We continue with John 6, where the people had observed the signs of His feeding of a great many, possibly up to 20,000 souls. They were impressed, how could they not be? Where in their lives had they encountered anything close to this? As such they declared “This is truly the Prophet who is to come into the world.” (John 6:14)
You might think this was good news, the people recognizing something extraordinary in their midst. Most if not all knew about John the Baptist and his saying he is not the Christ but repent now for the Christ coming. (John 1:19-23)
If they had paid attention to the Rabbis in the synagogues, they would have known and expected the Lamb of God to soon be among them. (John 1:29) From this last event, where so many had been fed with just a few loaves and fishes, this looked like their long predicted King had finally come. (Isaiah 9:6–7)
However, this was not what Jesus wanted. For people to see a great event and then proclaim Him to be King. Jesus knew what was in their hearts, just as He knows what’s in our hearts. You can fool those around you with what you say, but God knows what’s in your heart. Remember the story of Ananias and Sapphira in Acts 5. They sold some property because there had been a great upwelling of the Holy Spirit in the lives of many:
32 And the congregation of those who believed were of one heart and soul; and not one of them claimed that anything belonging to him was his own, but all things were common property to them. 33 And with great power the apostles were giving testimony to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and abundant grace was upon them all. 34 For there was not a needy person among them, for all who were owners of land or houses would sell them and bring the proceeds of the sales 35 and lay them at the apostles’ feet, and they would be distributed to each as any had need. (Acts 5:32-35)
Ananias and Sapphira felt moved and did what others had done, (Acts 4:36-37) but since their hearts were not involved, only their heads, which is the very reason for virtue signalling, they did something truly foolish. Shallow believers think that they can just dip their toes into the righteous waters and that will be good enough. How is it with you? Do you feel drawn to obey God or is it a “do it because that’s what good people do” kind of thing? There is a lot of that going around. God truly knows what’s on your heart so it matters not what you say to anyone, only what you say to the Father. The two who sold property did so because others had done it and they were thought well of. Wanting what Barnabas had received, and to be honored like he had been, but also not wanting to give everything, but keep some back. Keep in mind, there were no rules to giving, just like now. Give what you can, that’s what God asks. But be honest about it. They were not and Peter caught them out. (Acts 5:5-6, 10-11) The young men that did odd tasks for the Disciple were very busy that day.
What have we learned? Hopefully not that you will drop dead if you are dishonest with your Creator, however fear of He who created you is a good thing as stated here: So the Lord commanded us to observe all these statutes, to fear the Lord our God for our good always and for our survival, as it is today. Deuteronomy 6:24
The problem that Jesus had with these people who saw what He did and then were working themselves up to make Him King is it was head knowledge. They had not repented, they were not contrite with the knowledge of their sins. The same thing with Ananias and Sapphira, they were trying to ride in on the honor given to Barnabas. The problem we have is a lack of commitment and honesty with our heart. We know the right and wrong of things as it is written into our hearts. (Hebrews 10:16–17) God wants our whole self to belong to Him, not a shallow, you pray to Him when you’re in trouble, kind of commitment. Jesus wanted these people following Him around to repent and be committed to Him. But it seems they were content to just be followers and you’ll find in scriptures what Jesus thought of that. (Luke 9:23, John 15:5-8, Matthew 10:38, Luke 14:25-35)
When these people were talking about what He had done and were thinking about making Him king, Jesus withdrew to the mountain, alone. He didn’t even bring the disciples with him. (John 6:15) What we are seeing right now in our country, God withdrawing from us. John MacArthur said in a sermon a week or so ago that sin makes us stupid. This is a proverb for our time. Look at what is going on in your life and remove the sin from it. That’s not just a good idea, it’s the Law. Exodus 20, read it if you haven’t and again if you have. Then start in the New Testament, anywhere really and see where sin made people stupid, think Ananias and Sapphira, and where God made simple fisherman into Disciples of the Lamb of God. Consider it homework for the soul. None of us knows the span of our days and when we are dead, we can no longer repent and come to Christ. Don’t be stupid. It is the kindest thing that can be said to you.
May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope.
Rom. 15:13