Week 22, Day 4: Why Do We Seek Jesus?
Today’s Reading: John 7:1-8:59
Some thoughts from yesterday’s reading…
In John chapter 6, John records for us the account of Jesus feeding the 5000. Not long after this, Jesus came into Capernaum, and was followed there by those that had been a part of the crowd that had been fed. They were seeking Jesus, but for the wrong reasons. In fact, when they found Jesus, He told them plainly that they were seeking Him, not for the signs that He had performed, but rather for the food (John 6:26). He encouraged them to work for the food which does not perish, rather than that which does.
It is interesting to read this passage and then take note of the religious, denominational world. Just tonight, I drove past a church that had a big sign out front advertising a free meal. Not surprisingly, there was a line forming at the door, mostly of transients who were looking for a free meal. Those people were not looking for Christ (and were certainly not going to truly find Him there). They only cared about finding something to fill their bellies. They are much like those people who followed Jesus around, hoping for a free meal. Notice that Jesus was not going to entertain their ideas about what He should do. He refused to give them another meal, as it was not something that was needed at the time. But, the denominational world continues to offer food as the impetus by which they draw people into their assemblies.
Many in the Lord’s church come dangerously close to the same concept. They will not hold out food, but they will hold out all manner of other “freebies” to get people to “come to church” with them. It seems almost like bribing people to attend worship services. They will mow grass in exchange for a person coming to church. Or they will give gifts to people with the string attached that they must come to church. There is certainly nothing wrong with helping our neighbors out, in fact it is something we should be doing, and doing more of! And there is nothing wrong with inviting people to study the Bible with us, or to come to our assemblies. Again, that is something that we should be doing! But, we should not be trying to entice people into our assemblies or our home bible studies by making them feel guilty or feel like they owe it to us. The gospel is a message that is freely given and freely received. No one should feel like they have to listen to God’s message. God permits free choice, and so should we.
So, why do we seek Jesus? Is it because of the “extras” that have been offered? Or is it because we have “seen the signs” and know that the evidence supports our belief in Him? Hopefully it is the latter, as the former will not provide salvation for our souls!
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