The Way
I Am the Bread of Life
A deeper food for those who came looking for a full stomach
Story
The next day, the crowd that had eaten the bread came by boat to Capernaum, looking for Jesus. Teacher, when did you get here? Jesus saw right through them. You are looking for me not because you saw signs, but because you ate the bread and were filled. Do not work for food that spoils, but for the food that lasts to eternal life.
The people brought up the manna their ancestors had eaten in the wilderness. Isn't it written that they ate bread from heaven? Jesus answered. The true bread that comes down from heaven and gives life to the world, the bread of life, is me. The bread I will give is my flesh. A murmur spread through the synagogue in Capernaum. Isn't this Joseph's son? How can he give us his flesh to eat?
Even among his disciples there was grumbling. This teaching is too hard. Who can accept it? From that day on, many of his disciples turned back and no longer walked with him. Jesus turned to the twelve who remained. Do you want to leave too? After a moment of silence, Peter spoke. Lord, to whom would we go? You have the words of eternal life.
Walk this scene on the map →His Words
I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never go hungry, and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty again.
Do not toil for food that soon disappears. Work for the food that endures to eternal life.
Do you want to go away as well?
Lord, you have the words of eternal life. Who else could we go to?
The sayings are fresh renderings of the original meaning in today's language. Text: Jn 6:22–71
Background
The white limestone synagogue that stands in Capernaum today is thought to date from the fourth century or later, but the black basalt foundation beneath it may be a trace of the synagogue of Jesus' day.
Pause and Reflect
Do I love Jesus himself more than the blessings he gives?