Let’s See What You Can Do

ByJim Stephens

Scripture: John 6:30-34 (Click link for scripture in Bible Gateway)

30 They answered, “Show us a miraculous sign if you want us to believe in you. What can you do? 31 After all, our ancestors ate manna while they journeyed through the wilderness! The Scriptures say, ‘Moses gave them bread from heaven to eat.’” 32 Jesus said, “I tell you the truth, Moses didn’t give you bread from heaven. My Father did. And now he offers you the true bread from heaven. 33 The true bread of God is the one who comes down from heaven and gives life to the world.” 34 “Sir,” they said, “give us that bread every day.” (John 6:30–34 NLT)

“They said, show us a miraculous sign if you want us to believe in you. Let’s see what you can do! Moses gave our ancestors manna while they journeyed through the wilderness. You fed a huge crowd yesterday on the other side of the lake. Let’s see what you can do for us, here and now!” In Capernaum, they were only a few miles from Cana, where Jesus had turned over a hundred gallons of water into good wine at a wedding not long before. If they hadn’t personally tasted the “Jesus Wine” at the wedding or eaten the “Jesus Fish and Chips” the day before, they had certainly heard about those miracles and they wanted to see a show of his power. And they hoped it involved free food and drink!

Jesus said, “Moses didn’t give you bread from heaven. My Father did. And now he offers you the true bread from heaven and that bread is me!” Whatever is good and perfect is a gift coming down to us from God our Father, who created all the lights in the heavens. He never changes or casts a shifting shadow. (James 1:17 NLT)

It’s human nature to want all we can get for ourselves. It’s also human nature to make heroes/idols/rock-stars of those who seem great in our eyes. Under Moses’ leadership, God fed a hungry multitude miraculous food called “manna”. In their eyes, Moses provided the manna. God used Jesus feed thousands with a handful of bread and fish. Their attitude was, “Give us what we want, and you’ll be our rock-star hero!”

Jesus said, “My Father, not Moses, provided the manna. Now my Father has provided the Bread of Life, and it’s not loaves from the oven, it’s me!”

Prayer:

Father, I want to please you and I want to do it for love, not for gain. I’m grateful for miraculous provision and for every good and perfect gift you give. Thank you!