John 6:24-39
24 Once the crowd realized that neither Jesus nor his disciples were there, they got into the boats and went to Capernaum in search of Jesus.
25 When they found him on the other side of the lake, they asked him, “Rabbi, when did you get here?”
26 Jesus replied, “Very truly I tell you, you are looking for me, not because you saw the signs I performed but because you ate the loaves and had your fill.
27 Do not work for food that spoils, but for food that endures to eternal life, which the Son of Man will give you. For on him God the Father has placed his seal of approval.”
28 Then they asked him, “What must we do to do the works God requires?”
29 Jesus answered, “The work of God is this: to believe in the one he has sent.”
30 So they asked him, “What sign then will you give that we may see it and believe you? What will you do?
31 Our ancestors ate the manna in the wilderness; as it is written: ‘He gave them bread from heaven to eat.’”
32 Jesus said to them, “Very truly I tell you, it is not Moses who has given you the bread from heaven, but it is my Father who gives you the true bread from heaven.
33 For the bread of God is the bread that comes down from heaven and gives life to the world.”
34 “Sir,” they said, “always give us this bread.”
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.
36 But as I told you, you have seen me and still you do not believe.
37 All those the Father gives me will come to me, and whoever comes to me I will never drive away.
38 For I have come down from heaven not to do my will but to do the will of him who sent me.
39 And this is the will of him who sent me, that I shall lose none of all those he has given me, but raise them up at the last day.
The Bread of Life
In this passage, we see Jesus speaking to the crowd who followed Him not because they understood His miracles, but because they were satisfied with the bread He provided. Jesus’ message to them, and to us, is clear: do not labor for the temporary, but seek the eternal.
The crowd wanted more physical food, but Jesus offered them something far more valuable—eternal life. He tells them not to work for food that spoils but for the food that endures to eternal life. Jesus is revealing to them that He is the true bread from heaven, and anyone who comes to Him will never go hungry, and anyone who believes in Him will never be thirsty.
Often, we too seek temporary fulfillment in the things of this world. Whether it’s material possessions, success, or fleeting pleasures, these things can never truly satisfy the deepest longings of our souls. Jesus is offering us the only thing that can fill the void in our hearts: Himself.
When He says, “I am the bread of life,” He is inviting us to find our true fulfillment in Him. This bread isn’t just for physical sustenance, but for eternal life. He provides the nourishment for our spirits, the sustenance we need to live in relationship with God.
Jesus’ invitation is open to all, and He assures us that if we come to Him, we will never be turned away. Just as He has come from heaven to do the will of His Father, we too are called to respond to this call by believing in Him.
As we reflect on this, let us ask ourselves: Are we truly seeking the bread of life, or are we still chasing after things that only provide temporary satisfaction? Jesus is offering us a relationship with Him that will never leave us hungry or thirsty. Let us come to Him today, knowing that He is the only One who can truly satisfy our souls.
Reflection:
Are we focusing too much on the temporary things of this world, or are we seeking the eternal life that Jesus offers? Let us come to Him, the true Bread of Life, and allow Him to fill our deepest needs.
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