The opening section of John chapter 6 recounts the story of Jesus miraculously feeding five thousand people. But to fully comprehend this miracle, we have to understand the historical context. Starvation and food insecurity was a constant struggle in first century Palestine. Thus, the crowd was amazed, not only at the provision of food, but also at the abundance of it.

The next day, unsurprisingly, the people wanted more; they wanted another meal. So, they searched for Jesus, but when they found him, Jesus did not physically provide as the previous day. Instead, this time, he provided spiritually. "I am the bread of life; whoever comes to me shall not hunger, and whoever believes in me shall never thirst." Eventually, most of the people left. Why? As Bible scholar F.F. Bruce wrote, "What they wanted he would not give; what he offered, they would not receive." And in the midst of this mass desertion, Jesus turned to his original core group and asked them, "Do you want to go away as well?” Simon Peter responding on behalf of the twelve said, “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life."

Peter's answer encapsulates the Christian life. At times, it can feel blissful, as we tangibly feel the favor of God upon our lives. At other times, it can be very challenging, as the trials and sufferings of this life bring doubt and despair. But in either case, one thing remains: there is nowhere else to go: Jesus is the only way, the only truth, and the eternal life.