The Gloves Come Off

I am the bread of life. – John 6:48

Jesus’s proclamation in John 6 that he is the Bread of Life heralds a shift in his ministry. After the feeding of the five thousand, the crowds become demanding. Having seen such a large scale miracle, they pursue him for what he can do, not who he is.

26 Jesus answered them and said, “Truly, truly, I say to you, you seek Me, not because you saw signs, but because you ate some of the loaves and were filled. 27 Do not work for the food that perishes, but for the food that lasts for eternal life, which the Son of Man will give you, for on Him the Father, God, has set His seal.” – John 6:26-27

And what was the crowd’s response? “Oh, sorry. You’re right. Please, Jesus, we want eternal life. That’s so much better. What were we thinking?”

NO.

30 So they said to Him, “What then are You doing as a sign, so that we may see, and believe You? What work are You performing? 31 Our fathers ate the manna in the wilderness; as it is written: ‘HE GAVE THEM BREAD OUT OF HEAVEN TO EAT.’” – John 6:30-31

THEY ASKED FOR ANOTHER SIGN! Specifically, they asked for more food.

I see myself in their response. I, too, am susceptible to the trap of, “What have you done for me lately?” And for that, I repent.

The rest of John 6 is a cautionary tale. Jesus and the people talk past each other.

Jesus tells them tremendous truths.

• He’s the Bread of Life
• Those who believe in him will never hunger or thirst (for eternal things.)
• Everyone who believes in the Son has eternal life.
• Eternal means forever – a promise he won’t go back on.

And how do they respond?

(It’s here that I want to insert myself into the story and say, “Don’t mess this up, guys!”)

THEY COMPLAIN!

Jesus reiterates, “I AM the Bread of Life.” He tells them how much better he is than manna. The Israelites ate manna and still died. But Jesus offers living bread then gives them a heads up about how he’ll accomplish it.

 “I am the living bread that came down out of heaven; if anyone eats from this bread, he will live forever; and the bread which I will give for the life of the world also is My flesh.” – John 6:51

Wow. Yes, we have the privilege of Monday morning quarterbacking, but just wow. Could he have made it any clearer? This fills me with so much awe and gratitude.

But what did they do? Wait for it . . .

Then the Jews began to argue with one another, saying, “How can this Man give us His flesh to eat?” – John 6:52

Jesus doubles down, telling them they need to eat his flesh and drink his blood to have eternal life. And he does it in the synagogue!

This is the pivotal moment. Many of Jesus’s followers called his statement unpleasant and stopped following him. Heartbreaking.

What follows is one of the most poignant moments in the gospels. I know how this plays out on the screen of my mind, but I’ll let you imagine it for yourself.

67 So Jesus said to the twelve, “You do not want to leave also, do you?”

68 Simon Peter answered Him, “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have words of eternal life.” – John 6:67-68

Amen.