Key Verse: “Jesus said to them, “Truly I tell you, Moses didn’t give you the bread from heaven, but my Father gives you the true bread from heaven. 3For the bread of God is the one who comes down from heaven and gives life to the world.” Then they said, “Sir, give us this bread always.” “I am the bread of life,” Jesus told them. “No one who comes to me will ever be hungry, and no one who believes in me will ever be thirsty again.” (John 6:32-35 CSB)
Following His miracle of feeding thousands of people with only five barley loaves and a couple of fish, the crowd of people continued to seek out Jesus. They had witnessed Him do incredible things, and they wanted to see what He would do next. When they finally found Jesus, He turned to them and said, “Truly I tell you, you are looking for me, not because you saw the signs, but because you ate the loaves and were filled” (v.26).
Jesus was pointing to their motivation for seeking Him out. They were there because they wanted more food. They wanted Him to meet their physical needs. While there was nothing wrong with this per se, there was something more important that Jesus was pointing to. There was a greater hunger and thirst within them that transcended their physical needs. This was where they needed to be devoting their energy and attention.
As the conversation between Jesus and the people continued, the people were intrigued. Where could they get this “true bread” to which Jesus was referring? Jesus responded by saying, “I am the bread of life.” “No one who comes to me will ever be hungry, and no one who believes in me will ever be thirsty again” (v.35).
Jesus’ words reveal an amazing truth of which we often need to be reminded. True satisfaction or fulfillment is found only in Him. When we look to physical things in our pursuit of joy and contentment, we will only come up short. We will still feel empty and hungry for more. The reason is because we are looking to the wrong things. Jesus is the true bread that brings ultimate fulfillment or joy. He is the only One who can meet our deepest longings.
David wrote, “You reveal the path of life to me; in your presence is abundant joy; at your right hand are eternal pleasures” (Psalm 16:11). He also wrote, “But I will see your face in righteousness; when I awake, I will be satisfied with your presence” (Psalm 17:15). He understood that true and lasting pleasure was found through more of God’s presence in his life.
So what about you? To what are you looking for satisfaction or fulfillment? Is it more money, the next promotion, the latest gadget, or a certain relationship? None of these things are necessarily bad. But none of these things will ever fully satisfy our deepest longings. Only Jesus can do this. When we make Jesus our primary delight, we find true joy and contentment that cannot be found anywhere else. No one who truly comes to Him in faith will ever be hungry or thirsty again. So make Him your primary pursuit today!
Prayer: Jesus, in you alone can I find true satisfaction and joy. Help me not to be deceived or led astray by other things. Instead, overwhelm me with your Spirit’s presence and fill me with your abundant and eternal joy. You are the bread of life! Amen.
Author: Jonathan Miller has served in pastoral roles for more than 13 years in churches in Barrie, Oakville and Burlington, Ontario. He currently serves as the Chief Operating Officer at Prison Fellowship Canada, a ministry that mobilizes and equips local churches to engage in the restorative work of prisoners, ex-prisoners, their families, and victims across Canada. Jon holds degrees from McMaster University and Trinity Evangelical Divinity School. He and his wife Adrienne have been married since 2004, and live in Burlington, Ontario with their 4 children. Jon’s greatest passion is to know Jesus and to see lives transformed by Him and for Him.
