In John 3 with Nicodemus, Jesus compared himself to the snake that was lifted up in the wilderness that the people could look to and be saved. In this passage, he compares himself to the manna that fell from heaven in Exodus 16. Jesus chides those who are following after him just because they got their bellies full. They do ask for more miraculous signs. They make the mistake about talking about the manna in the desert and Jesus uses that to talk about himself coming down from heaven.
He calls himself "the bread of God that gives life to the world (vs. 32-33)". Then he calls himself "the bread of life" (vs. 35) that is received through belief. His opponents refuse to believe and begin to grumble about him claiming to come from heaven. In verse 49, Jesus tells them that the difference between him and the ancient manna is that when people believe and take in the bread of life they live forever.
This discussion reminds me of holy communion. There are many who take communion as part of their monthly rhythm. They have preferences about how communion should be served and even what liturgy we would use. But are we taking communion "with belief", trusting that God's presence is filling us and renewing us? Are we opening ourselves afresh to God's Spirit so that true "communion" happens between us and God, not just individually but as the congregation? Sacraments are holy moments where we believe the grace of God is received, where God is "especially present."
When I was a kid, my father was a ruling elder in the Second United Presbyterian Church. One of his duties was to serve communion. One Sunday, there were insufficient elements prepared for the number of people who were worshipping. Dad had the difficult task of telling one of the leading people in the church that they had run out of elements and he would not be able to take communion. Dad said, "I'm sorry," expecting in return, "That's OK, I understand." But what he heard was "I'm sorry, too. Communion is very important to me and I always look forward to it." Dad's heart sunk. But he also was convicted that communion did not mean as much to him as it did that man. Now communion is the most important thing to dad in the life of the church. He takes it "with belief" and it is truly holy time and communion with His Savior.
The Greek construction in Greek for "the bread of life" is the genitive case. In this instance it means not only, "the bread of life," but also "the bread that is life." Who is Jesus to you? Have a great weekend.
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I am doing a couple of studies at the same time. The past few days have been amazing how they seem to intersect or round each other out. In addition to this scripture, I read scriptures from Matthew when Jesus calls the disciples, and the house built on God's Word, and then Luke- parable of the talents and Acts the disciples living in community-
Jesus talking about eating and drinking his flesh and blood- and going on to say- his words are the bread of life- and give spirit and life- caused me to reflect on how Jesus becomes imprinted on our DNA- a Spirit filled life- with Jesus as source (for me), can result in Jesus being part of me- oozing out of my pores so to speak-
Christ as foundation for my house, gives me the strength to endure trials, to be solid. Christ as the bread of my life- can give me the courage to use my talent, brings me spiritual gifts, - leaves no doubt to follow the Spirit's leading - and enables my life to be one of peace, prayer, learning, teaching, praise, generosity and the ability to be in community to and with others. This is my prayer and my source of hope and strength.
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