Jesus Met Physical Needs
Every church receives offerings for the poor and gives help to those in need; just as Jesus was willing to do so long ago. Examples:
He turned gallons of water into wine at a wedding reception after the host ran out. [1]
He miraculously fed five thousand hungry people on one occasion and then four thousand on another. [2]
He also healed thousands of people from various diseases and delivered them from demonic oppression. [3]
Jesus Christ was most willing to meet the immediate and physical needs of his neighbors.
Jesus Addressed Spiritual Needs
While Jesus was willing to meet physical needs, he always sought to address spiritual needs also.
He turned the water into wine to demonstrate his glory. He fed the multitudes to demonstrate his goodness. He healed the sick and cast out demons to demonstrate his power and authority.
Jesus used each of these opportunities to draw people to himself. For example, after feeding the multitudes he said this: “I am the bread of life: he that cometh to me shall never hunger; and he that believeth on me shall never thirst.” [4]
Jesus’ Charity Had Limits
After people heard about Jesus’ generosity, multitudes began to follow him everywhere he traveled. In fact, he sometimes had to hide in the mountains and in a boat to avoid them.
One day, when Jesus could no longer avoid the thronging multitudes, he confronted them with these words: “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.” [5]
Jesus knew that the only reason these people were coming to his “church” was to get free stuff. He rebuked them for this and never gave them anything again.
Jesus Calls You to Himself
Like Jesus, we are are not concerned primarily with your immediate and physical needs. Your deepest and most desperate need is spiritual. After Jesus fed the multitudes he called them to trust in him as the Son of God and the Savior of men.
Many in that multitude received Christ and are enjoying the eternal bliss of Heaven right now. Many in that multitude rejected Christ and are suffering unthinkable torments in Hell right now. You are part of a similar multitude. What will you do with Christ?
Scripture references and allusions: [1] John 2:1-11, [2] Matthew 14:13-21, 15:32-39, [3] Luke 6:17-18, [4] John 6:35, [5] John 6:26