Stephan Hoffman

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.’  John 6:68-69

Jesus multiplies the bread and fishes and later also walks on the sea. These miracles had people flocking to him, they wanted to follow him out of curiosity.  They were eager for him to perform more miracles to impress them.

Jesus explains that there is more to life than food which spoils.  There is more to live and work for. (v27)  He himself is the proverbial bread from heaven. He gives his body so that everyone can live. The people did not understand and also did not like the way Jesus was talking. They did not want to hear that he would be sacrificed and that they must “eat” him ( to be part of him). Many turned away and went home. Jesus was not what they expected. He did not even want to perform another miracle and he spoke of things they did not understand.

The twelve apostles remained behind and when Jesus asked them why they had not also gone away, Peter answered him with these words, which in all probability Peter himself, did not fully understand: “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life... “ 

Perhaps you are also concerned about physical needs: food, water, clothes, shelter, and security.  Maybe you too, are looking for a miracle to radically change your life. Can you see that there is more to life than meeting one’s physical needs?   We must not simply work to provide for our material needs but also for that which has eternal value. God has already carried out the greatest miracle. He liberated us from sin and death when Jesus died on the cross in our place and rose from the dead. He is the bread of life. You also can be fed and strengthened by his words; come let us go again to Him, not out of curiosity or selfishness, but in humility, gratitude and dependence. To whom shall we go? He has the words of eternal life.

Prayer: Our Father, thank you so much that we are not left hungry and naked to fend for ourselves. Thank you that Jesus raised us from the wretchedness of our own selfishness and taught us that life was much more than meeting material needs. Give us strength to motivate ourselves and to strive for eternal values. Thank you that we have the assurance that we can come to you and you will provide far beyond our expectations.  Amen