This group of people had been searching for Jesus ever since he fed the crowd with a few loaves of bread. When they found him in Capernaum, he told them, “You are looking for me, not because you saw miraculous signs but because you ate the loaves and had your fill” (John 6:26, NIV). I wonder . . . in youth ministry, do we encourage youth to pursue Jesus because he fills their stomachs or because he is the one who has the words of life?

Jesus’ ministry in the wilderness was very practical. People were hungry. He gave them something to eat. He met their needs. That’s actually a pretty good way to think about youth ministry. The teenagers you work with may not need a square meal, but they do have needs. When we provide friendship, support, a safe place to be with other teenagers, and adults who love them, we do good ministry. That may be the “bread” the youth in our groups need.

But in John 6, Jesus seemed to be saying that people missed the point when they looked to him because he gave them bread. Bread might sustain them for a day. But if they would focus on Jesus himself, they would find something that would sustain them for eternity. A lot of the disciples didn’t get it. They left Jesus in frustration. They just wanted the bread.

Somehow we have to help our teenagers get past the “bread” they get from youth group. We have to help them to turn their focus to the Lord of Life, to believe him, to fall in love with him. Yes, the “bread” is important, but if that is all the teenagers find in our youth groups, I’m afraid they will eventually respond the same way many disciples of Jesus’ time did. When we can’t meet every need they have, they will leave.

Yes, meet the needs of kids. But, never think that is the point. The point is for your students to fall hopelessly in love with Jesus Christ.