Mar 26

Nicodemus, like many in the crowds following Jesus because they saw his miracles, may have been caught up in those miracles. It is easy, after all, to stand by the side and admire unusual, interesting phenomena from a safe distance. Such seeing does not personally affect us.

That is how many prefer to view God. They do not want that close, personal encounter that threatens their supposed independence from God.

But God will have none of that. Jesus revealed to the crowds the true reason they followed him. "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).

How many people come to Jesus because there they find mental or psychological satisfaction, get "filled up" and satisfied, with the byproducts of knowing Jesus, instead of knowing him in full as Lord of their lives?

There are levels of knowing Jesus. At the bottom level, he can, since he is God, provide for physical needs. Then, at the next level, that of the soul, he can, indeed, satisfy the human soul as no other can.

But neither of these levels of satisfaction is meant to be a substitute for knowing Jesus at the deepest level, that of the spirit. Once he is surrendered to there, the fullness of life he came to bring will become available at the other two levels external to the spirit within us.

Scripture for today: John 6:25-29
Thought for today: The bread which Jesus offers me is the bread of life.
Prayer for today: Thank you, Jesus, for breaking yourself for me on the cross as my bread of life.

MAR 26