John 6:22-24, Following After Jesus

22On the next day the crowd that remained on the other side of the sea saw that there had been only one boat there, and that Jesus had not entered the boat with his disciples, but that his disciples had gone away alone. 23Other boats from Tiberias came near the place where they had eaten the bread after the Lord had given thanks. 24So when the crowd saw that Jesus was not there, nor his disciples, they themselves got into the boats and went to Capernaum, seeking Jesus. 

We could call Jesus, “the runaway Evangelist!” He lays out the good news in word and deed and then leaves this tremendous crowd behind. The people are looking for him, but he has escaped on foot across the water. They knew he was not in the boat with his disciples, so where could he have gone? Knowing that Capernaum is his base, they follow him in their boats because they want more of Jesus. They are seeking him. 

What exactly does it mean to seek Jesus? I believe it means to understand him better, to get to spend time with him. In this instance, they know something about him that has captivated them to the extent nothing can deter them—not even his unseen disappearance. Spending time following him takes these people away from tending to the basic necessities of life. Yet, they are willing to put regular life on hold to be in the presence of Jesus. Not fully understanding that he is God, they do know he is more than a typical man. 

Hearing the words of Jesus today in the four gospels, people are captivated and drawn to him through his parables, such as the Good Samaritan and the Prodigal Son, and his bold statements of love and forgiveness. The forgiveness and love of God and neighbor he proclaims stands in sharp contrast to our often times cruel and judgmental culture. Jesus appears to be the antithesis of politicians, tyrants, and corporations. Everyone seeks love and acceptance in life, and it appears these are freely offered by Jesus. But can this be true? That is why people seek him—to see if what they hear is really true. 

What truth do you know about Jesus in your own life? Talk to him today about forgiveness, unconditional love and acceptance.