Listen and Pray through John 6:26-35
Click the button below to listen and pray through this passage. This practice will take about 10 minutes.
Prepare
As we prepare to enter prayer today, we pause to be still, to stop our striving and fretting, and simply rest in God’s presence. We set our mind on Jesus and let go of the worries and cares of our day…even if just for a few minutes.
As you settle your soul, pray these words: Lord Jesus, open my heart to receive Your truth. Feed my soul with Your presence and satisfy my deepest hunger with Your love.
Today’s passage is John 6:26-35. Before we dive in, let’s imagine the circumstances and context of Jesus’ words. The following interaction takes place the day after Jesus fed over 5,000 people with just 5 loaves of bread and 2 fish. Imagine you were there that day. Imagine you had just seen this man, whom you know very little about, multiply bread like there was a never-ending supply of abundance. Would you be like the crowds who followed him to see what he would do next? If so, what would be your motivation?
Read
John 6:26-35
26 Jesus replied, “I tell you the truth, you want to be with me because I fed you, not because you understood the miraculous signs. 27 But don’t be so concerned about perishable things like food. Spend your energy seeking the eternal life that the Son of Man[f] can give you. For God the Father has given me the seal of his approval.”
28 They replied, “We want to perform God’s works, too. What should we do?”
29 Jesus told them, “This is the only work God wants from you: Believe in the one he has sent.”
30 They answered, “Show us a miraculous sign if you want us to believe in you. What can you do? 31 After all, our ancestors ate manna while they journeyed through the wilderness! The Scriptures say, ‘Moses gave them bread from heaven to eat.’[g]”
32 Jesus said, “I tell you the truth, Moses didn’t give you bread from heaven. My Father did. And now he offers you the true bread from heaven. 33 The true bread of God is the one who comes down from heaven and gives life to the world.”
34 “Sir,” they said, “give us that bread every day.”
35 Jesus replied, “I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never be hungry again. Whoever believes in me will never be thirsty.
Listen & Reflect
Jesus had compassion on the crowds who didn’t quite get it yet. He fed them and taught them, and in his kindness, even questioned their motives. He saw their hearts and stated, “I tell you the truth, you want to be with me because I fed you” Why have you come to be with Jesus today?
If you’ve come for sustenance, you’re not wrong to do so. Afterall, he is the source. However, like any parent or grandparent knows, there’s something special when our child simply wants to be with us, not with our wallet or with our ability to meet their needs…but to simply be together. The same is true for time spent with Jesus. May we not be like the crowds who say, ““Show us a miraculous sign if you want us to believe in you. What can you do?”
Spend a few moments just simply being with Jesus. Set your requests and petitions to the side and simply gaze upon Jesus. Feel the kindness and love as his gaze returns and falls on you. Allow yourself to experience the joy of being with Christ and allowing him to delight in your presence.
True to his nature, even though he saw their hearts and knew their true motives, Jesus still offers them what they were truly seeking: nourishment that won’t fade, diminish, or leave them unsatisfied. He says to them, “27 But don’t be so concerned about perishable things like food. Spend your energy seeking the eternal life that the Son of Man[f] can give you.” What have you been seeking? Where have you been expending your energy? What have you been chasing and hungering for? success, approval, security, comfort? How often do you try to satisfy your soul with things that ultimately leave you empty?
Spend a few moments of quiet reflection, taking inventory of the things you’ve been chasing lately. Allow Jesus to direct your desires and draw you back to himself.
Jesus is offering YOU the same gift he offered to the crowds. Jesus replied, “I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never be hungry again. Whoever believes in me will never be thirsty. Jesus promises that those who come to Him will never hunger or thirst. Do you truly believe that He alone can satisfy your deepest needs?
What would it look like to receive Jesus as your true source of life today?
Close your eyes. Picture Jesus standing before you. He knows your heart. He knows your motives. He knows the deepest longings of your soul. As he looks at you, his eyes are filled with love and compassion. He knows you’re tired from constantly chasing things that won’t satisfy. He’s offering you an alternative. He’s offering himself, the Bread of Life. Will you receive it today?
Spend some more time in Jesus’ presence. Allow him to fill you to satisfaction…giving you all you will need to face the rest of your day.
As you sit quietly, repeat to yourself. “Jesus, you are enough for me.”
Pray
Lord Jesus,
You are the true bread that gives life to the world and to me personally.
I confess that I often chase after things that leave me empty,
but You alone can satisfy my soul.
Teach me to hunger for what truly lasts.
Help me to trust You as my provider, my sustainer, my source of life.
Fill me with Your presence today, that I may never hunger or thirst again.
I come to You, believing in Your promise.
Amen.