“‘I am the living bread that came down from heaven. If anyone eats of this bread, he will live forever. This bread is my flesh which I will give for the life of the world.’”

John 6:51
Jesus was at the height of His popularity. His miracles and teaching, and His knowledge of God’s Word had mesmerized the crowds. One day prior He had miraculously provided bread for the multitudes. Now the crowd was hungry again. All they wanted was a little more bread. Was that too much to ask? 

 

But this time Jesus was not cooperating, and suddenly His words made no sense. “Your forefathers ate manna in the desert, yet they died” (v. 49); “If anyone eats of this bread, he will live forever” (v. 51); “Unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink his blood, you have no life in you” (v. 53). The imagery was grotesque. Didn’t He realize that this appalling notion would cause the crowds to abandon Him? But Jesus was unwilling to concede the metaphor. 

 

If you and I are honest, we have to admit that Jesus’ words are disconcerting to us, too. He insists that His life and flesh are more important to nourishing our lives than our next meal. He wants us to be content in Him as the source and sustainer of life itself. 

 



Scripture Focus

John 6:25-58

Insight

If daily food and drink are necessities for life, how much greater is our daily need for the Living Bread and Living Water?

Bible In A Year

  • Isaiah 27-28
  • Psalm 84
  • Acts 5-6

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