Tuesday, March 21, 2023

Today’s Scripture Reading 
John 6:16–27

When evening came, his disciples went down to the sea, got into a boat, and started across the sea to Capernaum. It was now dark, and Jesus had not yet come to them. The sea became rough because a strong wind was blowing. When they had rowed about three or four miles, they saw Jesus walking on the sea and coming near the boat, and they were terrified. But he said to them, “It is I; do not be afraid.” Then they wanted to take him into the boat, and immediately the boat reached the land toward which they were going.

The next day the crowd that had stayed on the other side of the sea saw that there had been only one boat there. They also saw that Jesus had not got into the boat with his disciples, but that his disciples had gone away alone. Then some boats from Tiberias came near the place where they had eaten the bread after the Lord had given thanks. So when the crowd saw that neither Jesus nor his disciples were there, they themselves got into the boats and went to Capernaum looking for Jesus. When they found him on the other side of the sea, they said to him, “Rabbi, when did you come here?” Jesus answered them, “Very truly, I tell you, you are looking for me, not because you saw signs, but because you ate your fill of the loaves. Do not work for the food that perishes, but for the food that endures for eternal life, which the Son of Man will give you. For it is on him that God the Father has set his seal.” (NRSV)

Reflection

One of my early prayer practices, I was taught was to count my blessings. I am thankful for the roof over my head. I am thankful that I know where my next meal is coming from. It continues to be an important practice, because some days when I feel like everything is going wrong, I need the reminder of everything I have going for me. But as I read this passage and think about my many earthly blessings, I wonder how often this practice results in me turning to Jesus in prayer and asking for earthly things. After all, Jesus just fed 5,000, walks on water, and then immediately transports the disciples to shore at the first sign of the storm. Surely Jesus can provide for my needs. In fact, it is easy to focus on the first half of this passage and tell myself, if I trust Jesus, he will see me through the storms of life. But that isn’t where the passage ends.

But the disciples did not ask Jesus to take them to the safety of the shore. They wanted to take him into the boat. Maybe that was for safety reasons as well, I don’t know. But it strikes me that what Jesus provided was not exactly what they were asking for. Then when the crowd arrives, having followed Jesus across the sea, Jesus rebukes them for following him for the wrong reasons. And I identify with the crowd. Asking Jesus to provide for me. I work for the food that perishes because it is what I know, but I long to better understand the food that endures for eternal life.

Prayer

Help me to work for the food that endures for eternal life. Help me to shift my focus from earthly desires and to understand the larger picture. Amen.

Written by Katie Patterson, Youth Program Manager

Reflection and prayer © Fourth Presbyterian Church

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