Some time after this, Jesus crossed to the far shore of the Sea of Galilee (that is, the Sea of Tiberias), and a great crowd of people followed him because they saw the miraculous signs he had performed on the sick. . . . Jesus answered, “I tell you the truth, you are looking for me, not because you saw miraculous signs but because you ate the loaves and had your fill. (NIV) John 6:1-2, 26
That crowd of Jews would have followed Christ at that moment because He was giving them what they wanted [bread], and they wished to use Him for their plans and dreams and purposes. That attitude to Christ still lingers in men’s minds. We would like Christ’s gifts without Christ’s Cross; we would like to use Christ instead of allowing Him to use us.
… William Barclay (1907-1978), The Gospel of John (Vol. 1)
Are you a half-hearted follower of Jesus? When have you followed Him because it’s convenient? Because you think you will have a life of ease? Because you think you will receive what you want? How do you “use” Jesus for your own advancement or purposes? Would God say you are more eager to use Him than to be used by Him? We all have trouble dying to ourselves, why not ask Jesus to answer the following prayer: “Lord, may you become greater in my life. . . and may I become less.” (John 3:31)
Written by Marji “Mike” Kruger
