John 6:22:59

At the start of today's reading, the crowds have been looking for Jesus. But He tells them, "...you are looking for me because you ate the bread and had all you wanted, not because you understood my miracles." (6:26)

Jesus knows that the crowd is hungry for bread, but He wants to offer them more. He wants to offer them "the bread of life" (6:35)

There is a popular theology today called the "Prosperity Gospel". This way of thinking basically says that God will reward your faith with good health and material wealth.

This is a theology for those seeking physical bread...and cars, and houses, and big screen TVs. Its main targets are those who feel left behind by society, and who are looking for God to "bring them up" in the world. Of course, what if they don't become rich or healthy? Does that mean God doesn't love them?

Jesus is preaching something entirely different. He can provide physical bread. He proved that to the 5000. But now, He wants to provide something different.

Jesus is offering a spiritual food, through Him, that will satisfy you for all the days of your life. He is offering unconditional love and comfort from God. On the last day, Jesus promises you will be raised to life with Him.

The Prosperity Gospel offers short-term satisfaction. But Jesus is offering you something far more generous, far more satisfying: He is offering life everlasting.

That's better than any car...