The Unending Feast…
Jesus’ simple yet profound declaration, “I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never go hungry, and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty,” in John 6:35, cuts to the core of our deepest human needs.
We are beings of longing, constantly seeking fulfillment, often in places that leave us perpetually wanting. Jesus, in this powerful metaphor, unveils Himself as the ultimate source of true and lasting satisfaction.
Imagine the scene: Jesus had just miraculously fed thousands with a meager offering of bread and fish. The crowd, understandably captivated by this display of power, followed Him, likely hoping for another free meal. But Jesus, ever the shepherd guiding His flock to deeper truths, redirects their focus from the temporary satisfaction of physical food to the eternal nourishment He offers.
By declaring Himself the “bread of life,” Jesus uses a symbol deeply ingrained in the human experience. Bread is a staple, essential for survival, providing energy and sustenance. Jesus elevates this common necessity to a spiritual plane. He is not just offering a temporary reprieve from hunger; He is the very thing that nourishes our souls, providing the strength, purpose, and vitality we need for a life lived in fullness.
This isn’t a guarantee of earthly ease or the absence of physical needs. Rather, it speaks to a profound inner contentment. Our deepest hungers are not merely for food and drink, but for meaning, love, acceptance, and a connection to something greater than ourselves.
“Coming to Him” implies an active step, a conscious turning towards Jesus. It requires acknowledging our spiritual emptiness and recognizing our inherent need for Him. It’s an invitation to draw near, to seek His presence, and to learn from His teachings.
“Believing in Him” goes beyond intellectual agreement. It involves a deep trust and reliance on who He is and what He offers. It means accepting His sacrifice for our sins, embracing His forgiveness, and surrendering our lives to His Lordship. This belief is not passive; it is an active engagement with Jesus, a constant drawing upon His life-giving power.
The beauty of this promise lies in its enduring nature. The world offers fleeting moments of satisfaction – success, possessions, relationships – but these often leave us feeling empty again. Jesus, however, offers a nourishment that lasts.
This verse calls us to self-reflection. Where do we seek our sustenance? What are the things we chase after in the hope of finding fulfillment? Are we constantly left wanting more? Jesus invites us to turn to Him, the true bread of life, the only one who can truly satisfy the deepest longings of our hearts. Let us accept His invitation, come to Him in faith, and experience the unending feast of His love and grace.
Heavenly Father, we thank You for sending Your Son, Jesus, the true bread of life. We confess that we often seek satisfaction in things that are temporary and leave us feeling empty. Forgive us for turning to the world instead of to You. We come to Jesus now, acknowledging our spiritual hunger and thirst. We believe in Him as the source of all true life and satisfaction. Fill us with His presence, nourish us with His Word, and quench our deepest longings with the living water that flows from Him. May we find our complete fulfillment in Him, today and forevermore. Amen.
The hunger for love is much more difficult to remove than the hunger for bread.
Walk daily with God at your side!
Love always,
Ed 🙏🏼
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