Jesus said to them, “Very truly I tell you, it is not Moses who has given you the bread from heaven, but it is my Father who gives you the true bread from heaven. 33 For the bread of God is the bread that comes down from heaven and gives life to the world.”34 “Sir,” they said, “always give us this bread.” 35 Then Jesus declared, “I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never go hungry, and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty.
John 6:32-35 NIV
This instant happened right after the feeding of the five thousand. There was a big crowd of people following Jesus, hoping to get more of that miraculous food that He could provide. “I am the bread of life” was the response Jesus gave to the people when they asked “give us this bread always”. Here was a group of people who were not only asking for second of the material bread Jesus miraculously provided, but they wanted it always. Food and water are essential needs of our body, but they are not the answer to every need in our life. People might have thought it was wise to ask for that God-given bread always, but Jesus certainly looked above and beyond their material and physical needs. Instead of answering their request just the way they asked for, Jesus wanted to lift their understanding and faith above their physical needs by redirecting their attention from material bread to Him, who is the “I AM”, “the bread of life”, the one Who gives eternal life.
How often do we pray desperately and ask for things that we think we need, but it does not turn out to be the way we asked for? Is it because God doesn’t listen to our prayers? Is it because He doesn’t love us? No! Our Father loves us so much that He is unwilling to give us the least. He knows what is best for us, and He would only give us the best. In fact, He already gave us the best, which is Himself, the great I AM, the creator and sustainer of our life! Those who asked him to “give us this bread always”, perhaps they had forgotten that the five thousand was fed not because of anyone telling Jesus that they were hungry. Food was given to them when the Lord saw them and had compassion for them. “Look at the birds of the air: they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they?” (Matthew 6:26) Our heavenly Father is merciful and gracious, and He knows and provides for our needs. However, that does not stop us from presenting our needs to Him. We should still bring our request and petition to the Lord, but let us keep an open mind and heart for Him to respond. Sometimes He may answer with a miracle, but sometimes to believe, and to wait in silence may also be His answer to our prayer. Sometimes He gives us sunshine as a response, but sometimes He sends raindrops. However He responds, we may trust that our Lord is the I AM. He is able. He cares, and He provides. May He strengthen our faith in Him!
Dear Heavenly Father, You know what i need before i speak a word. You are the one who provides for my daily bread, and You are the bread of life. Everything you have given me is beautiful. Help me to trust you and trust in what you provide for me. Help my faith to grow in you.
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