August 12, 2020 -- John 6:2 -- Liver quiver or arrow straight service

And a large crowd was following him, because they saw the signs that he was doing on the sick.

John 6:2 English Standard Version

Crowds were following Jesus because He was doing amazing things. If you think about it, that is no different than people going to a Cirque du Soleil performance. The acrobatics are beyond description. The sounds and costumes and constant activity grip the mind and fire the imagination. And then one goes back to ordinary life. Sure you may tell a few friends, but the experience fades away.

It is the warning carried in this short verse today. Why are you following Jesus? Is it for performance? Do you expect that He will heal you? Do you expect He will manage your finances? Do you imagine He will somehow thrill you?

When Jesus began to teach this fickle crowd, many of them drifted off They wanted signs. They wanted the miraculous. What they didn’t want is transformation. They didn’t want the Savior, Who in Himself is altogether excellent, beautiful and worthy of praise. Jesus asked Peter and the disciples if they were ready to abandon Him as well. Listen to the answer. “Simon Peter answered him, “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life,” (John 6:68 ESV). What a beautiful truth. Where else would we go, but to Jesus?!

In contrast to “Cirque du Soleil” or a sporting event—Jesus changes His followers from the inside out. Each day is given in faith-filled service to Him. Each moment an opportunity to learn of Him, praise Him, teach others of His glory and offer the ordinary tasks of our day as a chance to bless those He has put in our lives. Those captured by Christ find in Him their hope and joy, their life’s great reward.

King Jesus with those first disciples and Your followers through-out the ages we declare: “You have the words of life, to whom shall we go?” Fill us with Your Spirit so that our days will be transformed in dedicated service to You, praise to You, and blessing to the people You have placed in our lives. Father in heaven, gather in the full measure of the people You have entrusted to Jesus our Savior. Let Your renown and splendor echo across this earth. Amen.