"True Bread From Heaven"

THE day before had truly been eventful. Jesus miraculously fed thousands and then escaped the attempt of the people making him king. That night he walked on the stormy Sea of Galilee; rescued Peter, who began to sink when he walked on the storm-tossed water; and calmed the waves to save his disciples from shipwreck.

Now the people whom Jesus had miraculously fed northeast of the Sea of Galilee find him near Capernaum and inquired: "When did you get here?" Rebuking them, Jesus says that they have come looking for him only because they expect to get another free meal. He urges them to work, not for food that perishes, but for food that remains for everlasting life. So the people inquire: "What shall we do to work the works of God?"

Jesus names but one work of the highest value. "This is the work of God," he explains, "that you exercise faith in him whom that One sent forth." The people, however, do not exercise faith in Jesus, despite all the miracles he has performed. Unbelievably, even after all the marvelous things that he has done, they ask: "What, then, are you performing as a sign, in order for us to see it and believe you? What work are you doing? Our forefathers ate the manna in the wilderness, just as it is written, 'He gave them bread from heaven to eat.' "

In response to their request for a sign, Jesus makes clear the Source of the miraculous provisions, saying: "Moses did not give you the bread from heaven, but my Father does give you the true bread from heaven. For the bread of God is the one who comes down from heaven and gives life to the world." "Lord," the people say, "always give us this bread."

Next time: Conclusion of "True Bread From Heaven

The Greatest Man Who Ever Lived, 1991