Most of us know the story of the “loaves and fishes.” Jesus multiplies five barley loaves and two fish into enough to feed a crowd of five thousand—with leftovers. But I’d never really noticed the verse that follows this famous story: “When Jesus knew that they were about to come and take Him by force to make Him king, He withdrew again to the mountain by Himself” (John 6:15).
Even after being miraculously fed, the people still want more. Why settle for one free lunch when you can have a king who could make that happen every day? It’s a quick switch from God’s plan to man’s agenda. And Jesus is having none of it.
Let’s imagine a similar scenario in our lives. God uses us to meet a need at home, work, or church. We expect those involved to be satisfied, but instead they want more too. On the surface, it seems like the servant-hearted response would be to simply comply. But Jesus does the exact opposite. He refuses to be distracted from God’s purpose for His life by the demands of those around Him. Instead He goes away to clearly hear God’s guidance for His next steps.
The crowd finds Jesus again the following day, and He speaks directly. “I assure you: You are looking for Me, not because you saw the signs, but because you ate the loaves and were filled” (Luke 6:26).
Let’s pause and take this in: Jesus had the chance to become the most popular person in Israel. All He had to do was keep producing. People would come, they’d be impressed, and everyone would be happy. And wouldn’t that help spread the gospel? But becoming a fish and loaves factory wasn’t why Jesus was sent. He had His eyes fixed on the cross, the tomb, and eternal life with us.
When we do well, meet needs, and have something to offer there will always be requests for more. And it can seem like what we should do is just go along with whatever is asked of us. But then, over time, we grow weary or resentful and our efforts never really seem to satisfy those we’re serving.
Jesus didn’t do everything He could. He didn’t even do all that others wanted. He simply did what God asked. No more, no less. He understood that while people thought another free meal would fill them, what they really needed was a Savior who could satisfy their soul hunger.
We will have requests to do many good things but we can ask, “What’s God’s very best in my life today?” We discover the answer by spending time in His presence, reading His Word, and listening to His heart—which is always full of grace and truth. Then instead of just giving people what they want, we’ll be able to offer what they truly need. And our loving God, Who not only supplies but also multiplies, will make sure it’s more than enough.
Years ago a wise mentor told Holley Gerth, “The hardest choices in life aren’t between bad and good; they’re between good and best.” She never forgot those heart-freeing words. As a bestselling author as well as life coach, she’s passionate about seeing women released from the stress of a too-full life so they can experience life to the full. Her new You’re Already Amazing LifeGrowth Guide will help you embrace who you are and become all God created you to be.
This article originally appeared in HomeLife Magazine.
