Food That Lasts
LENT 2025 DEVOTIONAL:
John 6:22-71 (NIV)
(Lim Bi Xiu, Pastoral Team Member, Children’s Ministry)
For this devotion, the following verses stood out to me:
v27: Do not work for food that spoils, but for food that endures to eternal life, which the Son of Man will give you.
v29: The work of God is this: to believe in the one he has sent.
v33: For the bread of God is the bread that comes down from heaven and gives life to the world.
v35: I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never go hungry, and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty.
v51: This bread is my flesh, which I will give for the life of the world.
v68, 69: Simon Peter answered him, “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life. We have come to believe and to know that you are the Holy One of God.”
In today’s reading, Jesus described Himself as the bread of life, superior to the manna that came down from heaven to Moses and the people, for those who eat of it would live forever. He told His disciples and the Jews that instead of focusing on gathering and working for food that spoils, they should work for food that gives eternal life, and the work is simply to believe in the one God has sent. This is a profound and difficult teaching, especially for the people at that time, as they had no idea how Jesus would give His flesh for the world.
Now, knowing that Jesus has sacrificed his life by dying on the cross for us, giving His flesh and blood for the world, how do I hold on to Jesus as the Bread of my life?’ It is easy to be caught up in the world’s chasing after tangible things, trying to satisfy my appetite with material things I can see and food I can eat. However, working for these things can never truly satisfy me; instead, they distract me from the true Bread, Jesus. Physically, it is wonderful to never go hungry and never be thirsty; how much more wonderful is it for my spirit to never hunger and never thirst!
The faithful response of Simon Peter to Jesus really encourages me. Having recognised Jesus as the Holy One of God, who has the key to eternal life, he boldly proclaimed it! I want to be more disciplined in holding fast to the Word of God, to boldly trust and proclaim that God can give me what I need. May my life be a testimony to those around me.
Heavenly Father, forgive me for the times I put the things of the world over You, and got distracted by what can only bring temporary joy. Help me to fix my eyes on You, and to long after Your Word, the spiritual food that never leaves me hungry or thirsty. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.
Reflection Questions:
1. Reflect on this statement of Jesus: “I am the bread of life” (v35). What was Jesus trying to teach His disciples?
2. Do you work for food that spoils? What steps can you take to work for food that endures to eternal life?
3. Why do you think many disciples found this teaching hard to accept and hence deserted Jesus (vv60-66)? What about you?
