WEDNESDAY

SCRIPTURE - John 6:25-40

There is nothing quite like the sense of fullness and satisfaction that comes from enjoying a good meal. This is perhaps why it is such a good metaphor when it comes to describing what it means to respond to the invitation of Jesus to come. Following the meal that we were reflecting on yesterday, Jesus and his disciples traveled by boat to Capernaum on the other side of the lake. It was not long before the people, having already once enjoyed the meal he had provided, when it comes to describing what it means to respond to Jesus’ invitation to come and follow him. Today’s passage records the conversation that ensued once they caught up with Jesus, and how Jesus sought to shift their focus and expectations about what following Jesus would be like. As filling and satisfying as bread and fish can be to hungry people, Jesus sought to offer them something more that would satisfy on a deeper level, if they were interested. In this account, it is not at all clear how many of them actually were. They wanted to know what they needed to do, but Jesus’ answer directed them to whom they needed to trust. As satisfying as a full stomach can be, full hearts nourish us in even more profound ways. As you reflect on the conversation in today’s passage, consider the following:

• While it is true that it can be hard to be thoughtful and reflective when our stomachs are empty or when we struggle with food insecurity (which is why addressing those issues matters), there are times when our desire to make sure we have enough can get in the way of realizing what we really need the most. How do you sometimes experience this, or see it happening in the lives of others?

• Aside from physical food, what other things do you find yourself hungriest for?

• In what ways does embracing Jesus as the Bread of Life speak to the deeper issues of hunger you may experience? In what ways have you found that satisfying? In what ways would you like to experience this more?

• What do you think kept the people in the story from grasping the fullness of what Jesus sought to share with them? What kinds of things get in the way of this for you?

• As you reflect on what Jesus is saying in this passage, what do you sense is most on his heart for his listeners, both then and now?

Take a few moments to share with God in prayer what is on your heart, both your places of hunger and satisfaction, as you reflect on today’s passage.