Words from the Rock
Truly, truly, I say to you, you seek Me, not because you saw signs, but because you ate of the loaves and were filled. Do not work for the food which perishes, but for the food which endures to eternal life, which the Son of Man will give to you, for on Him the Father, God, has set His seal.
John 6:26–27 NASB
Jesus knows that his time on earth is limited, yet he has this huge message to get across. Unfortunately, human minds have difficulty grasping spiritual meanings. Not to mention they are easily distracted by things as ordinary as hunger or boredom. Jesus’s popularity is on the rise, but it may have more to do with people looking for food and entertainment than the realization that they are spiritually starving.
Yet Jesus understands people. Plus he is aware that times are hard, and he knows how his followers relate and respond to basic necessities like food and drink. So he uses these rather ordinary images to connect to the people. First Jesus candidly tells them that they’re seeking him for food. He calls a spade a spade. Then he points out that it’s not spiritual food they’re looking for either. They simply want something to fill their bellies—perhaps some more of that delicious bread and fish with which he fed the thousands.
Jesus tells the people that he has another kind of nourishment to offer them—a kind of food that will feed their souls and change their lives, a kind of food that’s been sent from his Father. It’s the same thing he offers to you—a piece of himself. He wants you to be as hungry for him as you are for your favorite food. In fact, he wants you to be even hungrier for him. Food is here and gone just like that, and then you get hungry again. But what Jesus offers will satisfy that deep inner longing in a way that a pizza simply can’t.
My Prayer
Dear God,
I want to be hungry for you. Help me to see that my soul needs your nourishment even more than my stomach needs food.
Amen.
Final Word
The eyes of the LORD range throughout the earth to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to him.
2 Chronicles 16:9 NIV
Stone for the Journey
My spiritual hunger can only be satisfied by God.