32 but it is My Father who gives you the true bread from heaven.

33 For the bread of God is He who comes down from heaven and gives life to the world.

35 Jesus answered, “I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to Me will never hunger

— John 6:32, 33, 35

Come to Me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.

— Matthew 11:28

He said, “Come.” So Peter got out of the boat and walked on the water and came to Jesus.

— Matthew 14:29

But Jesus said, “Let the little children come to Me, and do not hinder them! For the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.”

— Matthew 19:14

But I said to you that you have seen Me and yet do not believe

— John 6:36

Thoughts on Today’s Reading

Grace and mercy from Christ to you.

Jesus declared, “I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to Me will never be hungry.” He used the word “come” interchangeably with “believe.” Both words always involve a definition action. Jesus’ gracious invitation to “come” to Him characterizes His heart toward people. Coming to Christ represents a “once-for-all” action where sinners receive Christ’s atoning sacrifice to redeem them from the just penalty of their own sins. However, believers also return again and again to Jesus for sustaining strength, spiritual nourishment and clarifying direction. Jesus truly is the Bread of Life that sustains and satisfies completely.

Jesus said, “My Father gives you the bread from heaven. For the bread of God is he who comes down from heaven and gives life to the world… I am the Bread of Life… You have seen Me and yet do not believe.” Jesus exposed the heart condition and lingering unbelief of the hungry crowd. These people saw Jesus Christ, the Son of God. They experienced His power but chose not to believe Him. Seeing is not believing. Faith believes, then sees. Jesus’ listeners asked for physical bread without faith in Jesus’ provision for their greater spiritual need. They did not seek eternal life but instead rejected Jesus.