Satisfaction Found
John 6:5-13, 35-40
We were created to have a personal relationship with God. That relationship is broken due to sin. Sin is our rebellious removal of God from leadership in our lives and replacing him with ourselves.
Sin plays out through willful disobedience both in what we do and don’t do. Overtly, we disregard God’s instruction on how we conduct our lives. Covertly, we say to God, “Lord, I know you have a lot to take care of, so you focus on the big things in life – war, hunger, disaster, the sinful neighbor down the street – and I’ll take care of me. After all, I have my life under control.”
John 6:1-13 describes a miracle that exemplified Jesus’ ability to satisfy a hungry crowd. But Jesus’ action demonstrated he was able to do more than meet physical need; he also satisfied life’s void left by broken relationship.
In verses 35-40, Jesus proclaimed that he was the Bread of Life. John’s mention of the nearness of the Passover (v. 4), the “prophet who was to come” (v. 14), and the discussion of the bread from heaven (vv. 31-33) combine to stoke the hopes of a second Exodus.
Jesus is the bread provided by God from heaven. This bread gives and sustains life. Those who come to him never hunger and those who believe in him never thirst.
But to be truly satisfied, faith has to be applied. Notice Jesus’ contrast between those who see him and do not believe (v. 36) to those who see him and believe (v. 40). Jesus will fulfill God’s will by keeping those whom the Father has given him and those who come to and believe him, giving them eternal life and raising them in the last day. He will satisfy spiritual hunger brought by broken relationship.
How do you get that satisfaction?
– Realize that you are separated from God because you follow you own direction instead of following God’s (sin).
– Believe that Jesus died on the cross to pay the penalty for that sin. Recognize that he was raised from the dead as the Lord of Life and enter into a personal relationship with God through Jesus.
– Quit following your direction and follow Jesus (repentance). Then you will experience life full and satisfied (John 10:10).
Scudder– Lessons in the BSL series for the fall quarter are being written by Steve Scudder, former director of missions for Savannah River Association.