2004-06-06 Communion Dedication - Baldwin Christian Church

John 6:15-27

15. When Jesus therefore perceived that they would come and take him by force, to make him a king, he departed again into a mountain himself alone.

I don't have to tell you ladies that the way to your man's heart is through his stomach. This group of 5000 men were following Jesus because they saw His miracles which he did on them that were diseased, but that was nothing compared to a free, all-you-can-eat picnic by the lake. The food was so good, they decided to let Jesus feed them everyday, and they wanted to crown Him king, but they wanted a Burger King, not the King of Kings, so He sends away the disciples and ventures off alone to pray in peace.

16. And when even was now come, his disciples went down unto the sea,
17. And entered into a ship, and went over the sea toward Capernaum. And it was now dark, and Jesus was not come to them.
18. And the sea arose by reason of a great wind that blew.
19. So when they had rowed about five and twenty or thirty furlongs (about halfway to Capernaum), they see Jesus walking on the sea, and drawing nigh unto the ship: and they were afraid.
20. But he saith unto them, It is I; be not afraid. (this is when Peter walked on the water)
21. Then they willingly received him into the ship: and immediately the ship was at the land whither they went.
22. The day following, when the people which stood on the other side of the sea saw that there was none other boat there, save that one whereinto his disciples were entered, and that Jesus went not with his disciples into the boat, but that his disciples were gone away alone;
23. (Howbeit there came other boats from Tiberias nigh unto the place where they did eat bread, after that the Lord had given thanks:)
24. When the people therefore saw that Jesus was not there, neither his disciples, they also took shipping, and came to Capernaum, seeking for Jesus.
25. And when they had found him on the other side of the sea, they said unto him, Rabbi, when camest thou hither?
26. Jesus answered them and said, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Ye seek me, not because ye saw the miracles, but because ye did eat of the loaves, and were filled.
27. Labour not for the meat which perisheth, but for that meat which endureth unto everlasting life, which the Son of man shall give unto you: for him hath God the Father sealed.

What is this "meat which endureth"? It's the reason we came here today. We came here to be humbled, to devour and feast on every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of the LORD; the words of life. Sometimes when I study a passage of scripture for a communion message, words fail me. The words of Jesus seem so very simple here, but as we shall see later in this chapter, many folks try to complicate it. This crowd didn't even mention being hungry when they found Jesus again, but He knew their hearts (and He probably heard their growling bellies). There is power when we receive this unleavened bread and fruit of the vine, and that power does not require symbolism, but it does require simple hearts.

Am I able to honestly say, "My heart yearns not for worldly satisfaction, but for everlasting life"? Can I say that to Jesus now? He's listening, and my words can't deceive Him, because He knows my heart. Can I call upon Him now and say, "Lord, the world is not my friend, but You are." "Lord, the world has been trying to get me down, and I confess that I've tried to fix it on my own without You." Can I tell Jesus now that I trust Him (completely) to provide my family with the "meat that perisheth," so that I can begin seeking first "the kingdom of God"? He's listening, and He knows my heart.