Spirit and Life

Text: John 6:22-65

Theme: Jesus’ words were spiritual, but his followers only heard them in physical terms.

Key verses: “Jesus replied, ‘I tell you the truth, you want to be with me because I fed you, not because you understood the miraculous signs. But don’t be so concerned about perishable things like food. Spend your energy seeking the eternal life that the Son of Man can give you…’ They replied, ‘We want to perform God’s works, too. What should we do?’ Jesus told them, ‘This is the only work God wants from you: Believe in the one he has sent.’ They answered, ‘Show us a miraculous sign if you want us to believe in you. What can you do? After all, our ancestors ate manna while they journeyed through the wilderness!’…Jesus said, ‘I tell you the truth, Moses didn’t give you bread from heaven. My Father did. And now he offers you the true bread from heaven. The true bread of God is the one who comes down from heaven and gives life to the world.’ ‘Sir,’ they said, ‘give us that bread every day.’ Jesus replied, ‘I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never be hungry again. Whoever believes in me will never be thirsty. But you haven’t believed in me even though you have seen me.'” (v. 26-36). “‘I tell you the truth, anyone who believes has eternal life. Yes, I am the bread of life! Your ancestors ate manna in the wilderness, but they all died. Anyone who eats the bread from heaven, however, will never die. I am the living bread that came down from heaven. Anyone who eats this bread will live forever; and this bread, which I will offer so the world may live, is my flesh.’ Then the people began arguing with each other about what he meant. ‘How can this man give us his flesh to eat?’ they asked. So Jesus said again, ‘I tell you the truth, unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink his blood, you cannot have eternal life within you. But anyone who eats my flesh and drinks my blood has eternal life, and I will raise that person at the last day. For my flesh is true food, and my blood is true drink. Anyone who eats my flesh and drinks my blood remains in me, and I in him.'” (v. 47-56). “Many of his disciples said, ‘This is very hard to understand. How can anyone accept it?’ Jesus was aware that his disciples were complaining, so he said to them, ‘Does this offend you?’ Then what will you think if you see the Son of Man ascend to heaven again? The Spirit alone gives eternal life. Human effort accomplishes nothing. And the very words I have spoken to you are spirit and life. But some of you do not believe me.’…Then he said, ‘That is why I said that people can’t come to me unless the Father gives them to me.'” (v. 60-65).

What I believe God said to me: There are some important and subtle undertones happening in this story that you need to take note of and consider. First, notice that Jesus cut to the chase with the crowd who was following him around. He said, “You want to be with me because I fed you.” Rather than cater to their attention or speak from a place of sympathy for them, Jesus told them the stark truth about themselves. He cut through layers of pretense and flattery to reveal their hearts and motives. Secondly, Jesus spoke directly to their need of eternal life and the necessity of true faith. They wanted to see physical food with their eyes to please their stomachs, but Jesus knew they must believe in their hearts for spiritual food that brings eternal life. Third, notice how Jesus didn’t back off from his claim of being the true bread they must eat. Why not soft peddle such a shocking concept or at least try to ease them into it more? If he were trying to convince them, why not change his strategy and even his analogies? He wasn’t trying to be a salesman here or see how many of them he could convince. He was simply and boldly stating facts and sharing love. Fourth, notice the two themes he kept bringing them back to: eternity and election. He knew something profoundly important. He knew his Father would draw those to him that he had already foreordained to follow Jesus. Jesus saw past their spiritual ignorance and misplaced priorities. He saw the true need of their hearts wasn’t for earthly sustenance. More than anything they needed a Savior, which is Christ the Lord. He was the Messiah they didn’t even realize they needed. Dwayne, aren’t you thankful I can see past your fault and see your need? I look beyond your fleshly hungering and carnal cravings. I am not put off by those. I know what you really need. The lyrics you used to sing so passionately as a little boy still ring true today: “Only Jesus can satisfy your soul. Yes, only He can change your heart and make you whole. He’ll give you peace you never knew, Sweet joy and love and Heaven, too. For only Jesus can satisfy your soul.”

What I said to God: Father, I am sorry for those moments when I search for other things and other ways to satisfy the void that only You can fill. I struggle to fully comprehend what You were communicating in this encounter with the crowd and your disciples. But these things I am certain of: Life is short. Eternity is long. And by Your grace I am Your chosen child who will follow You no matter what. I don’t know why you would choose to save me and give me such peace, joy and fulfillment in this life. You and I both know I don’t deserve such love and attention. I am a great sinner in need of a great Savior. Remind me as I have conversations with people I meet to look for ways to steer the conversation toward eternity and the truth of your Gospel. I know many will be offended by it and turn away; but those you mean to listen and respond to your Word will. I just need to be faithful to plant and water the seeds every chance I get. It’s your job, Holy Lord, to make them grow into eternal life.