Hot Fudge Sundae  

John 6:14-21 

So when the people saw the sign which He had performed, they said, This is truly the Prophet who is to come into the world.’ So Jesus, perceiving that they were intending to come and take Him by force to make Him king, withdrew again to the mountain by Himself alone. 

Jesus showed His creative power (a sign of His Deity: “in the beginning God created…”) by multiplying a few loathes and fishes to feed thousands. Verse 14 says as a result “when the people saw the sign which He had performed, they said, ‘this is truly the Prophet who is to come into the world.'”   

But they interpreted Jesus incorrectly. Fueled by their physical needs and their weariness of being ruled by the Romans, they wanted a national leader. 

What a contrast 

Let’s contrast the Jews with the Samaritans.  The Samaritans “heard Jesus’ words and believed in Him”. Spiritual transformation took place in Samaria. The Jews, on the other hand, saw His signs and wanted Him to become their physical King and subdue the Romans. Verse 15 says,  

“Jesus, perceiving that they were intending to come and take Him by force to make Him king, withdrew again to the mountain by Himself alone.” 

What about me?   

It’s easy for me to criticize the Jews for being short-sighted but perhaps their physical lives were hard and it was difficult to see past the pain and oppression they lived in. I’m convicted that I am often consumed with my life on earth as well.  

• Is my job secure?  
• Do I have enough money to be secure?  
• Am I happy, fulfilled, enjoying the good life?  

• What if I get cancer? What if a loved one gets sick? 
• What if something happens to alter my plans? 
• Are my children and grandchildren safe and well?  

When trials, difficulties and tragedies occur, I become consumed with my need for certainty and happiness. My first response is “Jesus, HELP ME”. That’s what the Jews did in this passage. They felt Jesus had the power to save them from their earthly difficulties. They saw the signs and they wanted more from Him. Nevertheless, JESUS WITHDREW from them.   

Hot fudge sundae please! 

In the coming verses, the people continue to pursue Him and instead of feeding them and meeting their physical wants, He TEACHES THEM A SPIRITUAL LESSON.  He will teach them that He is the bread of life. They wanted a Physical king and He gave them a spiritual analogy. That’s like ordering a hot fudge sundae and being served steamed vegetables.  

Sometimes when I pray to be rescued it feels like JESUS WITHDRAWS rather than resolves my difficulty. 

Lord, during times of difficulties are when you want to teach me, to develop my spiritual character, to strengthen my love for you. Col 3:2 says “set your mind on the things above, not on the things that are on the earth.” I am too earthly minded. Father, strengthen my heart and mind to focus on eternity and the work you are doing in my soul. May I not seek signs but simply hear your word and believe. Help me to walk by faith and not by sight. Amen