Introduction

In 19th Century China, there were people who attended church solely because they were hungry for physical food. They converted to Christianity and became active members as long as their material needs were met. However, once their circumstances improved, they drifted away from the Church. These individuals were known as "rice Christians." This phenomenon is not unique to China; similar patterns occurred in East Germany and Romania when people flocked to the Church for support during oppressive regimes but left once liberation was achieved.

The crowd in our Gospel Lesson is the same group that Jesus miraculously fed with five loaves of bread and two fish. They had eaten their fill and then went to sleep. When they woke up and realized Jesus had left, they searched for Him in Capernaum. However, Jesus saw through their intentions. He told them, "You are looking for me, not because you saw the signs I performed but because you ate the loaves and had your fill." Their pursuit of Jesus was driven by their desire for another free meal, not a genuine relationship with Him.

Section 1

In our community and world today, we see two types of people: those desperate for food and those who have an abundance but still feel unfulfilled. Jesus tells this crowd, "Do not work for food that spoils, but for food that endures to eternal life, which the Son of Man will give you." Many people in our society are focused on accumulating wealth and possessions, thinking it will bring them satisfaction. However, Jesus offers something greater – a relationship with Him that can satisfy our deepest longings.

Jesus clarifies that the work of God is not about our efforts but about believing in Him. We don't need to work for salvation; it is a free gift from God. As Paul writes in Ephesians 2:8-9, "For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast." God is the one who seeks us out, loves us, and offers us new life through faith in Christ.

Section 2

We all have doubts and questions, but we must make the decision to believe. By choosing to believe, we open ourselves to God's love, forgiveness, and purpose for our lives. This decision transforms us and gives our lives meaning. John Wesley, the founder of Methodism, encouraged his preachers to "preach it until you believe it." Doubts may arise, but we must remember that God is offering us the ability to believe. What do we have to lose by accepting this offer?

The crowd asks Jesus for a sign so they can believe Him. However, Jesus corrects their misunderstanding. He tells them that it is not Moses who provided bread from heaven but God Himself. Jesus declares, "I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never go hungry, and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty again." Jesus uses metaphors to convey that He is offering Himself as the spiritual food that can satisfy our deepest needs. By accepting Jesus, we enter into an intimate relationship with Him.

Conclusion

Later in John 6, Jesus explains that we must eat His flesh and drink His blood to have eternal life. This language may seem strange, but it symbolizes the deep connection we have with Jesus when we believe in Him. Despite some people turning away from Jesus after this teaching, Peter affirms his belief in Jesus as the Holy One of God.

In our pursuit of fulfillment and happiness, let us not miss out on what God has done and continues to do for us. Let us not chase after temporary pleasures or worldly possessions. Instead, let us trust, believe, and consume the Bread of Life that endures to eternal life. This is the reason we were put on this earth – to have a relationship with God through faith in Christ. Don't miss out on the joy, peace, and love that only this relationship can offer.

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