Unknown
Scripture Reflection by Sang Sur on John 6:2,10,26-27,60-61,66 posted January 29, 2010 - Prayer Tents
Link:
Jesus is not after the crowd, but the few.
If Jesus was leading a church as a pastor, there would not be a lot of people—because only a few people would remain. I bet He would attract the crowds, but only some would be faithful.
Some people come to church for personal reasons such as for personal spirituality, as a duty, to make business connections, and to be amongst friends. Yet, as Jesus did, the church (that's us!) ought to reach people meeting their personal needs. Jesus demonstrated this as He healed sicknesses, dealt with problems people had, and even feeding the 5000 men that followed him. However, that was not the end-goal for Jesus.
He first reached for them so that they may reach for God back. You see, Jesus could have built a bigger crowd—heck, he could've even been king (see verse 15); but that's not what He wanted—He did not want a crowd, He wanted the few.
When the crowd gathered, Jesus gave a message that challenged all those people who followed him (see verses 25-59). He said, “I am the bread of life. He who comes to me will never go hungry, and he who believes in me will never be thirsty” (v. 35). People had hard time accepting Jesus as the way to God. No, their hearts were not after God, but instead, they wanted Jesus to deal with more of their problems, feed their hunger, and see more signs that can benefit THEM. They did not care about a relationship with nor even knowing God. They were focused on their own needs and desires.
Jesus basically said, that's not the reason for which I came. I want you to know God—and you can do that only by accepting me, the Bread of Life. He is the food that never spoils, the One who can provide for all our needs.
This required faith, and it was not a straight up logic that people could accept. How could believing and trusting in someone take care of all of my problems and pains? People then were smart just like us. They could tell this was not a logical process.
Then many walked away. They wanted more proof of how God can benefit their lives, and Jesus wasn't giving any. You see, Jesus was never after the crowd. He was never after complacent people who may join bigger churches because they can just go in and come out. Jesus was after the few that would believe in Him and would form a relationship with God.
Are you one of the crowd? The other kind of crowd is also evident, people who are constantly seeking for proof of His existence, even though God has touched and revealed Himself to them, then saying God is not real—then walking away. For those of you that are seeking right now, I encourage you to ask God to reveal Himself to you and when you receive the response, stop challenging God for more proof or benefit in your life; instead, now, you should believe and follow.
Are you the crowd, or the few?
Applications:
1. How does Jesus relate to your everyday life?
2. When you study your patterns of prayers, do you tend to just ask for “your” requests? Do you find your attitude to be similar to that of the crowd that Jesus dismissed?
3. If you are a church leader, do you find yourself constantly trying to please the crowd? or are you truly giving the message from Scriptures? Are you challenging, and even offending some of the members?
4. I know many of us are intellectuals… yes, in the US, many of us had education and logic is highly favored. Yet, faith is not something that can be proved by science or fact (see Hebrews 11:1). Do you believe in God who cannot be proven? Do you believe in Jesus even through the hard times when it feels like the desert? Do you believe in the heavenly Father even though life at home (with family) hurts you? (see v. 26-27)
Be the Few.
2And a large crowd was following him, because they saw the signs that he was doing on the sick. 10Jesus said, “Have the people sit down.” Now there was much grass in the place. So the men sat down, about five thousand in number. 26Jesus answered them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, you are seeking me, not because you saw signs, but because you ate your fill of the loaves. 27Do not labor for the food that perishes, but for the food that endures to eternal life, which the Son of Man will give to you. For on him God the Father has set his seal.” 60When many of his disciples heard it, they said, “This is a hard saying; who can listen to it?” 61But Jesus, knowing in himself that his disciples were grumbling about this, said to them, “Do you take offense at this? 66After this many of his disciples turned back and no longer walked with him.
Friday, January 29, 2010
New York, NY
24
New York, NY
Visible to: public
243 Comments
Scriptures Marked by Sang Sur
Link:
Monday, September 8, 2025
Jesus appoints us the same, to be continually by His side, to preach and have authority to heal the sick and cast out demons.
Jesus appoints us the same, to be continually by His side, to preach and have authority to heal the sick and cast out demons.
