The Bread of Life
Scripture Reading — John 6:25-40
Jesus declared, “I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never go hungry, and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty.”
Here Jesus was challenging people who wanted him to lead a revolution. Their nation was occupied by the Roman Empire, and many people were hoping that their promised Messiah, a leader specially appointed by God, would restore them as a political power. Jesus was indeed the Messiah, but he was not a political leader.
We can understand why the people would want things to change in their country. But Jesus wanted them to understand that he had come for an even bigger purpose. As we have seen earlier, Jesus has come to give people eternal life and bring them into the presence of God. If people would trust in him as the bread of life who would provide them full life with God, their deepest and greatest need would always be met.
In our busy world, we can easily get caught up in pursuing “food that spoils.” We want to take care of our family. We want to do well in our job. We may want to be involved in leading our community and our nation. These are all good things. But sometimes these good things can get in the way of the best thing.
Are we spending too much time chasing goals that will not last? Are we so concerned with the here and now in our lives that Jesus is getting crowded out? Or are we walking with him daily so that we can live life to the full?
Lord, help me to make my relationship with you more important than anything else, and nourish me with the bread of life you offer. Amen.
About the author — A.J. Gretz
Anthony Joseph (A.J.) Gretz is a pastor in Grandville, Michigan. He has also served churches in Ohio and in Kalamazoo, Michigan. He and his wife, Anna, have three children.
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