John 6:26-27 - Living From, Not For Approval
John 6:26-27 - Living From, Not For Approval
Identity is a powerful force for us as humans. Just think about it, when you meet someone for the first time, what is the first question you ask? What do you do? Granted, I have noticed that women do not as quickly go to the what do you do question like men do. But, we typically summarize the distill down the identity of someone, and often ourselves by what we do. And it is this very act that leads us down a very dangerous and destructive path.
Our identity as a person is not wrapped up or defined by what we do for a living, or what we have done - our identity is in who we are, and who God the Father says we are.
After Jesus fed the five thousand and retreated into the mountains, the disciples headed off to Capernaum in their boat. You know the story, the set-off rowing, and the waters grew rough...Jesus was walking on water and said to them, “It is I; don’t be afraid.” You know the story. They land on shore, and the next day, guess what...the crowds form again, and everyone want’s to be near and see this man Jesus. The masses found Jesus and asked him when he arrived.
“When they found him on the other side of the lake, they asked him, “Rabbi, when did you get here?” Jesus answered, “Very truly I tell you, you are looking for me, not because you saw the signs I performed but because you ate the loaves and had your fill. Do not work for food that spoils, but for food that endures to eternal life, which the Son of Man will give you. For on him God, the Father has placed his seal of approval.” Then they asked him, “What must we do to do the works God requires?”” - John 6:25-28 NIV
First, I find it so interesting and fun to watch how Jesus responds to questions. So rarely does he ever answer what is asked. He always pulls a ninja-like move...watch for it.
Next, some interesting insight here I read in a commentary. We see that instead of telling them when and why He came, Jesus told them why they came – because they wanted more food miraculously provided by Jesus. The commentary went on to say that often we can learn more from understanding the reason we ask God a question than from the answer to the question itself. Think about that for a moment, what is the motive behind the questions we are asking God? What is the root, the underlying element of the question? Jesus bypasses the question because that was not what they were really asking, there was something way deeper inside that they were asking, and he revealed it. Have you ever taken the time to inspect your questions and your prayers? Take some time to understand the reason for your question and prayers.
But let us get to the core of Jesus' message to these people. ...you are looking for me, not because you saw the signs I performed but because you ate the loaves and had your fill. Do not work for food that spoils, but for food that endures to eternal life, which the Son of Man will give you. For on him God the Father has placed his seal of approval.
Performing for, working for, striving for the things of this world that spoil and leave us empty. Jesus was talking about identity, and where we find ours...our identity is not wrapped up in what we do, what we have, where we live, or in anything of this world. This “bread” may fill us up for a little while, a few hours, maybe a day or so, but we will need our fill again. That cycle is vicious and will chew us up and spit us out and leave us empty and destroyed. Our identity, our life, our being is found in who we are in Christ, and that is where our seal of approval comes from. We must recognize that we do not work, or strive for approval from God, God the Father has placed his seal of approval on us, and we live from it.