A Word from John 6

When I was in college, one of my professors was German. And one of his observations about the difference between German culture and American culture had to do with bread. “American bread,” he said, “is just air that’s been taught to stand up.” And when you think about it, he’s got a point. A lot of the bread you buy in the store is mass produced. And so, it’s often high in convenience and uniformity – but low in taste and nutritional value.

I think about that distinction when I read today’s word from John Chapter 6. Jesus had just fed more than 5000 people with five loaves and two fish. And afterward, they came looking for him, hoping to receive another meal. But Jesus urged them to seek more than the kind of food that spoils. And then, he said this: “Very truly I tell you, the one who believes has eternal life. I am the bread of life.” (6:47-48)

Of course, sometimes I fear that we’ve taken “the bread of life,” and we’ve turned it into “air that’s been taught to stand up.” We’ve mass-produced and marketed the gospel, so that it’s convenient and uniform. But in the process, I can’t help but wonder if we’ve too often lost the complexity and the investment of time and effort that makes having a relationship with Jesus a “meal” that truly satisfies.

And so today, I wonder if we could set aside a moment or two to “feast” on Christ. Not this devotional (or any other, for that matter). And not a podcast or some other teacher’s reflections about Jesus. Could we stop long enough to consume and internalize his words—which he said, “are full of Spirit and life” (Jn. 6:63)—so that we can be nourished by the loving and self-sacrificing Savior, who alone can sustain our souls?

May his presence be your daily bread today. Amen.