John 6:59

Jesus says all these things while teaching in the synagogue in Capernaum. John 6:59 EFP

Why does John find it necessary to throw in this bit of information at this juncture?  Jesus has just concluded one of his most powerful sermons ever, and John’s first comment as he pens this portion of Scripture is to tell us where Jesus is when he says these things…he is in church…teaching.

Does is matter if he is in church when he says these things?  Would he have been any less effective if he was speaking to them on a hillside?  I doubt it.  Yet John feels it’s important to tell me Jesus is in the synagogue when he says these things.  It is the place where the Scriptures are read.  It is a gathering place for people seeking God.  It is the Torah room…where Moses reigns supreme.  The people that came from across the sea had found Jesus teaching in church. 

What had they come looking for in church?  What do I look for?  Do I come expecting to get a boost for the new week?  Do I come to reconnect with fellow believers?  Do I come to hear the usual and expected?  Why do I go?  These reasons may be good, but I sense church is ultimately a place to go meet with Jesus.  Do I find Jesus there?  Do I hear him there?  I can find Jesus anywhere, but I can’t imagine how church is church without him….