Friday 10 July 2026

Psalm 72

Background
Most of us know that food only nourishes us when it is eaten. We can admire it, discuss it, learn about it, and even argue over it, but it cannot sustain us until we receive it.

In today's gospel reading, the people are arguing about Jesus' words. He has spoken of giving his flesh for the life of the world, and they ask, "How can this man give us his flesh to eat?" (v. 52) The question is understandable. Jesus' language is vivid, challenging and difficult to grasp.

Yet Jesus does not withdraw his words or soften his message. Instead, he continues to speak about eating his flesh and drinking his blood. The more we read, the clearer it becomes that Jesus is speaking about something deeper than physical food.

Throughout this chapter, the crowd have struggled to understand who Jesus is. The more Jesus reveals about himself, the more questions and arguments seem to arise. They continue to think about bread, while Jesus is trying to point them towards himself. They have seen the miracle of the loaves, discussed his teaching, and questioned his claims. Now Jesus invites them beyond simply knowing about him towards something more personal.

Food becomes part of us when it is eaten. In a similar way, Jesus speaks about receiving him so fully that his life becomes part of ours. This is more than admiration, agreement or curiosity. It is trust. It is faith. It is allowing Christ to shape the way we think, live and act.

Perhaps that is why Jesus uses such striking language. He is not asking people merely to observe him from a distance. He is inviting them into a relationship that transforms them from within.

Faith is not simply understanding what Jesus has said. It is trusting the one who says it.  The challenge of this passage is not whether we know about Jesus, but whether we have truly received him. For it is not enough to admire the bread of life. We are invited to feed upon him and find life in him.

To Ponder:

• Why do you think the crowd continued to focus on bread when Jesus was speaking about himself?
• What is the difference between knowing about Jesus and receiving him into your life?
• How is your relationship with Christ shaping the person you are becoming?

Prayer
Lord Jesus, you invite us not simply to know about you, but to know you and trust you. Help us to receive your life more deeply and to depend upon you each day. Nourish our faith, strengthen our hope, and shape us by your love. May we find in you the life that truly satisfies.  Amen.

Bible notes author: The Revd Stuart Reed
Stuart is Acting Superintendent Minister of the South East Cornwall Methodist Circuit and will become Superintendent Minister in September 2026. He lives in Looe with his wife and their labrador. He is father to two and grandfather to one, and enjoys walking the Cornish coast. He is still conducting extensive research into where to find the best pasties and ice cream in Cornwall.