Sunday, September 7, 2025
God had a special plan for Peter. All disciples vowed to not deny Jesus. It wasn't just Peter who was confronted with this question. But why was Peter singled out? Because he has a special mission, ... [see more]
God had a special plan for Peter. All disciples vowed to not deny Jesus. It wasn't just Peter who was confronted with this question. But why was Peter singled out? Because he has a special mission, ... [see more]
Tuesday, September 2, 2025
Children do not pay taxes (or are heavily burdened). These verses share two truths regarding our eternal lives. Children (of God), those who have faith in Jesus, will 1. Are exempt from laboring to ... [see more]
Children do not pay taxes (or are heavily burdened). These verses share two truths regarding our eternal lives. Children (of God), those who have faith in Jesus, will 1. Are exempt from laboring to ... [see more]
Tuesday, September 2, 2025
Enjoy our foolishness—that's power! How did Peter, James and John know it was Moses and Elijah? They never saw them from a thousand year ago. They felt it was them, and it was. They spoke foolishl... [see more]
Enjoy our foolishness—that's power! How did Peter, James and John know it was Moses and Elijah? They never saw them from a thousand year ago. They felt it was them, and it was. They spoke foolishl... [see more]
Sunday, August 24, 2025
God's provision. Mary and Joseph had no money to even find a place to give birth, but the angel tells them now to move to a foreign land. Where would they get the provision to do this? God sent the ... [see more]
God's provision. Mary and Joseph had no money to even find a place to give birth, but the angel tells them now to move to a foreign land. Where would they get the provision to do this? God sent the ... [see more]
Saturday, August 23, 2025
How can an eight year old kid know right from wrong, other than to follow the ways of his parents. Jehoiachin has a sad story with parents who believed they were God's followers, but were not. Now th... [see more]
How can an eight year old kid know right from wrong, other than to follow the ways of his parents. Jehoiachin has a sad story with parents who believed they were God's followers, but were not. Now th... [see more]
Friday, August 22, 2025
As kings (leaders in the places where God has established us), people are awaiting the right decision. They want to act, but due to our inattention, they might just twiddle their thumbs hoping for tru... [see more]
As kings (leaders in the places where God has established us), people are awaiting the right decision. They want to act, but due to our inattention, they might just twiddle their thumbs hoping for tru... [see more]
Friday, August 22, 2025
Let this be our cry, in the midst of chaos and uncertainty. Decide to trust God only, then act continually in accordance with that decision.
Let this be our cry, in the midst of chaos and uncertainty. Decide to trust God only, then act continually in accordance with that decision.
Friday, August 22, 2025
First steps as a king (or any position, venture). Take care of things broken that relate to our worship of God. Hezekiah, known as a good king in God's eyes, first repaired the temple his dad messed ... [see more]
First steps as a king (or any position, venture). Take care of things broken that relate to our worship of God. Hezekiah, known as a good king in God's eyes, first repaired the temple his dad messed ... [see more]
Friday, August 22, 2025
When we are bullied (injured by others, led to uncertainty), we are to go to God. The opposite is pride and self-reliance. And it never works.
When we are bullied (injured by others, led to uncertainty), we are to go to God. The opposite is pride and self-reliance. And it never works.
Friday, August 22, 2025
God's grace gives us the ability to turn and repent. When we think about the hardening of the hearts of people in the past (Pharaoh, Israelites, etc.), we can't imagine a winning army turning from th... [see more]
God's grace gives us the ability to turn and repent. When we think about the hardening of the hearts of people in the past (Pharaoh, Israelites, etc.), we can't imagine a winning army turning from th... [see more]
Tuesday, August 19, 2025
Not internalizing what we hear. Joash heard "sermons" all his life. Yet, he didn't internalize them and took them lightly. Perhaps he is a picture of a modern day church-goer who attends faithfully ... [see more]
Not internalizing what we hear. Joash heard "sermons" all his life. Yet, he didn't internalize them and took them lightly. Perhaps he is a picture of a modern day church-goer who attends faithfully ... [see more]
Tuesday, August 19, 2025
Joash never grew up. At seven, he had a great mentor Jehoiada who directed him in God's ways. Things went well when Joash followed. Yet, his growth should have led to making those wise decisions hi... [see more]
Joash never grew up. At seven, he had a great mentor Jehoiada who directed him in God's ways. Things went well when Joash followed. Yet, his growth should have led to making those wise decisions hi... [see more]
Monday, August 18, 2025
When God responds, the actions of a king, and actions of the priests. When God speaks (prophets): Kings kneel before Him submitting to God and causing everyone else to follow suit. Priests rise up ... [see more]
When God responds, the actions of a king, and actions of the priests. When God speaks (prophets): Kings kneel before Him submitting to God and causing everyone else to follow suit. Priests rise up ... [see more]
Monday, August 18, 2025
