July 24, 2019
John 6:41-51
by Tim Jones
Director of Communications
Holston Conference of the United Methodist Church

When I was younger, middle school age, there were two types of books I enjoyed reading: fantasy novels and “Choose Your Own Adventure” books. As a child with an active imagination, these two styles of books allowed me to find myself as one of the characters. Like most people, I often imagined I was the main character, or at least the character everyone loved. It was fun being heroic, strong and saving the world from its impending doom.

Now that I am a little older, I still find myself drawn to fantasy novels. However, I don’t always imagine I’m the hero. Instead, I look for the character who has attributes similar to mine. Sometimes I can still latch on to one of the main heroes, but often times I relate more to a secondary character that offers some help to the main party.
 
I have discovered I do this with the Bible as well. I enjoy choosing a book and finding myself in the story. Typically, I do this when reading through the Old Testament, but there are ample times I use this imaginative process while reading the Gospel. Unfortunately, I find myself relating to the undesirable character or actions more than I would like. For example, in today’s text it is too easy for me to find myself as one of the grumbling Jews. As I read through, I wonder if they are grumbling because, to them, Jesus is just another plain ole guy. (Much like they are.) Why should he be treated any better than the rest of them?
 
I don’t know about you, but it’s very easy for me to fall into this grumbling mindset. Why did he get that raise? Why was she promoted? Why did they make the team and I didn’t? And then we begin making excuses as to why the other(s) do not deserve the attention they are receiving.

 
But much like John 6:41-51, when we focus on bringing others down, or trying to lift ourselves up, we can miss the bigger picture of what is going on. Jesus tells the grumbling crowd they are missing out on the very “bread of life” because their focus was on the wrong thing.
 
Today, as you start your day, continue your day, or perhaps are ready to call it a day, what are you focused on? Could it be that your “grumblings” are causing you to miss out on the bigger picture?
 
Prayer: Almighty God, as we pause for a moment to look at ourselves, may we see we are all characters in your ever-evolving story. Help us to understand how our focus can ultimately define our character’s role, and may we each seek your will for our own life and not get caught up grumbling about other’s lives. Amen.