What does true satisfaction look like? (part 1)
Everyone desires to be happy and satisfied. The Cambridge Dictionary defines ‘satisfied’ as being pleased because you have got what you wanted, or because something has happened in the way that you wanted. While there are different ways to be satisfied, we will learn what true satisfaction looks like according to John 6:22-40.
Based on the passage, there are two things we can learn about true satisfaction:
1 . True satisfaction cannot come from a false view of satisfaction (v22-27)
The same crowd that had just been fed by Jesus earlier in the chapter had now followed Jesus to the other side of the lake. When they reached him, Jesus rebuked the crowd for following him for the wrong reasons. Jesus said the crowd followed him only for the physical and temporary benefits instead of satisfying their spiritual hunger. The crowd believed that satisfaction meant to have their worldly desires satisfied, however Jesus told them not to work for food that spoils or for temporary false satisfaction, but for food that leads to eternal life.
Sometimes, we desire for the type of lifestyle that leads to worldly comfort and security. However this is a false view of satisfaction that will never truly satisfy. We also shouldn't follow Jesus to gain worldly possessions or to fulfil our self-centred motives. Instead we should follow Jesus because he is the truth and his way is the way to live. True satisfaction only comes from Jesus and living for the Kingdom of God.
Questions
How does the world define satisfaction?
Have you ever fallen into the trap of living by the worlds definition of satisfaction?
How might the world's definition of satisfaction cause us to disobey God?
2 . True satisfaction comes from having a relationship with Jesus (v28-40)
The crowd now asked Jesus how to work for food that leads to eternal life. Jesus simply replied that they needed to believe in the one who God has sent. In verse 35, Jesus says ‘I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never go hungry, and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty’. In this verse, Jesus was not referring to physical hunger or thirst but the full satisfaction that one can receive by going to him and believing in Him.
Jesus teaches us that we can only satisfy spiritual hunger and thirst and sustain spiritual life by having a relationship with Jesus. Just as bread needs to be eaten to sustain life, Christ must be invited into our daily walk to sustain our spiritual life. To have a relationship with Jesus means no longer living for sin but to turn around and make a commitment to live in obedience to him.
For there to be a good relationship, it is important that both sides should listen and speak equally. God is always speaking to us through the bible, our prayers, other people and situations. Just as God is willing to listen to us, it is our responsibility to keep listening to God.
Having a good relationship with Jesus is what allows us to have true satisfaction.
Questions
What do you think a "relationship" with Jesus look like?
How has your relationship with Jesus been recently? If good, how can you tell and if bad, then why?
Has a bad relationship with Jesus ever caused you to feel unsatisfied or even burnt out?
What can you do to strengthen your relationship with Jesus this week?
Dear Heavenly Father ,
Thank you for your grace and allowing us to have a relationship with your son Jesus. We pray that we will set aside all worldly distractions and fully trust that the way you want us to live will lead us to true satisfaction. May we continue to invite you into our daily walk to sustain our spiritual life.
In Jesus’ name,
Amen