JOHN 6:1-4 “GUESS WHO’S COMING TO DINNER”

1 Some time after this, Jesus crossed to the far shore of the Sea of Galilee (that is, the Sea of Tiberias), 2 and a great crowd of people followed him because they saw the miraculous signs he had performed on the sick. 3 Then Jesus went up on a mountainside and sat down with his disciples. 4 The Jewish Passover Feast was near.

Who is this Jesus? He did great signs and a great crowd followed him. He went up a mountain. And, he did this at a time associated with the Passover. Can you guess what biblical figure a Jew would think he represented?

The revered Prophet and Law-giver of the Jews was God’s servant, Moses. After the miraculous signs in Egypt, the Angel of Death passing over the houses of those protected by the blood of the lamb and his provision of the Law from the mountain, it was Moses through whom God provided for the Israelites and delivered them to the Promised Land. Here St. John is setting up Jesus as one even greater than Moses.

But even what is about to follow will only be another sign; a greater sign, yet still not the reality. The Great Banquet and the eternal deliverance are still to be experienced. For as the ministry of Jesus points back to the Exodus, it also points forward to the Great Consummation, when the Avenger will put down his sword, our deliverance will be complete, we will know God perfectly and the Lamb will be our Groom.

6 Then I heard what sounded like a great multitude, like the roar of rushing waters and like loud peals of thunder, shouting:

“Hallelujah! For our Lord God Almighty reigns.

7 Let us rejoice and be glad and give him glory!

For the wedding of the Lamb has come, and his bride has made

herself ready.

8 Fine linen, bright and clean, was given her to wear.”

(Fine linen stands for the righteous acts of the saints.)

9 Then the angel said to me, “Write: ‘Blessed are those who are invited to the wedding supper of the Lamb!’ ” And he added, “These are the true words of God.” (Revelation 19:6-9)

Lord Jesus, my Savior and my God, keep me ever mindful of who you are, not only in my life but in the world in which I live. May I always think and act in ways that acknowledge who you are. Empower me to live my life as a preparation for that great wedding banquet and an eternity of a perfect relationship with you. Amen.