John 6:45-51, Taught by God

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—46not that anyone has seen the Father except he who is from God; he has seen the Father. 47Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever believes has eternal life. 48I am the bread of life. 49Your fathers ate the manna in the wilderness, and they died. 50This is the bread that comes down from heaven, so that one may eat of it and not die. 51I 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."

Jesus quotes Isaiah, saying that God must and will instruct his people himself. In Jesus God is doing exactly that for everyone who comes to him in faith.

Jesus has been in the presence of the Father, so he is the one to reveal him to us. In essence he says, “You have to have me come to you like bread to nourish and sustain you. Your forefathers received manna from my Father; now you are receiving me. Your forefathers nevertheless died, but when you come to and receive me you will not die but live forever. I will give my life for the world.” Jesus uses sacrificial language, saying that he will die in an act of life-giving reconciliation. Those listening must have been terribly confused, not yet understanding the cross, the destiny and conquest of death Jesus is moving toward.

Is Jesus like bread to you? Does he nourish and sustain you? Is he central to your thinking and doing? Spend time considering these questions as you go about your day, and take your answers to the Lord in prayer at the end of the day.