Slideshow image

Jesus the Bread of Life

25 When they found him on the other side of the lake, they asked him, “Rabbi, when did you get here?” 26 Jesus answered, “Very truly I tell you, you are looking for me, not because you saw the signs I performed but because you ate the loaves and had your fill. 27 Do not work for food that spoils, but for food that endures to eternal life, which the Son of Man will give you. For on him God the Father has placed his seal of approval.” 28 Then they asked him, “What must we do to do the works God requires?” 29 Jesus answered, “The work of God is this: to believe in the one he has sent.” 30 So they asked him, “What sign then will you give that we may see it and believe you? What will you do? 31 Our ancestors ate the manna in the wilderness; as it is written: ‘He gave them bread from heaven to eat.’” 32 Jesus said to them, “Very truly I tell you, it is not Moses who has given you the bread from heaven, but it is my Father who gives you the true bread from heaven. 33 For the bread of God is the bread that comes down from heaven and gives life to the world.” 34 “Sir,” they said, “always give us this bread.” 35 Then 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.”

 

The disciples seem to always hear the words of Jesus in the earthly sense, while Jesus speaks in the spiritual sense. When Jesus speaks of bread, he is telling us that he nourishes our souls. Earthly bread sustains us for a short time and then we are hungry again.

 

Earlier in this chapter, Jesus fed the 5000 with bread and fishes. This satisfied their earthly need for sustenance. It allowed the crowd to listen to his words without concern for their hunger. This is an example of Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs. Their physiological needs were met. They were in the safety of the group. So, their basic needs were met and they could be open to Jesus’ message.

 

Dear Lord, Thank you for giving us the opportunity to hear your message. Open our hearts to your teachings. Amen

 

Barry Dougherty

barryd72@aol.com

 

Prayer Concern - For a good harvest.

 

Additional readings - Song of Songs 7:10- 8:4 and Psalm 34