In chapter 6 of the gospel of John, we read of a crowd that traveled in boats across the sea of Galilee seeking Jesus. Knowing their motivation, he told them “…you seek Me, not because you saw the signs, but because you ate of the loaves and were filled.” (v. 26)

Later they said to Him, “What sign will You perform then, that we may see it and believe You? What work will You do?” (v. 30)

Ultimately, through their words and their actions they reveal that they are interested in what they can get for themselves - the source seems inconsequential.

Jesus said to them, “I am the bread of life. He who comes to Me shall never hunger, and he who believes in Me shall never thirst.” (v. 35)

He did not say, “I am the highest mountain of life. Only the super spiritual may be able to climb to my position.” He did not say, “I am the rarest diamond of life. Only the elite may get a glimpse of my wonder.”

He offers Himself as the very bread and drink of life. The essentials of sustenance and survival. He offers Himself to whoever will come and receive Him at the most basic level of need.

Perhaps we are spiritually hungry today because we come to a church seeking the best worship experience, a pleasant social experience, or even a holy moment to enhance our otherwise mundane lives. Christ does not offer Himself as an addition or a supplement, but as the very food and drink that we need to live.

In Colossians chapter 3, we read

For you died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. When Christ who is our life appears, then you also will appear with Him in glory.

Is Christ your life today?

Richard Wurmbrand, who spent three years in solitary confinement inside a communist prison for his Christian faith, said, “I have found truly joyful Christians only in the Bible, in the Underground Church, and in prison.”

May God help us to recognize our spiritual malnourishment and create in us a hunger and thirst for Jesus that we will cause us not to rest until He is our very life.