SCRIPTURE: John 6
OBSERVATION/APPLICATION:
Jesus answered, “I tell you the truth, you are looking for me, not because you saw miraculous signs but because you ate the loaves and had your fill. Do not work for food that spoils, but for food that endures to eternal life, which the Son of Man will give you. [John 6:26-27]
If I had seen the miracle of multiplied loaves and fish, I would have followed Jesus too.
But would I have stuck it out after I heard what He taught – about Himself as food from God?
I am the living bread that came down from heaven. If anyone eats of this bread, he will live forever. This bread is my flesh, which I will give for the life of the world. [John 6:51]
I cannot imagine any person seriously saying this, it would be bizarre!
No wonder that people struggled with His teaching, and some gave up altogether.
On hearing it, many of his disciples said, “This is a hard teaching. Who can accept it?” [John 6:60]
From this time many of his disciples turned back and no longer followed him. [John 6:66]
No doubt there are perks to being a ‘christian’ – forgiveness is nice, so is the promise of comfort and eternal life – and best of all if I am healed or blessed.
But are these reasons to follow Jesus, is this the food that endures to eternal life?
It seems to me that we tend to maximize the comfort while minimizing the calling; it seems to me that we like what the cross means for us, but do not wish to carry one with Him.
Jesus’ teachings are hard; they speak of things that go deeper than we prefer to go.
He insists that He is the only way, that ‘devouring’ Him by faith and devotion is the key to real satisfaction that never fades, that following Him involves self-denial, loving enemies, bearing a cross (i.e. suffering) for others.
But this is the diet that we need to rediscover God’s love and blessing; you can try to satisfy your hunger elsewhere, but you will not be satisfied.
Only Jesus is the ‘living bread’ or ‘bread of life’ from God that can satisfy our soul hunger.
Many of his disciples turned back and no longer followed him. [John 6:66]
You do not want to leave too, do you? Jesus asks you…
Will you reply like Peter, Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life. [John 6:67]
PRAYER:
Lord, only a steady diet of You will satisfy my soul; why then do I try to nourish my soul on stuff that spoils? The imagery is gross (eating flesh, drinking blood) but the spiritual intensity of the words are profound – I choose You, to satisfy my soul in You!
We pray, ‘Give us this day our daily bread,’ but do we really mean it. Reminds me of a prayer I saw in a movie – ‘Thank You Lord for the bountiful food before us, but it would not have been possible without our hands.’ The people followed Jesus, the miracle Worker because He fed their bodies and they wanted more. They didn’t even see the miracle of the bread and the fish. Not only did they want more food, they also wanted miracles. Eyes they had but could not see.
The seeing is also God enabled. I have decided to follow Jesus and afterwards I knew that it was Him seeking me. God enabled. God does provide. It is He who give life and life eternal. It is He who feeds us daily. No turning back from this.
He is my LifeSource to be GodStrong.
I sought the Lord, and afterward I knew
He moved my soul to seek Him, seeking me.
It was not I that found, O Savior true;
No, I was found of Thee.
Thou didst reach forth Thy hand and mine enfold;
I walked and sank not on the storm vexed sea.
’Twas not so much that I on Thee took hold,
As Thou, dear Lord, on me.
I find, I walk, I love, but oh, the whole
Of love is but my answer, Lord, to Thee!
For Thou were long beforehand with my soul,
Always Thou lovest me.