Bread of Life

John 6 : 1 - 15

The people gathered around Jesus, presumably to hear his teaching yet very likely also to seek healing for themselves or others. They are hungry for his teaching and healing, yet also have basic human physical needs. He is aware of this and meets that need when it arises. This miracle reminds us of God's provision of manna in the wilderness for the Hebrew people, under the leadership of Moses. The people then and in this event, were invited to recognize something beyond their full stomachs.They are being introduced to Jesus the true bread from heaven. But unfortunately the people prefer a miracle working prophet and even try to make him king. Jesus knows this is not his mission and so he withdraws.

As I read this text that is so familiar (the feeding miracles are found in all four gospels), I decided to focus on the person of Jesus - not only on his miraculous action. I notice his sense of focus on what he is to do. He is not distracted by the needs of others, or by their expectations. He responds to the tune of a different drummer, or rather, in time with his Father's heartbeat. There is so much for him to do, and yet he does not get distracted. No self honor or self will is sought, only what he hears from his Father.

It is often not easy for us to discern and act, given so many pushes and pulls around us. As long as we do not feed on (and be filled with) the bread of life, our hunger threatens to pull us in directions where that lack is satisfied in other ways. We naturally gravitate towards those things/people that give us what we need. And often that leaves God at the edge of the picture.