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Dear Heavenly Father, Praise I praise you today for your Son, the “true bread from heaven.” I have been united spiritually with him, and like a branch in the vine, I partake of his life-giving “flesh and blood” (John 6:54). How wonderful to be a part of the body of Jesus Christ! He said, “As the living Father sent me, and I live because of the Father, so whoever feeds on me, he also will live because of me” (John 6:57). Hallelujah! Today in Your Word Today you told me about Jesus’ discourse in the synagogue in Capernaum. The crowds asked Jesus, “Rabbi, when did you get here?” Jesus could have told them that he got there early in the morning by walking across the Sea of Galilee (a sign if ever there was one). Instead, he exposed their true motive. They were seeking him, not because they saw the sign of the loaves and believed, but because they had been filled and wanted more bread. Jesus challenged them to work “for the food that endures to eternal life.” This teaches me that my motive in seeking Jesus is important. If I come wanting him to make my life easier and more comfortable, I’m in for a big surprise. I must come in faith and repentance, not in greed and self-centeredness. The crowds then tried to bait Jesus into performing another miracle: “Then what sign do you do, that we may see and believe you? Our fathers ate the manna in the wilderness” (hint, hint)! Jesus answered by telling them that he was the “true bread from heaven.” In reply they said, “Sir, give us this bread always!” Jesus then told them how they could have this bread. First, they must be drawn by the Father, for “no one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws him.” At that very moment, the Father was drawing them, for Jesus had just said that he was the one “who comes down from heaven and gives life to the world.” Second, they must respond in faith to the Father’s call. Jesus had given them a sign that he was the Messiah, but they would not believe: “You have seen me and yet do not believe” (John 6:36). Third, they must obey the will of the Father. They must be looking on the Son and believing in him (John 6:40). If they would believe in the Son, they would be accepted by the Father. The Father would then give them to the Son, and they would never be lost or cast out, and the Son would raise them up on the last day (John 6:39). This teaches me that your grace is offered to everyone. You are drawing the entire world to yourself through Christ (1 Tim 2:4; Tit 2:11). Those who believe in Jesus and have a present, living faith are held in your mighty hand, and “no one is able to snatch them out” (John 10:29). Reflection Rather than persevering in their faith, many of Jesus’ followers turned away from him after this discourse. Am I committed to following Christ, no matter how difficult the way or hard the teaching? Request Father, give me a heart that desires to love and serve you above all things. Help me cling to Jesus in faith, even when your will for my life is hard for me to accept. Thanksgiving Thank you for the promise that “if anyone eats of this bread, he will live forever” (John 6:51). Jesus is the satisfying answer to the hunger and thirst in my soul. Praise the Lord! In Jesus’ name, Amen. Suggested Hymn: “Break Thou the Bread of Life” — Mary A. Lathbury. Meditation Verse: John 6:27. |