John 6:47-51  
“I tell you the truth, anyone who believes has eternal life. Yes, I am the bread of life! Your ancestors ate manna in the wilderness, but they all died. Anyone who eats the bread from heaven, however, will never die. I am the living bread that came down from heaven. Anyone who eats this bread will live forever; and this bread, which I will offer so the world may live, is my flesh.” (NLT)

“I’m telling you the most solemn and sober truth now: Whoever believes in me has real life, eternal life. I am the Bread of Life. Your ancestors ate the manna bread in the desert and died. But now here is Bread that truly comes down out of heaven. Anyone eating this Bread will not die, ever. I am the Bread—living Bread!—who came down out of heaven. Anyone who eats this Bread will live—and forever! The Bread that I present to the world so that it can eat and live is myself, this flesh-and-blood self.” (MSG)

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As a young pastor, I decided to follow the path of some of my role models in ministry and preach through books of the Bible. I began with 1 Peter on Sunday evening. Why? Because that was the book of the Bible we were translating in Greek class. I could do homework and sermon study at the same time. 

On Wednesday evening, I chose a chapter of Proverbs each week. We casually read through the chapter, commenting on verses here and there and discussing how they applied to our lives. 

On Sunday morning, I chose the Gospel of John. It was said to be the book for those who were investigating Christianity or for new believers. It was a perfect choice—right up until I got to chapter six. 

Chapter six is long. Peruse it now. Sit down with it and read it from top to bottom. This chapter marks a turning point. Jesus hits his peak popularity when he feeds the five thousand. Then the five thousand get hungry again and want more free bread. Jesus offered something infinitely better.

Their physical hunger renewed itself at least daily. Their spiritual hunger could be filled forever by him and only him. 

Verse 66 is one of the saddest in the Bible. 

At this point many of his disciples turned away and deserted him.

Verse 67 is one of the hardest questions Jesus ever asked, and he asked lots of questions. It is the turning point of all turning points. It is a gate that must be entered or ignored by every one of us. 

Then Jesus turned to the Twelve and asked, “Are you also going to leave?”

Everyone loves to sing on Easter Sunday. Fewer sit in the somber shadows of Maundy Thursday. Few indeed gather in lament at the remembrance of Good Friday. Fewer still sit through the emptiness of Silent Saturday. 

Knowing what we know on this side of the Resurrection, we can bear the weight of these moments of quiet contemplation because, as the Preacher has wonderfully said, “It’s Friday, but Sunday’s coming!”

Sunday declares for time and eternity the great Good News that Jesus is indeed the living Bread of Life. He satisfies everyone who hungers for more of him. 

Sunday declares now and forever the Gospel of Peter’s response to Jesus’ painful question: “Lord, to whom would we go? You have the words that give eternal life. We believe, and we know you are the Holy One of God.” (See verses 68 and 69.)

Sunday’s coming, but Thursday is a day to decide if we hunger more for the bread of these meager days on earth, or the Bread of Life that turns every moment of eternity into a feast. Those who hunger for the best this world offers will always require more. Those who hunger for Jesus will always be filled.

Shadows gather. The cross looms. The grave is prepared. 

How will you answer Jesus’ question? Will you walk away, or like Peter, will you see Jesus for who he is and receive the very Bread of Life?

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I will hunger for the Bread of Life and find the fulfillment only Jesus gives.

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Our Father, here at this turning point, this life gate, I enter into the life that is really life. I find satisfaction in you alone. I hunger for more of you. My deepest desire is to know you and experience you, and to help others do the same. Amen.