“A Journey with John” Day 14: A controversial meal thins the ranks (John 6: 22-71)
Last time, our guide took us to see a miraculous meal, where Jesus took five loaves and two fish and multiplied it to feed over 5000 people. We then got to see Jesus walking on the water as if it were a public sidewalk. And if that weren’t enough, we were present with the disciples as their boat was miraculously translated from where they were on the sea, to where they were going.
Before heading out on today’s excursion, let’s see the new person to whom we were introduced last time:
>A boy with a sack lunch, consisting of five loaves and two fish (mentioned)
Now let’s head out with our guide to see what this mysterious meal that caused such a ruckus is all about:
Jesus and the disciples, having come into Capernaum, are met with many of the people who had been present at the miraculous meal. Jesus points out to them that they didn’t come because of the signs they saw, but because of the food they ate. I’m guessing He means that they got full bellies, but didn’t let the signs revealed to them who He really is. Jesus then begins to tell the people that they don’t need to seek for the food that perishes, but the food He can give them, as it leads to eternal life. Jesus tells the people who question as to what works they can do to have this eternal life, that the work that leads to the eternal life He is referencing, is simply to believe He is who He says He is. Unbelievably, the same people who saw the miracle meal are wanting another sign so that they may believe Him. This request prompts Jesus to educate them as to the miracle meal that will lead to eternal life. Yes, Moses had given them manna, but the true bread sent from heaven, is Jesus himself. Jesus repeats the point that He is the bread sent from heaven, in many different ways. He tells the people that His body is true food, spiritual food, and His blood is true drink, that is, spiritual drink. Jesus tells the people that they can only come to Him as the Father draws them to Him; and if they are drawn to Him, He will not refuse to receive them. The people, still confused, end up walking away from Jesus. When this happens, Jesus turns the disciples and asks if they also want to leave. Peter rebuts the idea of them leaving, saying that they had nowhere else to go, nowhere else they wanted to go. They knew that Jesus had the words that would lead to eternal life. Jesus then says that He chose all twelve of them, but one of them (here, He speaks of Judas) is a devil.
Our highlighted verses for today:
“Jesus answered them and said, “Most assuredly, I say to you, you seek Me, not because you saw the signs, but because you ate of the loaves and were filled. Do not labor for the food which perishes, but for the food which endures to everlasting life, which the Son of Man will give you, because God the Father has set His seal on Him.” Jesus answered and said to them, “This is the work of God, that you believe in Him whom He sent.” Then Jesus said to them, “Most assuredly, I say to you, Moses did not give you the bread from heaven, but My Father gives you the true bread from heaven. For the bread of God is He who comes down from heaven and gives life to the world.” And Jesus said to them, “I am the bread of life. He who comes to Me shall never hunger, and he who believes in Me shall never thirst. All that the Father gives Me will come to Me, and the one who comes to Me I will by no means cast out. This is the will of the Father who sent Me, that of all He has given Me I should lose nothing, but should raise it up at the last day. Then Jesus said to them, “Most assuredly, I say to you, unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink His blood, you have no life in you. This is the bread which came down from heaven—not as your fathers ate the manna, and are dead. He who eats this bread will live forever.” Therefore many of His disciples, when they heard this, said, “This is a hard saying; who can understand it?” It is the Spirit who gives life; the flesh profits nothing. The words that I speak to you are spirit, and they are life. From that time many of His disciples went back and walked with Him no more. Then Jesus said to the twelve, “Do you also want to go away?” But Simon Peter answered Him, “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life. Jesus answered them, “Did I not choose you, the twelve, and one of you is a devil?” He spoke of Judas Iscariot, the son of Simon, for it was he who would betray Him, being one of the twelve.”
John 6:26-27, 29, 32-33, 35, 37, 39, 53, 58, 60, 63, 66-68, 70-71 NKJV
Question for reflection:
Why do you think the people were so offended with Jesus’ words?
Next time, our guide will take us to accompany Jesus on a secret mission.