Bible Studies
John 6:24-35 – The Bread of Life
Key Verses:
- 24: “…they themselves got into the boats and went to Capernaum looking for Jesus.” – The crowds had grown very persistent. They wanted to be close to Jesus to learn more of who He is and what He had to teach.
- 26: “Very truly, I tell you, you are looking for me, not because you saw signs, but because you ate your fill of the loaves.” – Jesus accuses the crowd of being self-centered and focused on earthly things. They were not in search of spiritual fulfillment.
- 27: “Do not work for the food that perishes, but for the food that endures for eternal life.” – Pursuing instant gratification, focusing on day to day pleasures, and achieving wealth and comfort are not the types of sustenance that will fulfill and endure.
- 28-29: “What must we do to perform the works of God?’ Jesus answered them, ‘This is the work of God, that you believe in Him whom He has sent.” – Jesus transforms the idea of working, achieving and earning salvation into an issue faith. Simply believe in Him and the kingdom of God will be yours.
- 30: “What sign are you going to give us then, so that we may see it and believe you?” – They were not getting it. They were still focused on actions, works and miracles as proof of their relationship with God.
- 32-33: “Very truly I tell you…for the bread of God is that which comes down from heaven and gives life to the world.” – Jesus underscores the importance of His message. ‘Listen’, He says. ‘Put aside your thoughts and preconceived ideas. What I am about to say is the Truth that will set you free.’
- 35: “I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never be hungry, and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty.” – Spiritual hunger is fulfilled and satisfied through a relationship with Jesus Christ.
- Are you hungry? Is there a spiritual emptiness to your life that causes you to seek sustenance and fulfillment? To what end will you go to satisfy that hunger? Do you get swept away with the crowd mentality, following the latest and greatest craze or celebrity? Are you influenced by the actions and deeds of others in your search for fulfillment? Are you looking for signs of God? Do you need miracles to feed and sustain your faith? Must there be some kind of tangible proof of His love for your?
- Are there signs of God in your life that you have overlooked? The crowd that followed Jesus to Capernaum had witnessed many miracles but was still seeking proof. Are you still seeking proof of who Christ is even though you have experienced Him in many ways? What things has Christ done for you that you have forgotten? What miracles are you taking for granted?
- Do you work hard at demonstrating God is in your life? Do you keep track of your good deeds or of the hours you spend “doing church” in order to measure your faith? Are you wondering if there is more work you can do? Are missionaries and pastors more holy because of their work? Are you feeling incomplete in some way unless you are out in the “mission fields” building the kingdom of God? Do you say, on the one hand, that good works will not earn salvation and yet remain focused on the “doing” as the important part of your relationship with Christ? What was Jesus’ answer to this type of thinking?
- What does it mean to you when Jesus says “I am the bread of life?” Is there a sense that all of your questions and spiritual needs can be fulfilled through Christ? Do you recognize that what He provides is sufficient, that you don’t need to be out there looking for a full-course meal, stuffing yourself with ideas and knowledge until you are unable to move? That when you pray “Give us our daily bread” that you are asking God to fill your needs both physically and spiritually each day, each moment, as the need arises? That His sustenance will come to you in bits and morsels in order to sustain and nourish you throughout eternity?
- What is the basis for your relationship with Christ? Are you still seeking ways to fulfill your needs? Are you overly focused on yourself instead of on God? Are you looking for evidence that proves God’s existence? Do you see the signs and miracles that God performs in your life every day or are you taking them for granted? Are you growing in your understanding of how God is working in your life? Is your faith in Christ the most important work you do?
Today’s verses are asking us to reflect on where it is we are looking for answers in our life. We have a hunger, a spiritual hunger that God has given us so that we will seek Him out. That hunger is not fulfilled through anything we do except in our faith and belief in Him. As we refocus our lives away from ourselves and the idea that we can create God in our own image, we grow to understand that He provides for all of our needs. And that any hunger we have will be fulfilled by the “Bread of Life”, Jesus Christ.
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