual birth would never more thirst or hunger for life. They would be satisfied in their souls for eternity. There might be moments while on this earth that their bellies might hunger or their flesh grow weary; but, their spirits would be restored over and over again by the Holy Spirit within them. Their hunger for love, joy and hope would be fulfilled as they Abide in Him. He who gave His flesh to be torn and blood to be poured out for them. Yet, they were so caught up on here and now; that, this crowd could not see the spiritual implications. They all turned away except for the 12 apostles. Did Jesus fail? What about you or me when we pour out our hearts and souls to tell people about Christ and they turn their back? We study, we pray, we write, we teach, longing to point people to Christ and it appears that only a few hear while crowds flock elsewhere to hear a simpler message that tickles their fancy. Have we failed? No, Jesus certainly did not fail and Satan had not won. Neither is our ministry ever a failure when we labor for our heavenly Father.
VICTORY IS WON IN JESUS
Jesus was never impressed by the crowd, nor was He dejected when they walked away. His response, “63 It is the spirit that quickeneth; the flesh profiteth nothing: the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life.64 But there are some of you that believe not. For Jesus knew from the beginning who they were that believed not, and who should betray him.65 And he said, Therefore said I unto you, that no man can come unto me, except it were given unto him of my Father” (John 6). He knew before the earth was formed who would believe and who would not. He knew before time began, that He would come to suffer and die so that we might have abundant, joy filled spiritual life. He humbly obeyed the Father’s Will so that all who did believe would have life eternal. He knew who would not understand and whose only concern would remain a desire to fill their belly. Satan did not win when the crowd walked away. The apostles remained.
FROM THOUSANDS DOWN TO ELEVEN
“66 From that time many of his disciples went back, and walked no more with him.67 Then said Jesus unto the twelve, Will ye also go away?68 Then Simon Peter answered him, Lord, to whom shall we go? thou hast the words of eternal life.69 And we believe and are sure that thou art that Christ, the Son of the living God.70 Jesus answered them, Have not I chosen you twelve, and one of you is a devil? 71 He spake of Judas Iscariot the son of Simon: for he it was that should betray him, being one of the twelve” (John 6).
CONCLUSION:
1. God is in control. When everything around you and the circumstances seem bleak, He is in control. Keep your eyes focused on Him, follow Him even when the crowds all walk away or turn their back on you.
2. God knows your heart. Do you seek Him or merely want the “gifts” here and now? Do you know He is your greatest treasure? He is your joy, your hope, your love, and your salvation. Run to Him.
3. God is the one responsible for the harvest. As you labor for God in whatever manner He has called you to; don’t look at the harvest—just keep doing whatever He has asked you to do. Your labor will not be in vain.
4. God has a perfect plan. If God calls you to walk through dark valleys of pain and suffering; He will be there with you and will be your guide. He will be the strength that sustains you and the joy that lifts you above the circumstances. I know because He has been faithful throughout my life.
5. God will complete the work He began in you. If you ever accepted Christ as your Savior; then, God will never let go. As Jesus said, “37 All that the Father giveth me shall come to me; and him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out.38 For I came down from heaven, not to do mine own will, but the will of him that sent me.39 And this is the Father’s will which hath sent me, that of all which he hath given me I should lose nothing, but should raise it up again at the last day.40 And this is the will of him that sent me, that everyone which seeth the Son, and believeth on him, may have everlasting life: and I will raise him up at the last day” (John 6)
[bctt tweet=”So, dear pilgrim come feast at the table of Christ’s suffering so that your spirit may be restored.”] [bctt tweet=”Find in Him all that you need for life overflowing with abundant peace, hope and joy.”]
Can you sing along this song, Jesus You’re the Center of My Joy
The artist that drew the picture “A Broken and Contrite Heart” featured on my header and who designed my logo is Ronald Barba. Feel free to email him at Artedabarba@gmail.com
Disclosure of Material Connection: I have not received any compensation for writing this post. I have no material connection to the brands, products, or services that I have mentioned. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.