Thursday, April 25 - John 6. (From Ryan Andersen)

Thursday April 25th- John 6
Spoiled
“Do not work for food that spoils, but for food that endures to eternal life, which the Son of Man will give you. On him God the Father has placed his seal of approval.” (Jn 6:27).

I am sure that we have all accidentally left something in the refrigerator or cupboard for far longer than the expiration date. What was your reaction when this mysterious food item was discovered? One time my family and I found a box of oatmeal that had expired four years earlier. Holding at arms-length and throwing into the trash would best sum up our reaction.

Jesus talks about two kinds of food in this passage. There is the food that spoils and the food that does not spoil. After the feeding of the five thousand, the crowds wanted the Miracle Maker to make them some more bread to eat. They wanted food that spoils and rots away. This is similar to manna from the Old Testament, which Jesus references later in the chapter. If manna was not consumed within the day it was given, maggots would come and eat it.

There is something distinctive about the food that Jesus mentions in this chapter. It does not spoil or fade away; in fact, it endures to eternal life. What is this food we may ask? It is in fact Christ Himself. How do we eat of Christ? A healthy Christian diet involves regular participation in the Word and Sacraments. These are the gifts of food that Christ has given us to eat. He has also granted us the faith to believe and partake of these things, that they may be beneficial to us.

Jesus Himself is the Bread of Life, which sustains all men. Jesus came to give life to the world, and the gift of Jesus does not spoil. Thanks be to God for our eternal Savior and life-giving bread!