Daily Delight

It was getting late, the disciples were growing restless because the huge crowd of people in front of them was going to realize soon that their hunger to hear Jesus’ words was overpowered by their hunger for a meal. They gently ask Jesus to dismiss the multitude to find dinner and lodging for the night. Instead of heeding their advice, Jesus simply takes a boy’s donated meal, blesses it, and feeds over 5,000 people. The disciples were astonished to find that not only was everyone completely full, but there were baskets of leftovers.

The excitement from this miracle electrified the people. They recognized Him as the second Moses promised to come. They saw how He provided for them as Moses did in the wilderness, and they expected Him to deliver them from the tyranny of Rome. They go to great lengths to track Him down the next day and demand more signs. He says to them, “I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never go hungry, and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty” (John 6:35). Even after this, the people don’t understand. They leave confused, and many of His disciples desert Him.

Jesus knew what the people were seeking. They wanted signs, they wanted power, but they didn’t want Him. He wanted them to fulfill them beyond their physical needs, but they only wanted a solution to their present problem. 

After many of his followers left Him, Jesus asked the Twelve if they were leaving Him too. Simon Peter said, “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life” (John 6:68). He recognized Jesus as the only one who could truly satisfy his soul. When I read this, I think about all the times I’ve gone to God asking for a quick fix, and all the while He is offering me the greatest thing of all: Himself. How would my priorities change if I truly understood all of who Jesus is and the fullness that comes from knowing Him?

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Photo: @fromevelynsheart

	Amanda Hertzler
	Amanda lives in Wyomissing, PA with her husband and new beaglier puppy. When she is not working at her job in Human Resources, you could probably find her either hiding with a book and a large cup of tea, or dancing around her house singing whatever song happens to be in her head in that moment. She also enjoys running, baking, and hanging out with the crazy teens who actually trust her to be one of their youth group leaders. Recently, Amanda has been learning more about what it means to pursue the true identity of who she is in Christ, rather than live under fear, inadequacy, or perfectionism. She's a bit of a slow learner, but thankfully there's lots of grace for that. She loves connecting with new people so please reach out with comments or questions.