Have you ever considered what will happen to you when you die? One day soon in the grand timeline of eternity your life will end. Will everything go dark? Will you go to some magical place? Will you stand before God and through his love for all be graciously accepted into Heaven? What do YOU think? More importantly... what does the Bible say?
In this passage of scripture we see how Jesus offends many of his disciples when he explains that he is the Bread of Life. Many of these people leave him, but the twelve are loyal. As you read this passage of scripture think about how you responded to Christ's teaching. When you read his word, God's truth spoken by His Son, how do you respond? Do you grumble and turn away or are you loyal to him... following Him because His words are true and His sacrifice was PERFECT. Through a study of this passage, we learn that Jesus Christ, the bread of life is the only way to true salvation.
In the first ten verses of this passage we see Jesus as he presents himself as the bread of life. We learn that salvation begins with God and that it is God who draws people to Chris. Jesus knew that there were many following him who only wanted food. He knew their hearts and that they were looking for bread. Jesus, in knowing their hearts also looked deeper and knew that what they truly needed was the bread of life. It is God and his work through the Holy Spirit that draws us to Christ.
What role does the Holy Spirit play in your life and in the lives around you? In what ways do you grieve the Holy Spirit and how have you brought joy to the Holy Spirit today in your life?
In the next seven verses of this passage (52-59) we see that belief in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior is the only path that leads to salvation. It is the only way that leads to eternal life. From this section we learn that Jesus is the bread of life and His flesh and blood is the only real food that we have.
Do you know and understand that Christ's death on the cross, his broken body and his shed blood were for your sins? Do you believe with all of your heart that he is your Lord and Savior? How does this knowledge and belief change the way that you treat him?
In the last eleven verses of this section of scripture we see Jesus speaking the truth forcing those around him to a point of personal choice. In response, many of his disciples leave him because they cannot accept his teachings on eternal life. Just like the world we live in today, we see how those with a hardened heart are offended by the teachings of Jesus. Jesus chose his disciples and gave them His Word and they also chose him when confronted with a choice.
If Jesus has chosen you... what are you doing with the words he has given you? We are called to participate in the life and death of Jesus and we have a personal choice in the matter.
Each of our lives is but an instant in the timeline of eternity. Have you considered the outcome of our death. Will you stand before God and through his love for all be graciously accepted into Heaven? Christ's teaching in this passage tells us that not everyone will go to Heaven. He shows us that Heaven is only for those who are called to follow Him and who take that eternal step to accept him as Lord and Savior in there lives.
God wants you to take that step right now.
If you have taken that step already, will you commit to follow with all of our heart the leading of the Holy Spirit the next time you are called?
Amen
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