John 6:48–59 ‘I am the living bread that came down from heaven.’ (v.51)
Our fortnight of exploring God the planter and harvester culminates in this passage from John’s Gospel, where Jesus declares to the crowds that He is the bread of life.
And that whoever eats of Him will have eternal life (v.54). Bread was in the minds of the crowds when they heard Jesus’ declaration, for He had recently fed the 5,000 through the miraculous stretching of a young boy’s lunch of bread and fish.
They ate and were satisfied, and witnessed the twelve baskets of leftovers (see John 6:1–13). As we see, the generosity of God overflows when we give Him from our resources.
But many of the Jewish leaders were incensed over His words that He was the living bread from heaven. To them His declaration was blasphemy.
Then as now, Jesus’ words brought division. Some people followed Him while some were repelled.
In this passage we see the spiritual progression of God’s agricultural plans. He plants His seeds in rich soil that He cares for and tends, keeping away the marauding birds and sending the rains in season to bring nourishment and growth.
He harvests the good grains. He then fashions the grains into the living, fresh bread He serves us – the bread of life, Jesus. What good news!
We feast on Jesus through our regular act of remembrance in Holy Communion. We take and eat, remembering that He died for us.
His living presence dwells in us, sustaining us and giving us strength, hope and love. This is the bread of new life. May we eat and be satisfied, and may we share this food with a world hungry for that which truly satisfies.
A Prayer To Make:
‘Father God, You feed us with the fresh bread that is never stale or mouldy. May we eat and be strengthened by this amazing gift. Amen.’
An Action To Take:
Consider making a batch of bread. As you kneed and rest the dough, and the other steps, ponder how Jesus is the bread of life.
Scripture To Consider:
Deut. 8:1–3; Ps. 78:23–25; Matt. 4:1–11 & 26:26–29
