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Jesus - Uncompromising (2/5)

The requirements for discipleship seemed always to be a topic of discussion during Jesus' earthly ministry. Perhaps this was because there were so many reasons why some wanted to be with Him. However, as many would-be followers discovered, the walk with Him was a most demanding adventure – and it was one with no compromises. To illustrate these facts, consider the following lines summarized from John the 6th chapter.

Jesus was teaching, as He frequently did, near the Sea of Galilee. Great multitude came to hear Him, but more specifically, they came "because they saw His signs which He performed on those who were diseased." (v2). For various reasons, it was not possible to buy bread to feed such a multitude, so Jesus took five loaves and 2 small fish and multiplied that meager ration so that He was able to completely satisfy the appetites of more than five thousand men (vv 5-11). As an additional note, after everyone had eaten his fill, the remaining bits of food were gathered filling twelve baskets (vv 12-13). As a result John recorded, "Then those men, when they had seen the sign that Jesus did said, 'This is truly the Prophet who is to come into the world.'"(v14).

During the following evening, Jesus and His disciples crossed to the other side of the sea; the disciples went by boat, and Jesus went part by boat and part by walking on the water (vv 15-21). The multitudes discovered that He was no longer in their midst and began to try to find Him. They eventually located Him on the other side of the sea and wanted to know how He had come there in as much as He had not departed from the other shore in the disciple's boat. Therefore, they asked this question, "Rabbi, when did You come here?" (v25). However, it was as if Jesus did not even hear their question. He responded, "Most assuredly, I say to you, you seek Me, not because you saw the signs, but because you ate of the loaves and were filled. Do not labor for the food which perishes, but for the food which endures to everlasting life, which the Son of Man will give you, because God the Father has set His seal on Him." (vv 26-27). Note carefully His statement, "…you seek Me, not because you saw the signs, but because you ate of the loaves and were filled." Here was an implied rebuke for the motives of the crowds that followed Him; they sought Him for physical reasons when the real food which He offered was spiritual in nature!

Following this exchange, Jesus taught clearly, saying, "I am the living bread which came down from heaven. If anyone eats of this bread, he will live forever; and the bread that I shall give is My flesh, which I shall give for the life of the world." (v51). He continued, saying, "Most assuredly, I say to you, unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink His blood, you have no life in you. Whoever eats My flesh and drinks My blood has eternal life, and I will raise him up at the last day. For My flesh is food indeed, and My blood is drink indeed. He who eats My flesh and drinks My blood abides in Me, and I in him. As the living Father sent Me, and I live because of the Father, so he who feeds on Me will live because of Me. This is the bread which came down from heaven——not as your fathers ate the manna, and are dead. He who eats this bread will live forever." (vv 53-58).

Crowds followed, but for the wrong reason; Jesus refused to be followed out of improper motives! He would not compromise! (continued tomorrow)

"Today's Little Lift" from Jim Bullington

Comfort in Isaiah II (12-14-10)