“I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never go hungry, and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty...All whom the Father gives me will come to me, and whoever comes to me I will never drive away. " (John 6:35, 37 TNIV)
Sometimes my youngest son will not come to me when I call him. I recognize that part of the reason stems from what he is expecting. Unfortunately, I fear he associates correction more than love. It isn't that he doesn't need to be corrected, he is four. However, I know that I am not always able to communicate my love clearly because I have to correct him. That being said, I would say that isn't always the reason why he doesn't come to me. Sometimes I think he doubts I will receive him. He's not alone, as I think my other children feel the same. They come by this honestly, as their own dad wrestles with whether or not he will be received by his own Father.
The message of Jesus is that I need not fear, but that doesn't mean I will simply accept it as true. At times I am riddled with doubt. The theoretical "rain cloud" does hang over my own head. It's not that I have ever sensed God's abandonment or disregard. I can say with confidence, I have sensed His disapproval. However, I have never perceived a whole scale absence.
Why is that?
I believe this is because Jesus has rid my life of that possibility. Jesus has always been present for me as a reminder that God is always with me. That I am loved beyond measure and without regret. God is for me, not against me. He is my eternal bread and water.
John's gospel contains 7 unique sayings of Jesus regarding who He is and what He has come to accomplish known as the "I Am"sayings. In this passage, Jesus is addressing the petition of the crowd to give a sign regarding the bread from Heaven. The audience had recently witnessed Jesus' feeding of several thousands with only a few loaves of bread and a couple fish. The conversation rested on their desire to have their stomachs filled with no regard to their souls. Jesus commanded them to work for food that won't spoil but for food that the Son of Man will give (John 6:27). The audience understood that work was "required" to receive this food, so they asked what it was. Jesus responds very clearly to "believe in the one he [God] has sent." (John 6:29)
So can we get a sign? (Seriously, the same group who a day before witnessed the power of Jesus to feed multitudes with little are asking for a sign. That's like watching the mechanic pull the dipstick from your car, walk it over to you, hand it to you with what appears to be tar on the end, and say "you need an oil change" and you respond "can you show me the oil pan?" Clearly he knows what he is talking about.)
Jesus tells the group that He is the bread from heaven and if they will come to him, they will never go hungry. Many people question the authority of Jesus. They question whether or not he is the savior of the world. They wonder whether or not the "story" got confused somewhere along the way. They truly cannot see why Jesus should be seen as anything greater than a traveling preacher. Jesus makes it abundantly clear: I have come from heaven and I bring food for your hunger.
Dignity: Will I be abused if I take this gift?
Liberty: Who will I owe for this gift?
Livelihood: What will this give cost me?
Uncertainty: Can I really receive this gift at all?
Jesus makes it clear that this gift is for everyone who will believe. Everyone who come to him knowing that He is good and kind. Jesus promises not only to provide food - He promises to be the food that is provided. Jesus promises himself.
If my kids understand one thing, I hope it is that I want always to be for their good. I want always to help them as best I can. I want always to bring them joy and hope. But more than anything, I long for my children to know that I will always accept them and never drive them away. Like me to my LORD, they have been given to me and nothing will ever take that away.
Soli Deo Gloria
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