April 13, 2023
Why Do People Follow Jesus?
So when the crowd saw that Jesus was not there, nor His disciples, they themselves got into the small boats, and came to Capernaum seeking Jesus. When they found Him on the other side of the sea, they said to Him, Rabbi, when did You get here?" Jesus answered them and said, Truly, truly, I say to you, you seek Me, not because you saw signs, but because you ate of the loaves and were filled. Do not work for the food which perishes, but for the food which endures to eternal life, which the Son of Man will give to you, for on Him the Father, God, has set His seal." Therefore they said to Him, What shall we do, so that we may work the works of God?" Jesus answered and said to them, This is the work of God, that you believe in Him whom He has sent. ...Jesus said to them, I am the bread of life; he who comes to Me will not hunger, and he who believes in Me will never thirst. But I said to you that you have seen Me, and yet do not believe. All that the Father gives Me will come to Me, and the one who comes to Me I will certainly not cast out. For I have come down from heaven, not to do My own will, but the will of Him who sent Me. This is the will of Him who sent Me, that of all that He has given Me I lose nothing, but raise it up on the last day. For this is the will of My Father, that everyone who beholds the Son and believes in Him will have eternal life, and I Myself will raise him up on the last day." Therefore the Jews were grumbling about Him, because He said, I am the bread that came down out of heaven." They were saying, Is not this Jesus, the son of Joseph, whose father and mother we know? How does He now say, `I have come down out of heaven'?" Jesus answered and said to them, Do not grumble among yourselves. No one can come to Me unless the Father who sent Me draws him; and I will raise him up on the last day. John 6:24-44
When Jesus walked this earth, a vast multitude followed Him. They came for many reasons—some noble, some self-serving. The same is true today. It’s important to understand what motivates people to come to Christ, since not all who seek Him are really His followers. In fact, we should each analyze our own Christian walk by asking ourselves, What do I want from Him? How committed am I to being His disciple?
Many of the people who followed Jesus did so because they had urgent needs that He alone could meet. Everywhere He went, the sick and demon-possessed were brought to Him—this is one of the ways God draws us to Himself. Those who can solve their own problems don’t know they need a Savior.
Others came for sensationalism—to see signs and miracles and feel a thrill of excitement. Today some people come to church or conferences to get pumped up. But mountaintop experiences are always followed by valleys. When challenges come, such people are quick to abandon the Lord.
But Jesus’ disciples followed Him because they genuinely believed that He was the Messiah, the very Son of God (Matthew 16:16). Their commitment went beyond emotions. They wanted to know Christ and walk closely with Him.
Are you more interested in what Jesus can do for you than in just being with Him? Do you find it hard to stay committed without some impressive experience to sustain you? Our physical and emotional needs can draw us to the Lord but cannot sustain our walk with Him. Consider starting the new year by reevaluating your commitment to the Lord.
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