One of my favorite pieces of literature tells a story of a quest. On this quest, the key characters are given an allotment of special bread to sustain them on their journey. It’s a long, hard road ahead, and they have to carefully ration the bread so that it carries them through to the end. But there isn’t enough for the return journey. Some of the bread gets lost along the way, and there’s only enough to strengthen them for the final grueling climb up the mountain.
In the end, these two characters do make it back home again, but this bread isn’t what saves them. It’s through forces of good that are outside their control—what you might call “divine intervention.”
Just two chapters ago, in the book of John, we saw Jesus describe Himself as the living water to the Samaritan woman. He helped her understand His nature, the only One who is truly able to satisfy our thirst. Likewise, in John 6, Jesus expands on this imagery by claiming to also satisfy the hungry. “No one who comes to me will ever be hungry,” says Jesus to the crowd at Capernaum, “and no one who believes in me will ever be thirsty again” (John 6:35).
What stands out to me in today’s passage is that the crowd already has a story that contextualizes what Jesus is saying. On one hand, the people are tracking. They’re familiar with the stories of their ancestors that tell of God’s provision in the wilderness. They know their heritage and how God provided the Israelites with bread from heaven to sustain them on their journey (Exodus 15:4). But they’re also confused. They’re hung up on tangible signs and the kind of bread you can chew and tear apart in your hands.
With full bellies and curious hearts, they question Jesus in a verbal exchange that’s almost humorous. But Jesus is trying to refocus their vision on eternal things. Miraculous loaves and fish, or heavenly bread in the wilderness, were not just intended to fill their bellies. They were prophetic meals that pointed to Christ.
I’m grateful for stories of great literature that remind us of God’s divine provision amid our limitations. Physical food and drink only take us so far. Jesus, the bread of life, never runs out (John 6:35), and He alone sustains us for the long and difficult journey ahead. He is the nourishment we feast on. There are no circumstances beyond His control. His grace and provision will see us through to the end.
BROOKE P – happy dancing here for you!
DOROTHY praying for your restored bodily systems
It was my understanding that when Jesus says to “eat my flesh and drink my blood “ that His listeners knew exactly what He meant….eat His flesh and drink His blood. That’s why many left…that teaching was too hard. Little did they know that He would make that more palatable at the Last Supper when he turned ordinary bread and wine into His body and blood. As a Catholic that is what our Eucharist is…truly the body, blood, soul and divinity of Christ under the appearance of bread and wine…NOT a symbol of, but truly His flesh and blood. That is why a consecrated host is held in high esteem.
Sisters, I’m asking for prayer for myself, Monday I got my COVID booster and now I seem to be having some side-effects from it. They started yesterday at work — it was very embarrassing. Please pray that these side-effects end soon so I can work more efficiently and not be running to the bathroom.
Hi Maria, I too listened to your recommendation, Collin Raye’s “I Will Raise You UP”. It is a beautiful song. Thank you.
Sisters, I just got finished with my appointment and I appreciate your prayers so much! We have a heartbeat!! In the 160s! Praise GOD! I do have a small subchorionic hemorrhage and I am praying that goes away and the baby continues to grow well and stay healthy! Thank you for your continued prayers. God is so good. ❤️
The one thing I miss the most about not going to church, yes I could go but I attend a large church and with Finley having problems with immune system and catching things easily I don’t go, is having communion with my church family. Yes, I do it online when they do it but it’s not the same as being there in person. Even though I would have to bring my own right now I still don’t feel the same bond. I don’t know what it is for me but there is something about being there in person when taking communion that makes me fill more complete. I guess that is what I thought about when I read today’s Scripture. I don’t mean to ramble but maybe I can find a small church in the meantime that I like that I can attend and take communion at.
Be blessed and remember Jesus is the Bread of Life, sisters.
Y’all, your comments today are beautiful. And I highly recommend you pop over to HRT & read John Blase’s devotional. It’s fabulous. As so many here talk about being drawn into earthly pursuits for satisfaction he says: “The Son of Man still stands before us pointing to all the things we love, not to diminish those good gifts in any way, but to point to the better gift – Himself – and say ‘All those things will leave you still hungry, still restless, still aching. But take Me & you will live forever & never hunger or thirst again.’” Mic drop
I felt so convicted today by the reading and devotion. I have read this passage every month over the course of 2021 (highly recommend Annie F Downs Gospel reading plan), but today hit me in a new way. How often do I go to God in prayer asking for something and not asking for Someone? How often do I want the healing, provision, wisdom, etc instead of the Healer, Provider and the Word Himself? Jesus is the Bread of Life; the sustainer of all thing. His words are life!