People have needs. Humanity, in its fallen state, places survival at the top of its list of needs. Survival needs include: food, then water and then shelter. It is almost impossible for fallen humanity to consider anything else until survival is guaranteed. However, when we enter into a relationship with Jesus and God the Father, we are lifted out of our fallen state and placed into a state of grace. In the state of grace we are for the first time able to think beyond our basic needs and look to the requirements of righteousness. We still want to survive, but following Jesus will change our priorities.

The disciples of Jesus entered into the state of grace, but they still needed to learn how to live righteously, and they recognized that only Jesus could teach them. They called him Rabbi, which means teacher. Having a teacher, and a desire to learn, did not mean that the change would be quick and easy. The change in their hearts would make it easier, but being transformed by the renewing of their minds would be a lifetime journey. They were adult men with a life of learning behind them, and now Jesus was going to have to teach them to think, act and believe in new ways.

Acting with an awareness of earthly needs, His disciples urged Jesus to eat. Jesus used this opportunity to teach them that righteous men have greater needs than feeding the physical body. In a righteous person, the need to do the will of God is greater than even the need to survive.

Jesus later expands on his teaching when he says, “For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me and for the gospel will save it.” Jesus taught by His words, and on the cross He taught by His example. Jesus was preparing His disciples to go into the world and make disciples. Christ’s teaching changed his disciples, and through them, it changed the world.