S: And a massive crowd of people followed him everywhere. They were attracted by his miracles and the healings they watched him perform. John 6:2 (TPT)
O: Most of the masses were not interested in Jesus; they were there to witness the miraculous (v. 26) – maybe this was the first recorded FOMO (fear of missing out) mob, huh? They wanted to be there when the extraordinary happened, but when it came to actually believing in Jesus and accepting and applying His teachings, this fickle crowd couldn’t hang.
A: So what’s my attraction? What is it about Jesus that draws me in? I mean, you can’t read this passage of Scripture and not examine your own heart. At least I can’t.
And let’s be honest, following Jesus is a lot more involved than just following the latest trend.
It’s everything.
It’s laying down all the flashy enticements of the world to pick up a cross – to be willing to die to yourself and all your selfish desires – to know Him more. That through this, others can know Him, too. It’s kind of crazy, really.
This kind of attraction can only be love.
Radical love.
Unrestrained love that reaches down from heaven to save the lost. Love that binds up the brokenhearted, proclaims freedom for the captives, and release from darkness for the prisoners.
Love.
It’s always been love.
But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.
Romans 5:8 (NIV)
P: Jesus, thank You for Your love and patience with us – with me. Thank You for this radical love that transforms us – may it be Your LOVE in us that attracts others to You. I love You, Jesus. Amen
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