John 6:25-35
It’s Harvest time – when we give thanks to God for the gift of life in all its’ facets; seeds that germinate and grow, the right climate of sunshine, rain, wind, heat, cold; of right nutrients, correct Ph. balance in the soil, the right crop rotation to replenish the soil with what has been taken by one crop, and returned by the next. But we have to trust the Living God to provide the right climate; Jesus said that God sends the rain and sun on both the just and the unjust, as He loves all mankind, and provides for all, in the hope that they will recognise His bounty. Too many forget that God gives the growth. We know that the weather is affected by some actions of human beings; cutting down vast swathes of forestry is what has changed the weather patterns rotating around the world. The recent floods in Pakistan are a result of deforestation - in the 1950s 33% of the country was covered in forest, now it’s only 4.3%, which has meant that the run-off in heavy monsoon times has caused more flooding, and is a regular occurrence as a result- human beings are responsible for deforestation as the real cause.
As it is harvest we have three things from John 6:
First, setting the scene for this story: Jesus was teaching about Who He is, and earlier in the chapter he had fed the 5,000; He crossed the Lake of Galilee and was followed by those whom he had fed.
Why were they following? Not just because of who Jesus is, but looking for another free lunch. Their real interest was in being fed without working for it – v26,”you seek Me, not because you saw the signs (those of miracles demonstrating who Jesus is) but because you ate the loaves and were filled.“ They were so obsessed with the material world that they could not see that the true blessing which Jesus offered them is not on that level at all; it is the food that endures to eternal life v27, the gift of the Son of Man, whom God had himself affirmed “Because God the Father has set his seal upon him v27”.
They asked a question: “what shall we do to do work the works of God?”
Jesus said, it was to believe in the one – Jesus himself, - whom God had sent.
Their understanding and hope was a free food supply and a political Messiah who would rid them of their Roman overlords. Their concern was how to further this cause.
They are like those who say they want to be Christians but don’t go along with Bible reading and prayer, developing a real relationship with God through Jesus, which would feed their concern for the world and help to meet it. They may well fall into the category “God helps those who help themselves,” forgetting that the starting place is to learn to walk with God, and then do what He directs, who gives each person the resources they need to live and do what God has already commanded.
Second, Jesus invited his audience to believe and it was met with, “what sign will you perform then that we may see it and believe?” Remember, these are Jewish people with a long history of signs and wonders – the Exodus story was familiar to every Jew, as they were schooled in God’s word; Exodus records miracle after miracle, including bread called manna, water from the rock, and meat – in the form of huge flock of quails. V31 “Our fathers ate the manna in the desert- as it is written, “He gave them bread from heaven to eat.”
I find similar calls today – “if Jesus is who He says He is, show me a miracle. Prove it.” A friend of mine told me the story of a man who worked on ships in the dockyard, who drank heavily, lived wildly, until he had an encounter with Jesus Christ. His mates, as they saw his life change, taunted him “Come on then show us a miracle – turn some water into wine.” He replied, “Come to my home to see where beer has been turned into furniture.
We forget how much God gives us, and His general grace towards everyone. How often have I heard people say, “That was lucky” or “that was an amazing coincidence”; I don’t believe in luck, nor in superstition or coincidence. If you have eyes to see, you see God’s goodness, mercy, and kindness repeatedly, and our response should be to recognise that these come from Him. I never like commentaries in nature programmes when they say “look what Mother Nature has done.” Nonsense. What is Mother Nature? Actually it is Father God the Creator – they are just too embarrassed to acknowledge it so invent a fiction. Moses didn’t give the manna in the desert, it was God’s provision. Sometimes His provision comes from unlikely sources, but it all ultimately comes from Him.
Third Jesus said:” I am the bread of life; he who comes to me shall never hunger, and he who believes in me shall never thirst.” Did Jesus mean physical food and drink? We pray in the Lord’s Prayer “Give us this day our daily bread,” and by so doing are acknowledging that even when we buy food in the supermarket, it is God who created all things richly for us to enjoy – and when we take it all for granted and not give it a second thought, we forget who is the creator, redeemer and sustainer of the world. This sustenance is what satisfies the soul. “I am the bread of life” is a statement that without Him we are nothing – He is the One who fulfils the human soul; He is the One who meets the yearning of the human spirit. The thirst for meaning, significance, acceptance, forgiveness, hope, and a future beyond death is a basic human trait. All of these and more are met in Jesus Christ alone. Are you hungry and thirsty for God? He will satisfy your soul.
He is more than the Bread of life:
Jesus is light of world – Good news for electricians
He is the living water of life – Good news for plumbers
He is the way – Good news for cartographers and traffic wardens
He is a carpenter – Good news for carpenters
He is the truth – good news for politicians
He is the bread of life – good news for bakers
He is the one who owns all things – good news for bankers and marxists
He is the door – good news for builders
He is the gate – good news for security guards
He is the good shepherd – good news for shepherds and farmers
Isaiah 7:18 He is the bee keeper – good news for apiarists
John 15 He is the vine- Good news for wine makers
He is the resurrection Good news for funeral directors
He is the life Good news for biologists and virologists
He is the great Healer Good news for doctors and patients
He is the oil of anointing Good news for tanker drivers
He is the king of kings and Lord of lords Good news for all in public life
He is the Alpha and Omega the beginning and the end– Good news for scientists
Jesus is the Word Good news for actors and writers
Isaiah 42:14 He is The labouring mother – good news for mothers expecting babies
Do you believe and trust in Him?
