What a teaching those people received! The day before they had been fed bread and fish, and today they had been nourished by the Bread of Life himself. It appears from the reading that they had found Jesus on the other side of the lake, presumably in Capernaum, teaching in a synagogue. Although, intrigue turned to doubt for many who had come to find Jesus.
Jesus got the crowd riled up when he began explaining what it meant for him to be the bread of life. Can you imagine hearing those words the first time spoken! Even people today think it is gruesome and cannibalistic. But Jesus was not speaking literally, although later his words will be very meaningful during his last meal with his friends. This teaching is a good companion text to that sacramental meal.
Jesus’ discussion about how his mission is to feed the world makes sense to me now, but it’s one many find difficult. To me, it’s beautiful that Jesus wants to give us his all, everything that he is, all the while seeking His Father’s will. Ultimately, Jesus’ flesh was sacrificed on the cross to pay for our sins.
The book of John deals with some pretty deep and theological truths. It’s challenging at times to feel like you’ve grasped all that Jesus intended for us to glean from his discussion. His love for us is clear.
Jesus said something that really struck me. In verse 29, Jesus told the people who had followed him, “This is the only work God wants from you: Believe in the one he has sent.” If Jesus said it, I believe it. What is hard to believe is the word “work.” Does that mean that believing in Jesus, the one God sent to the world, is “work?” It can be challenging in a world full of distractions that lure us into dark places. Our belief in Jesus can often be tested, so it is “work” to stand strong.
It’s in those weak moments we need to lean in and consume more of Jesus’ life-giving bread. People talk of having emptiness inside them. That’s the place waiting for this bread of life. We can get more of Jesus’ bread when we fill our mins with his word, sing praise, and talk with him regularly in prayer.
I’m so glad you’re reading these words right now, because I can join with you in gratitude for this time with Him. Making God a priority fills so many empty spaces. Focus on God’s message to you today and “Believe in the one he has sent.”
Let’s pray. Lord Jesus, I believe in you and I worship you for your goodness and mercy. You weren’t afraid to talk about the hard stuff, but it shows your desire to feed and nurture me as I journey closer to you each day. Fill me up with your lie giving bread. Teach me your ways so that I may be more like you. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
