03.17. Around the Sea of Galilee

Around the Sea of Galilee When the twelve returned from their first period of work around Galilee, Jesus tried to have some time alone with them. They had found that working for the Messiah’s kingdom placed such demands on them that they barely had time to eat. Jesus also needed a break, but the sight of people in need always moved him to pity. And the crowds who wanted his help were numbered in thousands.¹

Although the needs of these people were mainly spiritual, Jesus did not ignore their physical needs. When he miraculously fed a huge crowd with five loaves and two fish, many wanted to make him king immediately. This might have pleased some of Jesus’ followers, but for him it was a possible temptation. He therefore went up into the hills behind the lake to be alone and pray, while his disciples got into a boat and began rowing across to Bethsaida.²

Before the disciples could reach Bethsaida, a storm blew up that might have sunk their boat had not Jesus suddenly intervened. They did not think to call for his help, in spite of the power they had seen when he fed the great crowd. Others, by contrast, expected Jesus to supply them with whatever they wanted. They followed him not because they felt a spiritual need, but because they believed he had magical powers that could keep them well fed.³

Jesus did not persevere indefinitely with those whose interests were entirely selfish. He urged them to think about spiritual and eternal issues, not just things that were physical and temporal. His words, ‘I am the bread of life’, are as necessary for us as they were for the people of his day.⁴ Unless people eat of this ‘bread’ they cannot be saved, cannot be in Christ’s kingdom, and cannot have eternal life.

Many, when they heard Jesus say this, turned back from following him. But not the true followers. Such people know that life is more than bread, and it is found in Jesus Christ alone.⁵ 1. Mark 6:30-34; Mark 6:44 2. Mark 6:45-46; John 6:15-17 3. Mark 6:47-52; John 6:18-26

4. John 6:35-51 5. John 6:66-68; cf. Matthew 4:4

Sea of Galilee, Capernaum