Confused Crowd (John 6:15)

Just the next verse further validates the crowd's flawed perception of who Jesus was. John 6:15 "They were about to come and take Him by force to make Him king."

The desires of the population at the time is much like the uprising in Egypt today. The people want a righteous ruler to take care of them and give them more rights and prosperity.

The Jewish population looked at Jesus as a "prophet" and someone who could be their earthly leader. Think of the prestige associated with gaining "grass roots" support and leading a coup to take over a corrupt regime. Risky but, wow if you pulled it off, you would be in the history books! Christ would have a good life leading these people and he would have the masses supporting him. He could be their earthly king and enjoy all the royalties associated with being a ruler on earth.

But remember, Jesus had focus and was here to do the Father's will. He was here to forever change the hearts and minds of His followers. That change would be more than leading the crowd as king on earth. It was a change that would go deeper and in the core of every one's spiritual being. The change Christ offered was not some hollow campaign promise. It is real. It is a formula for spiritual change for all mankind. Even us.... over 2,000 years later, are benefiting from the promised change. How futile is the mentality of thinking the people back then wanted Christ to be their earthly king. He is so much more than a king or a president. He is King of kings, Lord of lords, God of the Presidents....He is Almighty God.

At first blush when you see that the crowd saw Jesus as a "Prophet", one might think, finally the Jewish people are getting it! But with critical though and reading the scripture in the context of the setting and seeing other verses, you can see the people were WAY OFF on their perception as to who Jesus was. It's important to apply critical thought when you are reading God's word and don't just stop at initial perceptions. If you do you might miss what God is trying to show you.

Journaling, studying and research of God's Word is so interesting and necessary for spiritual growth. I've heard it said, " the Bible is shallow enough for a baby to wade and deep enough for a theologian to drown." The Bible is available to us no matter what level we are at, for deep understanding and for times of spiritual meditation. We need to cease those moments to dive in deep on God's Word.

Lord, thank you for your Word. Please continue to reveal more layers to us so that we may have a deeper understanding of your plan for our lives and wisdom to light our path, Amen.