Jesus said to them, “I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never be hungry, and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty.” [John 6:35] If we go out to eat at a local restaurant and order our main entrée, when they bring out our salad as a first course, they might also bring out a basket with bread in it. This is just in preparation for the main course.
In the ancient world, bread played a far more prominent role in sustaining life. Bread and water were what you would have primarily lived on. If you could find a little piece of meat or fish or some dates to eat with your bread and some wine, then you were really living well. What for us is a nice little appetizer, for the Jews was the main part of their diet. Bread allowed the receiver to go from hungry to filled and satisfied.
Those who followed Jesus were indeed hungry. In context, in the beginning of John 6, Jesus has just fed the five thousand and travelled with his disciples to the other side of the lake. Now, they have found Jesus on the other side of the lake—And Jesus knows their motives. In John 6:26–27, “Jesus answered them and said, ‘Most assuredly, I say to you, you seek Me, not because you saw the signs, but because you ate of the loaves and were filled. Do not labor for the food which perishes, but for the food which endures to everlasting life, which the Son of Man will give you, because God the Father has set His seal on Him.’”
Jesus calls them out. They are following him to get a free meal—But, what Jesus points out is that their true need is not for some more loaves and fishes and full bellies; it is to believe in the one the Father has sent, to feed on Christ and be filled in their souls for all of eternity. Join us this week at Sedona United Methodist Church as Rev. Fred Mast begins a sermon series of the seven “I Am” sayings of Jesus in a message entitled, “Finest Bread, He Will Provide”.
Sunday mornings we enter the spirit of worship at 9:30 a.m. featuring meaningful times of prayer, joyous music, and life messages that will help move you closer in your relationship with Christ. Our worship is upbeat and lively, and spirit filled! Immediately following worship, you are encouraged and invited to stay and join us in our Fellowship Hall for the friendliest and best fellowship time anywhere featuring delicious snacks and great coffee and always friendship.
We offer a number of book and bible studies: Wednesday’s our Men’s Bible Study at 9a.m; and Thursday’s our Women’s Bible Study at 9:45 a.m. So many great missions, ministries and events happening at Sedona UMC—Visit our website at us on www.sedonaumc.org and “Like” us on Facebook. We would love to pray for you!—Prayer requests may be submitted online or by calling us at 928-282-1780. We are conveniently located at 110 Indian Cliffs Road off the Back O’Beyond roundabout on Route 179 in Sedona. All are welcome at Sedona UMC—Come and grow with us!
