Bread. That was a band back in the 70's. And the title of this post are words from one of their songs. Today we will be looking at Chapter 6 and how hard it was for people to understand what Jesus was doing and what he was saying. Bread. Loaves and Fishes and Bread of Life. Jesus is trying to help "the crowd" and his "brothers" to understand what "the other side" of humanity is all about - the divine side - the spirit. Some of "the crowd" just doesn't get it.
At Annual Conference this week at one of the worship services, a large threshing floor for separating the grain from the chaff of wheat had been built. All I could think about as I watched them beat the grain from the chaff was how much harder it was to make bread back during Jesus' time. People back then were much more acquainted with with the reality of famine and the rarity of a lavish feast, and the difficulty of finding bread that would feed a crowd.
Jesus provides a lavish feast with plenty of leftovers. A messianic type of banquet is described in Isaiah 25:6-7 as a great feast when God will feed all nations. The people's conclusion is seen in John 6:14 - "This is indeed the prophet who has come into this world". Moses and manna comes to their minds.
The bread stories are briefly interrupted by the walking on water miracle. The next day"the crowd" notices that there is only one boat on on "the other side" in Capernaum, and they know Jesus did not get into the boat with the disciples, so the crowd goes looking for Jesus. Are they wanting more bread?
When they find Jesus, Jesus responds to them, "I am the bread of life". Then he goes on to talk about "eating flesh and drinking blood". Read John 6:60. To eat flesh and drink blood was offensive to a Jew (Gen. 9:4).
Can they understand Jesus is speaking of the spirit that gives life? Apparently not. Verse 66 says many turn and "no longer went about with him."
I will catch up with info on today's reading tonight.
Pearl Fincher passed into eternal life today at noon. She was a great lady whose family honored her a few years ago by having the Pearl Fincher Museum of Fine Arts named for her. I celebrate the life of a wonderful woman and her family who have contributed immensely to our community.
I am back on 5:22-23. What do you all think of these verses? "Moreover, the Father judges no one, but has entrusted all judgment to the Son, that all may honor the Son just as they honor the Father. He who does not honor the Son does not honor the Father, who sent him." What do you think of the words, "the Father judges no one"?
ReplyDeleteI just now saw your question. Perhaps it means that the Father can't judge because he made all of us. His Son can judge us because he was part of our world and can adequately judge us on whether or not we have done as he commanded. Just a guess.
ReplyDelete