A SEMINAL secular work on the *psychology of human development indicates that there are five stages of need each of us must satisfy to achieve a fairly reasonable level of happiness in life. These needs range from the basic physiological needs such as food, shelter, and clothing to the realization of our best selves. If the lower order of need is not met, then we cannot motivate ourselves to strive to the next need in the stage of hierarchy. The first four stages are stated as deficiency needs, all of which must be realized successively before the consummation of the highest need, self-actualization, is achieved.
The lower levels of need may take precedence back over the other levels at any point in time. A clear mega-illustration of this in today’s world are the masses of peoples fleeing war-torn countries. Whatever level of comfort and happiness they may have once enjoyed, they are now forced to struggle for very basic food, drink, shelter and clothing. Across the millennium, Jesus says about them, “the poor you will always have with you.” (Matt. 26:11) And, throughout these same centuries, Jesus says to them, “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” (Matt. 11:28) But Jesus’ words are not meant to simply help the impoverished to find their basic necessities; instead, all of his teachings inherently leverage the human condition to a higher existence. He says, “I have come that you may have life, and have it to the full.” (John 10:10b) He portrays this as a life filled with “A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, poured into your lap.” (Luke 6:38)
Such provision is a sovereign act of God, the one who created us and knows our every need. It only occurs in a covenant relationship with him through Jesus. Isaiah clearly speaks prophetically of this. Just past his prophecies concerning the crucifixion of Jesus (cf. Isa. 53:1-12), and the future promises to a restored Israel (cf. Isa. 54:1-17) he speaks of heaven’s in-breaking covenant of grace, and its overarching provision for every human need. “Come, all you who are thirsty, come to the waters; and you who have no money, come, buy and eat! Come, buy wine and milk without money and without cost. Why spend money on what is not bread, and your labor on what does not satisfy? Listen, listen to me, and eat what is good, and you will delight in the richest of fare. Give ear and come to me; listen, that you may live.” (Isa. 55:1-3)
Early in Jesus’ earthly ministry he captures the essence of human needs and motivations in a way that no earth-bound psychologist ever has or will. In one brief statement, he makes it possible that people “might see with their eyes, hear with their ears, understand with their hearts and turn, and I would heal them.” (Matt. 13:15) His declaration of the full promise of providence comes from the Sermon on the Mount: “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” (Matt. 5:3) This is a revelation of liberty and providence, for those who can ‘see’ and ‘hear.’ The “one who came from heaven” (John 3:13) has opened heaven’s door; he still says “Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. Whoever has ears, let them hear.” (Rev. 3:20, 22)
Throughout his earthly ministry, Jesus fulfills Isaiah’s prophecies made about him. Isaiah said, ‘Come, all you who are thirsty, come to the waters.’ Jesus says to the Samaritan woman, “Whoever drinks the water I give them will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give them will become in them a spring of water welling up to eternal life.” (John 4:14) Similarly, he says “whoever believes in me will never go thirsty.” (John 6:35b) Isaiah said, ‘Why spend money on what is not bread?’ Jesus cries out at the temple, “I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never go hungry.” (John 6:35a) And while Jesus miraculously fed the hungry poor in their thousands (cf. Matt. 14:13-21, Matt. 15:29-39), clearly the greater nourishment, for those who can now ‘see’ and ‘hear,” is the food and drink for hungry souls.
All of us have periodic challenges—the bible calls them trials—that attempt to steal our joy. In the mishaps and mayhaps of life misfortune inevitably inflicts circumstances and events that diminish, depress, seemingly destroy us. Ill health, financial strain or reversal, divorce, death of a loved one—these and myriad other afflictions come as a result of living in a world fallen from grace (cf. Gen. Chs. 1-3). From above where we stand, Jesus calls out, “I am the way, the truth, and the life.” (John 14:6) As we seek spiritual sustenance to restore and nourish our depleted souls, and perhaps feel must choose between an earthly answer and the heavenly answer, Peter’s words compel us towards our highest needs. In response to Jesus’ challenge, he says “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life.” (John 6:68)
To all who struggle in this broken, fallen world, to each of us being singed in the fires of affliction, to everyone who feels need or lack, and feels separated from our best life, Jesus reminds “your heavenly Father knows your needs. But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” (Matt. 6:32-33)
Q. What is my greatest need?
* Abraham Maslow, “Motivation and Personality” – 1954. Maslow used the terms “physiological,” “safety,” “belonging and love,” “social needs,” and “self-actualization” to describe the pattern through which human motivations generally move. This book has been foundational to much of 20 th C. psychological study.
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