In John 6, Jesus feeds a big crowd of people with one boy’s lunch. That night, He leaves the crowds, crossing the Sea of Galilee. The next day they find Him and are like, oh, how did you get here and when did you leave us to come here?

Jesus’ reply ignores their question. He tells them plainly that they aren’t looking for him because of miraculous signs that testify that God is in their midst, but rather because they are interested in what God might do for them. It appears to be a selfish motivation for them to look for Jesus instead of being motivated to join up with the God that transcends time and can do infinitely more that what we can ask or imagine. Jesus said that they should not seek that food which spoils, but that food which endures to eternal life - which Jesus will give. Perhaps Jesus is giving both the eternal life and the food we need to be nourished in Christ.

Do I look for Jesus when I need something only? Do I call upon God for selfish reasons? Is it not better to trust that God will provide good things and instead look for how to commune with God and join in God’s work? Do I have a “vending machine” philosophy / relationship with God?

In John 4:34, Jesus says “My food is to do the will of Him who sent Me.” Unpacking that a little brings an interesting perspective. In this case “food” is used to describe that which Jesus needs in order to live, that which Jesus craves and finds to be ultimately sustaining in His life. Jesus’ food is to do His Father’s will.

Taking these two passages together, Jesus appears to be saying that our daily nourishment comes from doing the will of God. It may be a bit of a stretch, but not much, to say that this is what we should crave, and it sustains our very lives by taking us from death’s door to God’s abundant life.

How can I do the will of God? What does the Lord require of you? To do justice, to love mercy, and walk humbly with God. Working to bring justice and eliminating unjust practices, as well as helping those in need and lifting up those who are down because of their actions (or others’) are ways that I can walk humbly with God - and partake in the life-giving and sustaining food that Jesus will multiply in my heart.

More to come another time soon on Jesus Himself being the Bread of Life and His words regarding the Living Water He promises to the woman at the well.