July 28, 2018
John 6:1-14…“Then Jesus took the loaves, and when he had given thanks, he distributed them to those who were seated; so also the fish, as much as they wanted.” vs. 11
As we read these words from John’s account of the feeding of the 5000, we’re reminded of Holy Communion. Jesus took the loaves, gave thanks, and distributed the bread to the people, and all who ate were satisfied. Sometimes we get sidetracked in our reflection and begin to wonder how Jesus did this, as though he were a highly skilled magician performing in Las Vegas. That kind of thinking completely misses the point of the story! John tells us plainly that this wasn’t magic; it was a sign, a sign that that pointed to Jesus as the prophet promised by scripture. This was more than a supernatural feeding, it was a foretaste of the amazing feast that is the central part of our worship. Jesus didn’t just fill the stomachs of the crowd–he satisfied them! And so he does for us. That little bit of bread in Holy Communion, not even enough for a snack, is a taste of Christ’s presence, a reminder that Jesus is the Bread of Life. In him is sweet forgiveness and perfect cleansing, all we need to bring contentment to our hungry hearts. John’s story is an extravagant display of God’s abundant love. And of course, there are leftovers. No one ever meets Jesus and goes away hungry–that’s just the way he is!
Thought for the Day: What part of worship is most satisfying for me?
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