The Real Need!

Jesus fed about five thousand people with five barley loaves and two fish. ( John 6:9-10) The people perceived that this was one who would make a good king. ( John 6:15) What better provider than one who could so easily feed the hungry! However, there was the need for the focus to be lifted above the physical needs to the spiritual and therefore Jesus focused on God’s greatest provision. Jesus urged the distinguishing between the pursuit of food that perishes and that which “endures for eternal life.” ( John 6:27) The God who provided the manna in the wilderness that sustained life during that wandering has provided an even greater blessing that sustains even more. (Read the full discussion in John 6:22-59) The reality is we need more than bread! ( Matthew 4:4)

Three times in this discussion Jesus made the following declaration:
“(35) Jesus said to them, “I AM THE BREAD OF LIFE; whoever comes to me shall not hunger, and whoever believes in me shall never thirst.” ( John 6:35 ESV)

And…
“(47) Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever believes has eternal life. (48) I AM THE BREAD OF LIFE. (49) Your fathers ate the manna in the wilderness, and they died. (50) This is the bread that comes down from heaven, so that one may eat of it and not die. (51) I AM THE LIVING BREAD that came down from heaven. If anyone eats of this bread, he will live forever. And the bread that I will give for the life of the world is my flesh.” ( John 6:47-51 ESV)

We need to be sure we are focusing on the right things. Keeping the focus fixed on the physical can bring about a failure to perceive the spiritual. Recognizing the greatest needs we have and Who can fulfill them is of the utmost importance because our eternal salvation hangs in the balance. Where would we be without the “BREAD OF LIFE” that came down from Heaven? Someone has well said, “Without The Bread Of Life We’d All Be Toast!” [source: church sign]

In Revelation we read…
“(7) The one who conquers will have this heritage, and I will be his God and he will be my son. (8) But as for the cowardly, the faithless, the detestable, as for murderers, the sexually immoral, sorcerers, idolaters, and all liars, THEIR PORTION WILL BE IN THE LAKE THAT BURNS WITH FIRE AND SULFUR, which is the second death.” ( Revelation 21:7-8 ESV)

Our life must be connected to Jesus. If we pursue the satisfying of an appetite for things contrary to His Will we will be toast! May we continue to receive the eternal life sustaining nourishment that only comes through our connection with our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ!

Have a great day SUSTAINED BY THE WHOLESOME GOODNESS OF JESUS!
Carl

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