John 6:35, “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.’”
John 6:25-71 is one of the most misunderstood and pivotal passages in the book of John. Jesus had just finished feeding the five thousand and walked across the Sea of Galilee from Bethsaida to Capernaum when the people who wanted more food found him.
The passage begins with Jesus rebuking them sternly because the people were “seeking signs” and wanting Jesus to give them “manna from heaven” to eat like how Moses gave the Israelites in times past. Jesus then spoke to them in metaphorical language and said; “Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood remains in me, and I in them,” John 6:56.
The people got offended because they didn’t understand the meaning behind Jesus’ words. They took Him literally and assumed they would have to be “cannibals” to be His disciple. However, Jesus explained, “The Spirit gives life; the flesh counts for nothing. The words I have spoken to you—they are full of the Spirit and life,” John 6:63.
As a result, the people were embarrassed, ashamed, and thus went home and stopped following Jesus, John 6:66. But all this confusion could have been avoided if they would have heard the above verse in John 6:35 at the beginning of Jesus’ talk with them. Jesus was simply teaching them to be consumed with His words (bread of life) and Spirit (spiritual drink).
The lesson for all disciples today is to believe in Jesus and be consumed with His words. True disciples of Christ should come to the bread of heaven and eat of His words until their souls are filled and drink of His Spirit until they overflow to the world around them.
Reflection
Action
- Make time each day to read God’s word and let is feed your soul.
- Daily take time to invite the Holy Spirit to fill you with the character and mind of Christ.
- Never stop feeding on Jesus’ words and spirit.
