When Jesus' disciples and followers heard him speak the words in our theme text, John 6:53, some were perplexed at its meaning. They understood that they needed physical food and drink, which Jesus provided when he fed the five thousand (John 6:1-15). But now Jesus wanted them to understand that they also need spiritual food and drink.

Jesus wanted them (and ultimately us) to know that he came to satisfy their spiritual hunger. Identifying himself as the Bread of Life, Jesus goes on to teach that eternal life comes from who he is, not from something outward he provides, and this spiritual nourishment is available to all who put their trust in him.

Within the Capernaum crowd, many were unwilling to accept Jesus’ teaching. When faced with a hard or complicated teaching that we don’t understand, we may be tempted to turn away as some followers did in John 6:66, but if we are more like Peter who at the time was so hungry for truth, he followed Jesus despite the difficulty. 

As long as Jesus was fulfilling his followers’ expectations by performing miracles, feeding multitudes, and casting out demons, they gladly followed him, but once he talked about spiritual requirements of discipleship (John 6:62-65) the outcome for some was altogether different.

God wants us to serve Him on His terms, not ours. He wants us to be obedient and restfully dependent. Are we willing to do this today? Let us encourage one another to commit to having the “Jesus succeeds through me” mindset. Accept Jesus’ teaching and discover what the man by the Pool of Bethesda did—Jesus is the Water of Life. Or imagine what the crowd by the Sea of Galilee witnessed firsthand, Jesus is the Bread of Life. 

Dear Heavenly Father,

Help me to be attentive to Your Son, Jesus’ words. I pray I will not let them depart from my thoughts and I will keep them in the midst of my heart. You said when I put my trust in You, I will live and enjoy endless life in Your Kingdom. I am forever grateful that Your Son is the sustenance of my life through Your Holy Spirit that dwells in me. In the name of Jesus, I pray. Amen.

Memorize this verse today and have it ready to encourage yourself and to witness clearly to others: John 14:6 Jesus said, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.”