By Becky Bramlett Austin
They watched Jesus multiply food to feed the masses. They pondered how he joined the disciples on the sea without a boat. They marveled at him and they sought him but only for what he could give them in a material sense. And Jesus knew that they were hungry but not for what would satisfy the deepest longings of their heart. “Truly, truly, I say to you, you are seeking me, not because you saw signs, but because you ate your fill of the loaves.” (V26)
Then Jesus begins to converse with them about spiritual hunger. “Do not work for the food that perishes, but for the food that endures to eternal life, which the Son of Man will give to you. For on him God the Father has set his seal.” (V27) Then they ask him a very important question and they get a very simple, clear answer. “Then they said to him, “What must we do, to be doing the works of God?” Jesus answered them, “This is the work of God, that you believe in him whom he has sent.”" (V 28-29)
This seems so simple and it encompasses the Gospel, the Good News of God to man. Why was it so hard for them to understand? It was hard because of man's sinful nature. Humankind is so enslaved to its nature it doesn't even recognize its own prison. In order for man to seek salvation, he must become aware that he needs salvation. He must become teachable and receptive to the Spirit of God that wants to show man the wretched state he is in because he is disconnected from God. Man must see the depravity and darkness of his current condition before he will seek out the light of truth. Many can sit in a classroom and be given instruction but only the student who wants to receive the instruction and apply it to understanding will profit.
Jesus came to teach us of God and truth. He became the living bread that would feed and nourish our spiritual souls. The people sought material nourishment from heaven but God wanted to give them spiritual nourishment. Instead of manna, he sent Jesus. “For the bread of God is he who comes down from heaven and gives life to the world.” (V33) Jesus gives a clear explanation of the grand plan or purpose of God toward mankind. “For this is the will of my Father, that everyone who looks on the Son and believes in him should have eternal life, and I will raise him up on the last day.” (V40)
We all sit in the grand classroom of life. We all have opportunity to receive instruction, to be teachable, to come to an understanding of our deep spiritual need for God. But not all will have teachable hearts that are receptive to God's spirit. Not all will see their need for spiritual bread. Not all will believe in Jesus. "No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws him. And I will raise him up on the last day. It is written in the Prophets, ‘And they will all be taught by God.’ Everyone who has heard and learned from the Father comes to me—”
Is God drawing you to him? Are you realizing there is a spiritual hunger and thirst that no material gain can satisfy? Are you realizing the dark state of your heart apart from the love and goodness of a holy God? Are you teachable and humble, receptive to the gift of salvation through the sacrifice of Jesus that atones you to God? Are you ready to taste the bread of life?
“Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever believes has eternal life. I am the bread of life.” (V47-48)