29 “Come, see a man who told me everything I ever did. Could this be the Christ?”

30 So the people left the town and made their way toward Jesus.

31 Meanwhile the disciples were urging Him, saying, “Rabbi, eat.”
32 But He said to them, “I have food to eat that you do not know about.”

33 So the disciples said to one another, “Has anyone brought Him something to eat?”

34 Jesus said to them, “My food is to do the will of Him who sent me and to accomplish His work.”

— John 4:29-34

For I have come down from heaven, not to do My own will but the will of Him who sent me.

— John 6:38

But I have testimony greater than that of John. For the works that the Father has given Me that I should complete them, the same works which I do, bear witness concerning Me that the Father has sent Me.

— John 5:36

Thoughts on Today’s Reading

May the Lord keep your heart always true and soft unto Him!

God sent His Son into the world to reveal His life-giving power to people. Through a series of targeted encounters and meaningful conversations, Jesus engaged with people to open hearts to truth. These encounters increasingly clarified the truth of Jesus’ identity and power. The Apostle John recorded the account that among Jesus’ encounters with people in different needs, His disciples implored Him to take time to eat. To their surprise, Jesus replied, “I have food to eat that you know nothing about.” This perplexed the disciples, who had returned from town with purchased food for Jesus. Had someone else delivered Jesus a meal?

His disciples’ focus remained on the literal and physical food rather than Jesus’ deeper spiritual meaning. Jesus’ food is to do the will of God and to accomplish His work. Jesus had just experienced something far more satisfying than any meal. As He spoke with the broken ones, Jesus saw their hearts softened and they responded to His invitation. He watched them reach out to receive His gift and become children of His eternal kingdom. Their budding faith and joyful response brought deep satisfaction to Jesus.