Submitted by Visitor (not verified) on Thu, 02/08/2012 – 10:56
Year B (2011-2012)
Bible Book: John / Johannes
Chapter: 6
Verse: 24 – 5
Text: John 6:24-35

In the first part of this chapter, we read that Jesus provided food for a large group of people. We read about His deep concern for the physical needs of these people.

The next day they search for Him again – even to the extent that they travel by boat to Capernaum. When they eventually find Him, Jesus does not seem as enthusiastic to see them again! In fact, He confronts them with the fact that they are only concerned about their physical needs. He challenges them not to work for food that spoils, but for the food that endures to eternal life, the food that the Son of Man will give. Jesus goes even further and invites them to believe in Him. In the discussion that follows, it might even seem as if the people and Jesus have become alienated from each other.

Is there a tension between John 6:1-15 and John 6:24-35 – between Jesus feeding people one day and what He said to them the following day? Do the questions that Jesus asks on day two ‘cancel’ His actions on Day 1? Can we reach the conclusion that feeding people physical bread is less important than the ‘eternal’ bread, that the spiritual is more important than the body?

No, there is no real tension. Jesus is revealed to us in both parts of this chapter. It is the same Jesus that speaks to us when hungry people are fed and that speaks to us through the discussion on Day 2. He reveals to them and to us: “I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never go hungry, and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty.” (v36, NIV)

It is clear from the gospel that Jesus is deeply concerned about the whole person. In Him we find true bread, because we find true, whole humanity in Him.

To think about: To think about: How can we serve the whole person in a world with HIV? Is serving only physical or only spiritual needs enough?

Based on reflection written by Rev N du Toit.

Author: van Rooyen L (Ms)
Language: English