Signs and Wonders, Oh My!

Jesus told them, “This is the only work God wants from you: Believe in the one he has sent.” (John 6:29)

The crowds looked for Jesus until they found him. They were curious, but were they intent on knowing him? I think their response to his words says it all. They want to 'do works' like he does. He wants them to know him, deeply, without hesitation, following truth and not signs. The more we seek signs and wonders, the less likely we are to really 'connect' with Jesus. Signs and wonders serve a purpose - to draw people. They are not the 'thing' to be sought. Believe in the one who performs such signs and wonders and in the one who sent him to this earth on our behalf - that is the ultimate goal of all signs and wonders. 

Jesus replied, “I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never be hungry again. Whoever believes in me will never be thirsty. But you haven’t believed in me even though you have seen me. However, those the Father has given me will come to me, and I will never reject them. For I have come down from heaven to do the will of God who sent me, not to do my own will. And this is the will of God, that I should not lose even one of all those he has given me, but that I should raise them up at the last day. For it is my Father’s will that all who see his Son and believe in him should have eternal life. I will raise them up at the last day.” (vs. 35-40)

Come to him. Believe he is the Redeemer of mankind. Trust his finished work of redemption on Calvary. Invest in this relationship with him. This is the ultimate goal Jesus pointed these 'followers' toward. They weren't true 'followers' in terms of committed lives, but curious souls seeking the next 'good show'. Too many times, church 'attendees' are nothing more than 'curious souls seeking the next good show'. They lack the depth of relationship that comes from truly embracing Christ as their Lord and Savior. Their 'walk' goes no deeper than 'pew warmers'. 

That said, Jesus offered those who would search for him with open hearts and minds the joy of entering into a deeply personal relationship with him. That relationship opens all of heaven to us - nothing is held back for those who hunger and thirst after righteousness, not signs and wonders. They say, 'seeing is believing', but that isn't always true, is it? Some 'see' but never believe. Some 'hear', but never truly listen. Some 'seek', but never truly find whatever it was they sought. Why? It comes down to the heart. The heart must hunger and thirst for 'right-standing' with God. Just sayin!