To have eternal life

On a beautiful spring day, Jesus spoke to the people near the Sea of ​​Galilee and healed many sick people. Toward evening, Jesus said to Philip, one of his disciples, "Where shall we buy bread for these people to eat?" (Joh 6,5)They didn't have enough money to give everyone a little bread. One child had five barley loaves and two fish, but how was that enough for about 5000 men, plus their wives and children?

Jesus ordered people to camp in the grass in groups. He took the bread, looked at the sky, thanked him and gave it to the disciples. These passed bread and fish on to the people. The wonderful increase happened through the distribution of the food. When they were full, the disciples gathered more bread than they initially had.

The people were surprised when they saw this sign and said, "This is truly the prophet who is to come into the world." (Joh 6,14)Jesus realized they wanted to make him king and withdrew by himself. The next morning, the people sought Jesus and found him on the shore of the lake in Capernaum. Jesus rebuked them, saying they weren't looking for him because of the miracle, but because they had eaten enough bread and fish and were satisfied. Jesus, however, was concerned with more than just feeding the people. He told them: “Instead of seeking food that spoils, seek food that lasts, that gives eternal life. This food will be given to you by the Son of Man, whom God the Father has appointed as his representative.” (Joh 6,27).

The people asked him what they should do to please God. He replied, “This is God’s work, that you believe in the one he has sent.” (Joh 6,29).

What does God want to tell you with this story? He himself wholeheartedly grants you faith in Jesus, the messenger of God. This means you agree with Jesus that he wants to give you eternal life. When you receive Jesus as true food and his blood as true drink, as a reminder of the forgiveness of your sins, you receive eternal life. Jesus tells you personally that he is the bread of life and that you will never go hungry or thirsty again. "Whoever believes this has eternal life." (Joh 6,47).

That is why I am pleased to give you the bread of life symbolically with these thoughts today. In Jesus' love

Toni Püntener