Good morning. We read in John 6:1-15 that Jesus miraculously fed the 5,000 (actually it may have been over 10,000 because they only counted the men) and the crowds were amazed. They were amazed, but they were also hopeful. In a world in which the common person seldom had enough to eat, and very rarely would they have enough to eat until their hunger was satisfied, Jesus performed this miracle. All were fed until they were completely satisfied. Naturally, they hoped to follow Him and have Jesus provide a never-ending supply of food. But that was not His ministry. Not exactly.
As we read on in this chapter and reach John 6:25-59 Jesus explains that while providing food for the body was possible, the far greater miracle and purpose of Jesus as He walked among mankind was to provide real nourishment. That real nourishment was the bread of heaven. It was spiritual food that would not merely provide for the need of the moment, it would provide what was needed to bring them into the arms of God today, tomorrow, and forever.
As Jesus explains this, He makes a point that is critically important, but is all too often missed. Jesus Christ is the Bread of Heaven. Jesus explains this truth in verses 32-38 Jesus said to them, “Very truly I tell you, it is not Moses who has given you the bread from heaven, but it is my Father who gives you the true bread from heaven. For the bread of God is the bread that comes down from heaven and gives life to the world.” “Sir,” they said, “always give us this bread.” Then Jesus declared, “I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never go hungry, and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty. But as I told you, you have seen me and still you do not believe. All those the Father gives me will come to me, and whoever comes to me I will never drive away. For I have come down from heaven not to do my will but to do the will of him who sent me.
Just as in the days of Moses, God provides the bread each day. For the Israelites in the wilderness, it was called manna, and it was given each day. With the exception of preparing for the Sabbath, you couldn’t save it up for another day. It would rot.
Jesus Christ is our manna from heaven.
We need our helping of Jesus each and every day to provide for our needs. Without Jesus each and every day, we spiritually starve. We cannot try and take in enough Jesus on Sunday for a week’s supply. Try it, and you have a stinking mess. Try it, and you will spiritually starve.
Thank you God for the manna to feed me today. Thank you Christ Jesus for being that manna which feeds me today. Thank you Spirit of power and truth for filling me anew each day. Thank you God for this provision for abundant life today and for eternal life with You. Thank You!