Jesus Is the Real Thing

The Coca-Cola soft drink company has been in business for more than 100 years. Is there anyone here today who has never drunk a Coke? I doubt it. Now, there are many other soft drinks, but there is only one Coke. In fact, one of the most popular slogans ever used in Coca-Cola advertising is, "It's the Real Thing." Coke may be the "Real Thing" when it comes to soft drinks, but in today's Bible lesson, we will learn what is far more important when it comes to being the "Real Thing" in our life.

In our Bible lesson today, a crowd of people who were present when Jesus fed the 5,000 went looking for Jesus. They got into boats and went to the other side of the lake where they found Jesus. When they found him, they asked, "Rabbi, when did you get here?"

Jesus answered them, "You came looking for me, not because of the miracles I performed, but because you ate the loaves and had your fill. You should not be so concerned about things like food. You should spend your time seeking the eternal life that I can give you, for God, the Father, has given me the seal of his approval."

Now, I am not sure what Jesus meant by saying that God had given him his seal of approval, but I do remember that when Jesus was baptized by John the Baptist, a voice from heaven said, "This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased." I also remember that when Jesus appeared on the Mount of Transfiguration with Moses and Elijah, a voice from heaven said, "This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased. Listen to him!" Those two events could surely be considered God's seal of approval upon his Son.

After Jesus told the crowd that God had given him his seal of approval, they said to Jesus, "Show us a miraculous sign if you want us to believe in you. What can you do? The Scriptures say that Moses gave our ancestors bread from heaven to eat."

Jesus answered, "Moses didn't give them bread from heaven, my Father did, and now he offers you the true bread from heaven. I am the bread of life. Whoever believes in me will never be hungry again."

Some people today are looking for a sign from God to show them that Jesus is the real thing. In God's word, he has given us the only sign we need. He has given Jesus his seal of approval. He said, "This is my Son." So, there is no doubt that Jesus is the real thing!

Father, we thank you for sending your Son. We are thankful that we can know that Jesus is the real thing and there is nothing that we need other than to believe in him. In his name we pray. Amen.