We can read in John’s gospel, 6:1-14 of how Jesus fed about 5,000 people with only 5 barley loaves and 2 fish. When everyone was filled, there were 12 baskets full of leftovers! How that happens, I don’t know, but Jesus does. Later, some of those folks were still looking for him, but he said, “…you seek Me, not because you saw signs, but because you ate of the loaves and were filled” (6:26). The signs proved he was the Messiah, but the bread briefly satisfied the flesh. Which do you suppose to be more important?

Matthew wrote of how the mother of James and John asked for her boys to have a special place of honor with Jesus (20:20-28). That’s what she wanted and apparently the boys concurred. The other apostles were angry about this, which is often the result of self-seeking ambition. In contrast, Jesus said that he did not come to be served, but to serve. Which seems better to you?

Jesus was brought before Herod after his arrest in the garden. Luke wrote that Herod was glad and had wanted to see him for a long time only so he could see a miracle happen (23:8). Herod sought entertainment, but the signs were to bring about faith. Which would you rather have?

Even after the resurrection, the apostles were still thinking in terms of their nation rather than the world. “Lord, is it at this time You are restoring the kingdom to Israel?”, Acts 1:6. At this point Jesus’ closest disciples still held on to a nationalistic view of his work. But God sent him because he so loved the world. Which do we love more?

Perhaps you began reading this thinking I would tell you what you should want from Jesus. No offense, but like those above, and me as well, you will have to figure that out for yourself.