Is Jesus Enough? - March 15 Readings: John 6, I AM the Bread of Life

The Story of the Bible from Creation to the Cross to Eternal Glory

In 72 daily readings, we will examine the overall story of the Bible from Genesis to Revelation, seeking to get the big picture of God's work through Jesus Christ in this sinful world.

Today's Reading:   John 6

Through the Bible Readings: Deuteronomy 7-8, Mark 13:24–37, Psalm 35:14–20, Proverbs 8:22-23

If you wish to read through the Bible in a year, follow these readings. 

Context 

Bread was something very different in the times of Christ than it is today. For us, it is an extra, a garnish. "I'd like some rolls with my meal." In that day, it was the meal.

Here is the first "I am" statement of Christ, in which he asserts both his divinity and the fact that he is what each of us needs.

Devotional: Is Jesus Enough? 

The crowds were looking for Jesus, and that should have been a good thing, but Jesus knew better. They were coming to him for all the wrong reasons. In verse 26, Jesus calls their bluff. They weren't seeking him because of a deep desire for God, but simply because he had fed them. They wanted another free meal. Free bread from Jesus. 

So Jesus tried to raise their sights a little. "Do not work for food that perishes, but for food that endures to eternal life." He promised to give them that kind of food. After a discussion that included Moses, and manna, and some other side topics, they were finally ready for this bread. They wanted it! Bread that lasted unto eternity. That sounded really good. So, they said to Jesus, "Sir, give us this bread always." 

That is when Jesus burst their bubble wide open. They wanted some kind of miracle, something wonderful, spectacular, impressive. But what Jesus was offering was something far better than they imagined. 

"I am the bread of life."

Coming to Jesus satisfied the soul - true bread and true water. Jesus wasn't offering them a meal, he was offering himself. Jesus doesn't offer us a smorgasbord of blessings, he offers us, well, Jesus! When we get him we get everything we need. Throughout John, there are "I am" statements that tell us who Jesus is and what he brings when he comes to us. "I am the resurrection and the life." "I am the way, the truth, and the life." "I am the Good Shepherd." I am. I am. I am. What I need, Jesus is. 

But his listeners didn't see it that way. They wanted meals. They wanted miracles. They wanted tricks and entertainment and flashy moments. They didn't want "just Jesus." 

That's when things turned ugly.We have to peek into tomorrow's reading to get the rest of the story, but it is important to look at it. First, they grumbled among themselves. We aren't going to get what we want. Jesus is asking for more than we want to give and all he is offering is himself. Then, in verse 52, they began to dispute among themselves about Jesus' meaning and whether he could really be all he said he was. 

Jesus ratcheted up his teachings by talking about his death and how they had to participate in it, even speaking about eating his flesh and drinking his blood - hinting of communion, of his death and resurrection. 

That's when they turned away from Jesus. That's when they left him. Why? 

Jesus was not enough!

They wanted more! They wanted excitement and entertainment and miracles and food and all those things they had seen Jesus do. Jesus said I want you to die, and to give yourself completely to me. I want to be everything to you and I want you to give everything to me. 100% - unreservedly, with nothing held back. 

Why isn't Jesus enough? Why do we always think we need something more? What I need, he is. All I need to do is die to self and give him my body as a living sacrifice. 

Why, Lord, do I act as if you and your grace is not enough? Why do I pretend I need something more than you and what you give? Help me to remember that you are all I need. 

Think and Pray:

Is Jesus enough for you, or do you use him, and your faith in him, as a means to get other things? What is the goal of your faith?