Jesus Alone Satisfies
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,” (John 6:26).
In Scripture, it seems that the miracles are always a double-edged sword; they carry a double significance. The first meaning is very simple and obvious; the miracle meets the immediate need of the moment in a way that is important to the purposes of God. Always in these miracles there is another side.
The miracle is not simply an act of God to meet a need; it also becomes a parable with spiritual significance. This was the normal pattern of the miracles Jesus performed. The feeding of the five thousand functions on these two levels. The crowd was hungry, and Christ looked at them with compassion, knowing that some could not make it home without nourishment. They were there because of him, and he felt responsible for their well-being, so he fed them.
On a deeper level, Jesus took this miraculous event and made it the basis for his presentation to them of the sacrament of the Lord’s Supper. He taught them about their own hunger and appetites, which earthly elements would never meet. If they ever wanted to be truly satisfied, they must participate in that which his body and his blood represents. They must have his very life within them.
Only he could satisfy their souls. Jesus may be meeting the physical needs of your life and yet you may be totally unaware that he wants to meet a much deeper and more burning need in your heart. He wants to satisfy you with himself. Ultimately nothing else will do.
—Dennis Kinslaw
This Day with the Master
With the truth of this devotional thought before us—that Jesus’ meets our physical needs as a means of also meeting deeper spiritual needs within us—we ought to consider all of His provisions in this light. Why has He provided you with this day’s daily bread beyond the reason of sustenance? Why has he forgiven this day’s trespasses beyond the obvious need of cleansing and redemption? What might He do with these blessings in our lives as we live and move in our faith among others? What ministry might He accomplish in and through us as we give thanks and share of HIs faithfulness with others? Live to tell of His goodness today! —DH
—David Hoskins, Founder & Care Guide, Sanctuary Clinics