Needy by Default
Jesus healed people who were sick and fed people who were hungry. Because of that, great crowds were following Him.
But He wanted them to know that who He was was greater than what He had to offer…
“Then Jesus declared, 'I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never go hungry, and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty.'"
John 6:35 NIV
God could have hardwired us to need nothing, but instead, He made us dependent on things like food, water, oxygen, sleep, sunlight—and Him. He designed this world intentionally, with specific needs and certain limitations.
We are needy by default.
Just as food and water are essential for human life, everyday realities point us to spiritual truths…
We need Jesus even more than we need the essentials of life.
We can search for fulfillment in our work and relationships, as well as in money, fame, power, sex, achievement, and adventure. But it all results in emptiness. It’s all like chasing after the wind.
So let’s not just follow Jesus merely for what He has to offer, but for who He is. Let’s realize that this world will never satisfy, but we already have access to true nourishment.
We can come to Him to be filled because He is the bread of life.
Live Prepared
Pause and think of the people who, at a moment’s notice, have to be ready for anything. Maybe your list includes first responders, the military, athletes, teachers, parents, pilots, surgeons, or pastors.
But does your list include you?
As followers of Jesus, we are called to…
“…Be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect.”
1 Peter 3:15 NIV
We can’t expect people to observe what Jesus has commanded unless we are also observing His commands ourselves.
Do we want people to learn about God’s love? Then we need to show God’s love to people. Do we want people to learn about Jesus’ compassion? Then we need to be compassionate. Do we want people to give generously? Then we need to be good stewards of our own money. Do we want people to study God’s Word? Then we need to study it for ourselves.
When you give Jesus control over your life, you allow His ...