By J.
John 6:26-27 NIV
Jesus answered, “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. 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.”
Jesus has just fed the 5000, and the next day the crowds go looking for him and this is what Jesus says to them in John 6:26-27. In the teaching that follows Jesus reveals that the spiritual food he has in mind really is himself, saying, “I am the bread of life.” (John 6:35, also see John 6:54).
Do you hear what Jesus is trying to say? Don’t be people seeking merely the benefits that Jesus provides, whether that’s bread, or healing, or even happiness. Seek first Jesus himself. The material benefits will spoil sooner or later, but eternal life comes from knowing, loving, trusting and worshipping Jesus, God’s Christ sent for us.
Will you pray with me this week?
God of life and love, thank you for sending Jesus, that he might be our spiritual food, not food that spoils but food that leads to eternal life. Lord, thank you that you are generous in providing many benefits in this world through answered prayer, but help me also not to seek these benefits above seeking Jesus himself. Jesus, you are my bread of life and my living water, may I be fully satisfied to delight in you even in the days when I am poor, broken-hearted or persecuted. I love you, Jesus, my Lord and my God, help me to love you more than I love the benefits that come from you. In your precious name, amen.