A way to defend, pray. When a battle comes our way, our immediate stance can be to take action, prepare for war, or do anything to minimize the blow or overcome the attack. Yet, there is a more impo... [see more]
A way to defend, pray. When a battle comes our way, our immediate stance can be to take action, prepare for war, or do anything to minimize the blow or overcome the attack. Yet, there is a more impo... [see more]
Sunday, August 17, 2025
How to gain respect. Let God grant that for you. Jehoshaphat didn't do much beyond setting up defenses, which is expected for a king. Yet, there was a strange glow of respect for him throughout the l... [see more]
How to gain respect. Let God grant that for you. Jehoshaphat didn't do much beyond setting up defenses, which is expected for a king. Yet, there was a strange glow of respect for him throughout the l... [see more]
Sunday, August 17, 2025
Asking God for help might be harder than we think, and we should always get into this position of seeking His help! When we are down and don't have the resources and understanding, we have no choice ... [see more]
Asking God for help might be harder than we think, and we should always get into this position of seeking His help! When we are down and don't have the resources and understanding, we have no choice ... [see more]
Sunday, August 17, 2025
Every battle against us, or ones we initiate as God directs is always about God. That's why the priests blow the trumpets to initiate them, not the warriors of battle. The trumpet declares that "you... [see more]
Every battle against us, or ones we initiate as God directs is always about God. That's why the priests blow the trumpets to initiate them, not the warriors of battle. The trumpet declares that "you... [see more]
Saturday, August 16, 2025
Makings of a bad king—God is not important to him. His heart neither cares for or seeks God.
Makings of a bad king—God is not important to him. His heart neither cares for or seeks God.
Friday, August 15, 2025
Giving something valuable. Cattles and sheep were valuable things. That is why it was an offering, giving up something meaningful because we recognize God deserves them and He can always provide us w... [see more]
Giving something valuable. Cattles and sheep were valuable things. That is why it was an offering, giving up something meaningful because we recognize God deserves them and He can always provide us w... [see more]
Friday, August 15, 2025
How did Solomon know the future of Israel? Many of us would like to believe we will always remain faithful, and God (who is good!) will take care of us and keep us in our "blessings." Solomon knew t... [see more]
How did Solomon know the future of Israel? Many of us would like to believe we will always remain faithful, and God (who is good!) will take care of us and keep us in our "blessings." Solomon knew t... [see more]
Thursday, August 14, 2025
Blessings and praise of God, even from a foreign pagan king! All because Solomon sought to do what pleased God, God was honored. It is not hard to evangelize or make Him known. Just seek His kingdom... [see more]
Blessings and praise of God, even from a foreign pagan king! All because Solomon sought to do what pleased God, God was honored. It is not hard to evangelize or make Him known. Just seek His kingdom... [see more]
Thursday, August 14, 2025
A center of worship where people would go. It is Biblical to have a place of worship, and to go physically for that purpose. Reliance on online activities will detract from our surrender and worship ... [see more]
A center of worship where people would go. It is Biblical to have a place of worship, and to go physically for that purpose. Reliance on online activities will detract from our surrender and worship ... [see more]
Thursday, August 14, 2025
Chronicles was written after the events. In hindsight, Solomon did well and God was with him and gave him much help. How awesome it would be to say that about our lives after we die. We can! Like S... [see more]
Chronicles was written after the events. In hindsight, Solomon did well and God was with him and gave him much help. How awesome it would be to say that about our lives after we die. We can! Like S... [see more]
Tuesday, August 12, 2025
One mistake that affects others. Leaders are held at a high standard. Others can suffer because of a leader's lack of holiness.
One mistake that affects others. Leaders are held at a high standard. Others can suffer because of a leader's lack of holiness.
Tuesday, August 12, 2025
Confidence that comes from trusting God. David was not the only one confident in what God can do through him. With David's faith, others in his leadership held the same crazy faith and confidence to... [see more]
Confidence that comes from trusting God. David was not the only one confident in what God can do through him. With David's faith, others in his leadership held the same crazy faith and confidence to... [see more]
Tuesday, August 12, 2025
How awesome when God is for us (and we are in His heart's plans). God fights for us, and we win.
How awesome when God is for us (and we are in His heart's plans). God fights for us, and we win.
Sunday, August 10, 2025
Commanders of thousands bow before God. (So does the king who command the commanders of thousands). Those who are in the battlefield day in, day out, in battle the previous day, or in continual train... [see more]
Commanders of thousands bow before God. (So does the king who command the commanders of thousands). Those who are in the battlefield day in, day out, in battle the previous day, or in continual train... [see more]
Feature coming soon
Feature coming soon