The Bread of Life
Let’s set up our scripture reference today. In John 6, we read about Jesus feeding the multitude. This could have been up to 15,000 people when you count the women and children. The crowd was amazed by what He had done. Jesus knew it was not time for Him to be completely revealed as the Messiah, so he slipped away to the mountaintop. In the evening, Jesus walked across the water to the other side. When the crowd realized he wasn’t there they went looking for Him.
How far would you walk to be with Jesus? And why would you take a long journey to be in His presence?
Jesus knew why the crowd followed Him and he called them out in verse 26. “Jesus replied, “Let me make this very clear, you came looking for me because I fed you by a miracle, not because you believe in me. Why would you strive for food that is perishable and not be passionate to seek the food of eternal life, which never spoils? I, the Son of Man, am ready to give you what matters most, for God the Father has destined me for this purpose.”
They were there for what they could get for themselves. Jesus came to save that which was lost, which was everything. He didn’t come to just show us miracles. They even said, “show us miracles we can see then we will believe in You.” Oh my, doesn’t the church still do this. We pray for things to happen and when they don’t we turn our focus away from Jesus to make our own bread that only spoils.
Because He knew their hearts He challenged them with this statement. “Jesus replied to them, “Listen to this eternal truth: Unless you eat the body of the Son of Man and drink his blood, you will not have eternal life. Eternal life comes to the one who eats my body and drinks my blood.” (verse 53-54) What does this even mean? The eating and drinking are receiving the life, power, and virtue of all that Jesus is. He is the Tree of Life. They were offended by what Jesus said and walked away. We are finding the better way in the wilderness. Like we learned yesterday, we are choosing to tether ourselves to Jesus and allow Him to challenge our beliefs.
We aren’t showing up to a building for what He can do for us. We are laying down our lives to become the Tree of Life for others. I have a phrase written in my office. “I want my kids to sit in the shade of my covenant with Abba.” My covenant with Him becomes a tree of life for others. When I say my kids, I am not just talking about those we are raising in our home but every child, and young adult I have the honor to stand firm in His image for them to find rest in His love and grace.
Jesus is known as the Kinsman Redeemer. He came to redeem the land back to its original design. As we have studied in the past, we are here on earth to be His image and see Heaven displayed.
Let’s go back to the question at the top. How far will you go to be with Jesus and why? Spend some time with the Holy Spirit and let Him reveal your heart and motives. It is ok wherever you are right now. He wants to love you into a deeper more intimate relationship with Him.
