So the Jews grumbled about him, because he said, “I am the bread that came down from heaven.” 42 They said, “Is not this Jesus, the son of Joseph, whose father and mother we know? How does he now say, ‘I have come down from heaven’?” 43 Jesus answered them, “Do not grumble among yourselves. 44 No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws him. And I will raise him up on the last day. 45 It is written in the Prophets, ‘And they will all be taught by God.’ Everyone who has heard and learned from the Father comes to me— 46 not that anyone has seen the Father except he who is from God; he has seen the Father. 47 Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever believes has eternal life. 48 I am the bread of life. 49 Your fathers ate the manna in the wilderness, and they died. 50 This is the bread that comes down from heaven, so that one may eat of it and not die. 51 I am the living bread that came down from heaven. If anyone eats of this bread, he will live forever. And the bread that I will give for the life of the world is my flesh.”
John 6:41-51 ESV
The Father draws people to Him! “No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws him. And I will raise him up on the last day.” (v44) Our heavenly Father is the almighty creator and sustainer of all things. He is also the one that made and upholds the universe by the power of His word. All things fear Him and obey His commands. “He makes his angels wind, and his ministers a flame of fire.” (Hebew 1:7). Yet in order for Him to enter a human’s heart, it is as if He had to surrender His glory and power and humble Himself. He draws people to Him with His mercy and kindness, and He banners them with His love. A glamorous sunrise; a gentle breeze; a merry singing of a hummingbird; the cotton candy like clouds; every little flower and patch of grass, these are only a few of His handy works to speak of His love to us. Among all, He draws people to Him by sending His son, manifested in human form, and as the living bread, coming down from heaven.
“Everyone who has heard and learned from the Father comes to me”. (v45) The Father never ceases to call His people. Some choose to hear and ignore. But for anyone who was really drawn by His love and irresistible grace, they will come to Jesus. This gave me so much hope and comfort to continue to share His gospel with those around me. People may turn down our invitation, but our Father never gives up on them. He will continue to draw people to Him in His amazing ways. Let us also not give up and continue to lift our non-believed friends and families in prayer. At the same time, may we not spoil the free will that God has granted. When He calls and draws us, let us answer and respond to Him with the honor and glory He deserves, and respond to Him by following the footsteps of Jesus.
“Draw me away. We will run after you…Rightly do they love You.” (Song of Songs 1:4)
Dear Heavenly Father, heavens and earth declare your power and glory, and yet, in order for you to get my attention, you had to send your Son, Jesus, to come and sacrifice for me. Thank you for drawing me to you with your love and kindness, and giving me this amazing grace that I don’t deserve. Help me to hear your voice when you call, and help me to follow closely to Your heart, and draw near to You as a response to your great love!
Raisins & Apples Bible Devotional & more 