We’ve been considering why there were only 120 people in the Upper Room after the resurrection. What happened to all the others? What happened, for example, to the 5,000 “men” that Jesus fed as recorded in all four gospels.

But Jesus said, “They need not go away; you give them something to eat.” They said to him, “We have only five loaves here and two fish.” And he said, “Bring them here to me.” Then he ordered the crowds to sit down on the grass, and taking the five loaves and the two fish, he looked up to heaven and said a blessing. Then he broke the loaves and gave them to the disciples, and the disciples gave them to the crowds. And they all ate and were satisfied. And they took up twelve baskets full of the broken pieces left over. And those who ate were about five thousand men, besides women and children. (Matthew 14.16 – 21, ESV, emphasis mine)

5,000 – 15,000+ people! “They all ate and were satisfied.” BUT, they did not have a relationship with Jesus, as we wrote the past two days. In fact, when Jesus tried to do serious teaching after feeding them:

Many of his disciples turned back and no longer walked with him. (John 6.66, ESV)

I’m reminded of those who love to listen to great teaching. I remember from when I was on the staff of a large church seeing a fellow come out of a Wednesday night session in which one of our church’s leading lay teachers was holding forth. He was so excited: “That Andy. He sure can teach!” I should have said to him, “Yes, he can. What’s one thing you’re taking away from tonight’s teaching?” I didn’t ask him because I’m pretty sure he wouldn’t have been able to answer.

When it comes to relationship with Jesus, listening to great teaching and experiencing a miracle is not enough.

Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. (James 1.22, NIV)

Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock. But everyone who hears these words of mine and does not put them into practice is like a foolish man who built his house on sand. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell with a great crash.” (Matthew 7.24 – 27, NIV, emphasis mine)