A way to live the mission field of the wider world:
See the world as where God feeds everyone with power to live more lovingly and justly; therefore, all can expect to grow in being more loving and just every day.
Based on John 6:56-69 (see a retelling below); a reading that comes from the Revised Common Lectionary for the Fourteenth Sunday after Pentecost, 8/26/18.
Jesus has been teaching about himself as the bread of life.
“All who eat my flesh and drink my blood [his words and actions] will abide in me, and I in them.” As he is sent by and lives in the Father, so will whoever eats of him live because of him. He is the bread from heaven; he is not like the manna that fed them in the wilderness but did not prevent their death. Any who eat his bread [his life] will live forever.
When many of the disciples hear this teaching, they find it hard to accept. Sensing their complaint, Jesus says suppose they saw the Son of Man ascending to heaven where he was before; would that make them believe his teaching. The Spirit will help them to understand what he means.
Jesus knows that many do not believe him. He knows one in particular will not believe him. He comments that understanding him is the Father’s gift.
Because many turn away, he asks the twelve if they will turn away. Peter answers, “Lord we have nowhere else to go. You have the words of life; we have come to believe you are the Holy One of God.
A theme: To believe that Jesus is the bread of life is God’s gift.
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