Word in Context: John 6
Word in Focus: John 6:53
“So Jesus said to them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink his blood, you have no life in you.” John 6:53 ESV
What a radical statement Jesus made concerning Himself. Yet, He was demonstrating how we would need to feed upon Him- the Word if we were to have eternal life.
(John 1: 1-51, John 1:14). The Word was the manna, and then made bread, coming down from heaven to meet our spiritual needs. So hard was it for many to comprehend, that only eleven remained, and when asked if they too would leave, “Simon Peter answered him, “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life, and we have believed, and have come to know, that you are the Holy One of God.”
John 6: 60-71
When Jesus fed the five thousand, there was enough bread and fish distributed to feed everyone. So much so, twelve baskets of bread was left over. In that crowd was represented every age, gender, and cognitive level. Yet the same bread that He blessed was the same bread that fed all. John 6: 1-15
At eleven years old I understood the gospel and was saved. And at Pentecost, everyone heard the word of God in their own language. So this is what I am saying. God has made His Word palpable and comprehensible for all mankind at every stage. He speaks in every language the same message which delivers us from the bondage of sin and sets us free. Matthew 19:14, Acts 2:6
Recently, I visited an assisted living facility where the elderly were in every physical and mental state. But what I observed, was their attentiveness when I spoke about God’s Word. They got it! I didn’t have to reduce it to any cognitive level or make it desirable beyond what it says. The word is delicious, to those who are hungry. As they were listening, they were tasting to see that the Lord, “He is good, and were satisfied.”
Psalm 34:8
I have a six year old great grand-daughter who has understood the Word since four years of age. For it is the Holy Spirit which gives comprehension. Otherwise, the Word would only be understood by scholars and we would be dependent on them. To the unbeliever the Word brings conviction, and to the believer the Word when applied causes growth in their faith.
Ephesians 4: 11-16, John 16: 7-11, Matthew 19:14
The Word says that we need that no man teach us who have faith; we have the Holy Spirit. Why would God make it that way? His Word is understood by all who seek Him and interpreted spiritually for everyone who is born again.
1 John 2:27, 1 Corinthians 2: 1-16, John 3: 1-13
The Lord does not spoon feed us, but as much as we gather, we will bake. He gives the Word, and when we apply it to our life it has the power to meet our every need. But we need to be hungry for this spiritual bread.
Jesus said we have to be “born again” and like newborn babes enter His Kingdom where we desire the Milk of His Word – ( John 3: 3, 1 Peter 2: 1-3 )
So, instead of depending on reading someone’s devotional, or following many teachings, why not read the Word for yourself, and see what God has to say. You will discover how He wants to open up the scriptures to you, if you are hungry enough to know Him and want to know His ways. Luke 24:32, 1 John 2:27
CR- Hebrews 5: 13-14, 1 Peter 2:2,
Resource: What was Manna?
Bible Resources: biblia.com biblehub.com
Bible Translation: ESV
Prayer
Dear Heavenly Father,
Thank you that it was your desire not to reveal these things to the wise but to babes. I love your Word. Your Word is Truth. Your Word is Life. In Jesus’ Name, Amen. Matthew 11:25
This morning I was struck by John 6:2….A huge crowd kept following HIM wherever HE went because they saw HIS miraculous signs as HE healed the sick (NLT). These people like me were people of faith (they were on their way to Jerusalem). Like them I am attracted to Jesus for what HE can do for me instead of what I can do for HIM. I need a shift from this mindset. Is there anyone else with me? What a great time of the year to seek the Lord on this Universal problem.
Thanks Mary. Powerful Word for me today! Oh Lord I pray for a hunger and thirst for all Your people now more than ever!
Thanks, Dianne. I know you love His Word as I do. Staying hungry for Jesus!