Sunday, December 4: Signs

John 6:22–71

What do you want for Christmas? Have you made your list yet?

It is so fun to give and receive gifts on Christmas. I love to see my children’s faces light up as they open their presents on Christmas morning. But it is also important to remember that not even the cool new things at the top of our Christmas list will give us lasting joy. They may make us smile for a few moments, but the feeling won’t endure.

In John chapter 6, Jesus reminds us that He is the one who gives us lasting joy. In the passage, the crowds following him consider him to be the new Moses because he gave them bread. Jesus picks up the vibe that their attention might not be completely sincere. “You are seeking me,” he says, “not because you saw signs, but because you ate your fill of the loaves.”

They only sought Jesus for the free food.

In John 6:22–71, Jesus gives what has come to be known as the Bread of Life sermon. “I am the bread of life,” he says, “whoever comes to me shall not hunger, and whoever believes in me shall never thirst.” He challenges the crowds not to work for food that perishes, but rather for food that endures for eternal life.

The passage is convicting! It challenges us to reexamine our answer to the question posed by Jesus in John 1:38: “What are you seeking?”

What are we seeking? Are we working for food that perishes—things that may bring temporary thrills but ultimately disappoint, or are we working for food that endures for eternal life?

True joy can only come from Christ. He is the bread that endures. Join us this week as we talk about the things that are really important in life, and how we can keep our focus on the things that endure.

See you Sunday!

Service times are at 9:30 & 11:00. If you can’t make it in person, you can watch live at those times.