What do we Truly Seek?

John 6:35 (RSV): What do we Truly Seek?

Jesus said to them, “I am the bread of life; he who comes to me shall not hunger, and he who believes in me shall never thirst.”

Food and water are essential to human survival. Without them, we would surely die. Jesus, in his “bread of life” discourse, relates this truth and directs it to an audience that seeks him for the wrong reasons. A few verses earlier in John 6, Jesus feeds 5,000 from the miraculous multiplication of loaves and fishes. These same people return to Jesus, but they seek physical satiation, not spiritual. Jesus immediately recognizes this and draws the audience’s attention to his true identity: He is not a simple miracle man providing a meal. Jesus is something far greater. He is the only substance that satiates the spirit, satisfying our life’s eternal hunger, not the temporal cravings of our stomachs.

Much of our lives are spent looking for the next greatest thing. We love that new automobile with all the latest comfort, technology, and aesthetic appeal. Our computers, when they get a little slower, are replaced by bigger, better, and faster machines. The same goes for our smartphones. Clothing, too, comes and goes, depending on the latest fashions. And when we accomplish these upgrades, whether we can afford to or not, we get a feeling of joy, fulfillment, and fun. But that feeling is only fleeting. It never gives permanent satisfaction. Soon after the latest upgrade or fashion trend, we crave something else. And we contemplate what will fill that void, that constant itch, for something better in our lives. This is not to condemn our need for new stuff; consumerism is fine when kept in check. If we take a moment to pause and reflect, however, we might hear a “still, small voice” (1 Kings 19:11-13) calling us to something deeper.

Jesus draws us into that same eternal question: What is it that we truly seek? Two essential elements of human physical survival are bread and water. Jesus presents himself as each. But he is not just the temporary meal and drink; he is the eternal meal and drink. When we come to Jesus and have faith in him, we finally satiate the hunger within our spirit. Nothing else will do.

Loving God, we pray that your presence be felt in our everyday experience. We seek the spiritual meal that only you can give, the presence of your Son, Jesus Christ. Let us always reflect him by being agents of his peace, love, and mercy in this world. In Jesus Christ we pray, amen.

Have a blessed week!

Stan