Bread of Life

Rev. Dr. Linda Hamill (St Stephen’s Toowoomba City Uniting Church)

Jesus said to them, “I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never be hungry, and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty (John 6:35).” Shortly after that, his disciples said, “This teaching is difficult; who can accept it?”

This is difficult and there were several reactions to Jesus becoming God in the flesh and blood and living in the world. Some believed. Some were offended that Jesus claimed to be from God. Some did not believe. And some walked away.

What gets in our way of believing that Jesus is the bread of life? Are we offended? Or do we simply walk away? John in his gospel wants people to know that God sent Jesus so that we could have an intimate relationship with God. How intimate? Listen to the words John uses. We are invited to abide, stay, continue, recline and to live forever with Jesus and God. Jesus does not promise an end to our struggles but rather he promises an advocate the Holy Spirit to guide and comfort. Jesus promises peace, a peace that the world does not give. For our part of the relationship? Believe God loves you!