Jesus Thou Art the Christ - Part 704

"Lord, to whom shall we go? Thou hast the words of eternal life. And we believe -- and are sure -- that Thou art that Christ, the Son of the living God." (John 6:67-69)

Prior to the above exchange between Jesus and the twelve disciples, Jesus had been teaching in the synagogue in Capernaum. At the time, a great multitude followed Jesus "because they saw His miracles which He did on them that were diseased." (John 6:1-3) Amid the miracles and healings, Jesus had performed numerous signs and wonders too, including the feeding of the multitudes.

Unfortunately, however, there were those in the crowd who only sought after the miracles. Jesus knew this and said, "Verily, verily, I say unto you. Ye seek Me, not because ye saw the miracles but because ye did eat of the loaves and were filled." (John 6:26) In other words, they did not seek the Master with their hearts. Neither did they recognize that Jesus was the Son of man that God the Father had sealed. (John 6:27)

Rather, their desire to be with Jesus hinged only on the physical and spiritual benefits that could be had from hanging around Jesus. This is why Jesus stated, "Labour not for the meat which perishes but for that meat which endureth unto everlasting life." (John 6:27) He knew their hearts. Still, these same asked Jesus, "What shall we do, that we might work the words of God?" Jesus answered unto them, "This is the work of God -- that you believe on Him whom He hath sent."

Still unconvinced, they said to Jesus, "What sign showest Thou then, that we may see, and believe Thee? What dost Thou work? Our fathers did eat manna in the desert. As it is written, He gave them bread from heaven to eat."

But once again these same were misguided in their traditional beliefs. Therefore, Jesus said unto them, "Verily, verily, I say unto you, Moses gave you not that bread from heaven but my Father giveth you the true bread from heaven. For the bread of God is He which cometh down from heaven and giveth life unto the world."

Again, Jesus said, "I am the bread of life." But this time, Jesus went further. He said, "He that comes to Me shall never hunger, and he that believes on Me shall never thirst. But I said unto you -- That ye also have seen Me and believe not. All that the Father giveth Me shall come to Me. I will in no wise cast out. For I came down from heaven, not to do Mine own will but the will of Him that sent Me. And this is the Father's will which hath sent Me, that of all which He hath given Me, I should lose nothing, but should raise it up again at the last day." (John 6:35-40)

The unbelieving Jews murmured amongst themselves because of these words. Because Jesus had reiterated that He is the bread of life which came down from heaven. (John 6:41) Likewise, Jesus' followers became even more disturbed when Jesus said, "No man can come to Me except the Father draw him and I will raise him up at the last day. Not that any man hath seen the Father, save He which is is of God, He hath seen the Father. Verily. verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on Me hath everlasting life. I am that bread of life." (John 6:42-51)

Repeatedly, Jesus revealed His identity but His message -- sadly, fell on deaf ears. In fact, His teachings were very difficult for those who gathered around Him. But note that throughout the sixth chapter of John, Jesus reiterated that He is the bread of life. Note that He did not say one's church, or religion, or creed can save you. Only Jesus -- the bread of life. The Word that became flesh and later, His humanity crucified to the cross -- so that you and I might have salvation.

It is because of this ultimate sacrifice -- the shedding of His holy blood -- that no man can come unto the Father but through Jesus. He is the only mediator between God and man. And He loves us and wants to embrace us with His love and grace. Just like Simon Peter with the eleven disciples ask, "Lord, to whom shall we go? Thou hast the words of eternal life."

Trust Jesus today. Stand in the offering plate.