In advertising there is a concept called, ‘perceived quality’. It is the impression of excellence that a customer experiences about a product, brand, business, or organization. It is created through design, packaging, presentation, or by having best actors or sportspeople as ambassadors to promote the product, etc. Imagine two seemingly identical headphones. One, adorned with a sleek design and a prestigious brand logo, commands a premium price. The other, sporting a utilitarian look and a generic label, sits unnoticed on the shelf. Despite potentially equal functionality and excellence, perceived quality steers customers to think big about the product; but in truth the product may be far from what is seen and perceived.
John chapter 6 begins with Jesus feeding thousands of people; and then on thousands follow him. There were large crowds around him; they kept going with him everywhere, even over to the other shore. They kept searching and seeking after him. It looked as though the kingdom that Jesus came to establish is already founded and flourishing. But Jesus was not carried away by the perceived quality and quantity. He bluntly confronted them saying, “I tell you the truth, you are looking for me, not because of the signs you saw, because you ate bread to your satisfaction” (John 6: 26).
Church, often from its numbers, buildings, noise, decorations, institutions, etc. looks great, big, and amazing; look a little deeper, we see broken families, shallow ritualism, and confused pastors and leaders. Most of us have come around for some personal benefit or for the feel good factor of being together. Christians often are far from being compassionate, inclusive, and critical. We are often fig trees without fruits, but only leaves (Mark 11:12-25). Jesus walked alone with his cross, he still walks alone with his cross. He asks Peter and team and all of us, “You men could not stay awake with me for one hour?” (Matthew 20: 40-45).
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