Read John 6:32-40
Have you ever been driving happily along on the highway, singing to a song on the radio and all of sudden, “Screech!” the traffic around the corner is at a dead stop and you have to jam on your breaks to avoid ending up in the back seat of the car in front of you? That’s kind of what I feel when I read John 6:32-59, a sudden stop.
The first half chapter 6 shows Jesus gaining popularity with the people. The crowds were excited and began to think of the days of Moses, when manna from heaven was provided everyday for the nation of Israel. They were ready to make Him king!
But the next day, when they went looking for their free breakfast, Jesus was gone! After some strategic searching, the crowd finds Him and seems ready for their next meal (vs. 30-31, 34).
Jesus at first tries to gently steer them back on track (vs. 26-27), but when it becomes obvious their motives are not to seek God but have full bellies, He slams the brakes to redirect them to what He really came to do.
Jesus tries to explain that it is not physical bread that the world needs, but spiritual bread. Jesus three times identifies Himself as that spiritual bread (John 6:35, 48, 51). He emphasizes faith (a spiritual action) as the key to salvation: “My Father’s will is that everyone who looks to the Son and believes in Him shall have eternal life” (v. 40).
It doesn’t seem as though they understood His message because many left Him grumbling, even His disciples seem confused by what He was saying.
Today is Maundy Thursday, when we remember Jesus celebrating what we often call “The Last Supper” with His disciples. At one point during the meal, “Jesus took bread, and when He had given thanks, He broke it and gave it to His disciples, saying, ‘Take and eat; this is My body‘” (Matthew 26:26). I wonder if during that moment any of His disciples remembered Jesus’ earlier discourse on being the bread of life? I wonder if they finally understood the full meaning of His words when He passed the broken loaf around for them to take from? Do we?
For reflection:
- What does it mean to you for Jesus to be your ‘Bread of Life’?
- What things/relationships/ideas have you tried to replace the life Jesus offers? What was the result?
by Pastor Jim Caler
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