John 6:41-51
Find a place and time free of distractions for the next 7-10 minutes. Sit comfortably and breathe deeply for a few seconds before you begin. If you haven’t read the Introduction to John’s Gospel, read it here.
In today’s passage Jesus continues his dialogue with the large crowd for whom he provided food just a day earlier. Read John 6:41-51 remembering that Jesus has just told the people that he is sent by God to nourish their souls.
Jesus’ miraculous feeding of the massive crowd occurred not far from his childhood home of Nazareth, and the people he fed were his fellow Israelites. This familiarity seems to be a barrier to belief for the people. How can one of their own suddenly claim to be of heavenly origins? It just doesn’t make logical sense to them even though they have just benefitted from a miraculous act that was equally inexplicable.
Why do you think these people are willing to believe that Jesus is able to supply physical bread to them but are unable to believe that Jesus is sent by God? Think about this for a moment.
Now think about yourself. Is your belief in Jesus’ ability to meet your needs ever selective? Do you believe him for some needs but have trouble trusting him for others? Talk to Jesus about this honestly.
Read John 6:41-51 again noting the graphic nature of Jesus’ words in verses 48-51.
In this passage, Jesus reveals the nature of his mission. He came to offer his own physical body, his flesh, on behalf of all people for all time. The destruction of his human body will open the way for everyone who places their trust in him to have their broken souls restored. Food will only satisfy for a few hours and eating won’t reverse the reality of age and physical death, but the nourishment Jesus offers will multiply bringing meaning and purpose to our lives both now and forever.
What is the condition of your soul today? Share this with Jesus.
In what ways are you purposefully feeding your soul with Jesus throughout the day?
Meditate on these words of Jesus for a moment: “I am the true bread that came down from heaven. Anyone who eats this bread will not die as your ancestors did…but will live forever.”
Do you sense that Jesus is inviting you to a new way of feeding on him? If so, make a plan to follow through on this.
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