Struggling to see beyond the surface is a trap anyone can fall into when looking at people and situations through the lens of the world. Through a miracle, Jesus fed the 5000 with five barley loaves and two fish. The next day, Jesus said, “I am the bread of life.” Previously, Jesus had done other miracles, yet the religious leaders could not discern who Jesus was. James 1:5 If you need wisdom, ask our generous God, and he will give it to you. He will not rebuke you for asking.”[1]
Isn’t wisdom what we need when we try to look beyond the surface, yet pride and arrogance often prevent us from seeking what we desperately need. There was no doubt Jesus performed a great miracle in feeding the 5000, yet the Jewish leadership was blind to who He was. John 6:41 At this the Jews began to grumble about him because he said, “I am the bread that came down from heaven.” 42 They said, “Is this not Jesus, the son of Joseph, whose father and mother we know? How can he now say, ‘I came down from heaven’?” [2]
Our Heart Reveals What We Believe
Not long after Jesus’ circumcision, Mary and Joseph took Him to the temple for their purification offering. While at the temple, they encountered a righteous man named Simeon who spoke prophetic words over the couple. Luke 2:34 Then Simeon blessed them, and he said to Mary, the baby’s mother, “This child is destined to cause many in Israel to fall, and many others to rise. He has been sent as a sign from God, but many will oppose him. 35 As a result, the deepest thoughts of many hearts will be revealed.[3]
As Jesus ministered to the people, these prophetic words came true as people’s hearts were revealed. If people desire this bread, they must come to Jesus and trust in Him. When Jesus said “I am,” He was indicating His unique divine identity. Essentially, this statement means, “I, the Lord God, am here to give you everything necessary for your spiritual life.”
Going Deeper with Jesus
When we go deeper with Jesus, we start to look beyond the surface to see that He is our Savior, the bread of life. Jesus called Peter to go into deeper water, and he did because he trusted Him. Luke 5:5 “Master,” Simon Peter replied, “we worked hard all last night and didn’t catch a thing. But if you say so, I’ll let the nets down again.” 6 And this time their nets were so full of fish they began to tear! [4]
Peter was a fisherman, but after the great catch, Jesus called him to fish for people. This is what happens when we look beyond the surface, with Jesus changing us into a new creation. Perhaps today your relationship with Jesus feels shallow, but He is now inviting you to go deeper to transform your life.
Philippians 3:3-14. 13 No, dear brothers and sisters, I have not achieved it, but I focus on this one thing: Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead, 14 I press on to reach the end of the race and receive the heavenly prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us. [5]
Are you struggling to see beyond the surface, to learn more, listen here:
https://podpoint.com/light-of-christ-church-podcast/jesus-said-i-am-the-bread-of-life
[1,3-5] Tyndale House Publishers. (2015). Holy Bible: New Living Translation. Tyndale House Publishers.
[2] The Holy Bible: New International Version (Jn 6:41–42). (1984). Zondervan.