Texas Mailbox Bread

 

When they found him on the other side of the sea, they said to him, “Rabbi, when did you come here?” Jesus answered them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, you are seeking me, not because you saw signs, but because you ate your fill of the loaves. Do not work for the food that perishes, but for the food that endures to eternal life, which the Son of Man will give to you. For on him God the Father has set his seal.” Then they said to him, “What must we do, to be doing the works of God?” Jesus answered them, “This is the work of God, that you believe in him whom he has sent.” So they said to him, “Then what sign do you do, that we may see and believe you? What work do you perform? Our fathers ate the manna in the wilderness; as it is written, ‘He gave them bread from heaven to eat.’” Jesus then said to them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, it was not Moses who gave you the bread from heaven, but my Father gives you the true bread from heaven. For the bread of God is he who comes down from heaven and gives life to the world.” They said to him, “Sir, give us this bread always.” Jesus said to them, “I am the bread of life; whoever comes to me shall not hunger, and whoever believes in me shall never thirst.” (John 6:25-35 ESV).

 

Perhaps you have seen the photo of Roberta Wright, a Texas grandma who lives in Montgomery County, Texas (photo attached). She is posing with a loaf of bread supposedly baked in her mailbox. This photo has gone viral, and the story seems impossible to believe, unless you happen to live in the heat, we are experiencing in Texas this summer. Well, the truth is that she did not bake the bread in the mailbox, though I’m tempted to try it. She is a local author and blogger who simply wanted to promote her newest book. When questioned she said, “I had no idea that the photo would gather such momentum. I’ve had call from people all over the world.” It did catch my attention when I saw it posted on the internet. However, like many things we read on social media and other internet sites it really is “fake news.”

 

It reminded me of today’s reading. Here Jesus was challenging people who wanted him to lead a revolution. Their nation was occupied by the Roman Empire, and many people were hoping that their promised Messiah, a leader specially appointed by God, would restore them as a political power. Jesus was indeed the Messiah, but he was not a political leader. We can understand why people would want things to change in their country. But Jesus wanted them to understand that he had come for an even bigger purpose. As we have seen earlier, Jesus has come to give people eternal life and bring them into the presence of God. If people would trust in him as the bread of life who would provide them full life with God, their deepest and greatest need would always be met.

 

In our busy world, we can easily get caught up in pursuing “food that spoils.” We want to take care of our family. We want to do well in our job. We may want to be involved in leading our community and our nation. These are all good things. But sometimes these good things can get in the way of the best thing. Follow Jesus. There’s nothing fake about His promises!