In my home visits to my congregation, the first question I would ask is, “Why do you go to church?” I’ve had to ponder this question myself as I thought about my own church life. I do not remember a time when I “didn’t” do to church! It was what we did growing up. I was expected to get up every single Sunday morning regardless of how late I was out the night before. So, was going to church just checking off a box to say that I went? Did I go because I was told to go? Is church just something that is expected of me?  Why do you go to church?  And, if you are not a church-goer, what would be the reason that you would go to church?

In John 6:24-35, there are crowds of people seeking out Jesus because he had just fed thousands of peoples’ stomachs full, with only a couple of fish and a few loaves of bread. When they find Jesus, He tells them, “The only reason you are searching for me is because you want to be fed again, and for free!”  The dialogue continues with Jesus telling them to work hard for the things that last, not for things that are temporary and have no meaning.  In their confusion, they ask Jesus, “What should we doing then to perform the works of God?”  Jesus is frank with them, “Believe in the One whom God sent – just trust! They respond, “Well, if you want us to trust you and commit to you, then give us a sign!” And, as an example they reminded Jesus that Moses provided Manna (food) for the Israelites. Therefore Jesus, what will you do for us? But, Jesus corrects them and says, “It is not Moses who provided the Manna, but God! God gives you everything!”

So, what is this all about? Jesus says that to do the works of God, we must trust Him?  But, trust can only come from the work of the Spirit. We don’t even have the capability or desire to do that on our own!  This is a matter of the heart!  To trust Jesus, our hearts must be right with God! There is no other way! It’s like a snow ball effect…Then to be in a right relationship with God, our hearts have to be fed!  Our hearts can only be fed with the Word of God and through the breaking of the bread!

The question: Why do you go to church?  We go to church to be fed with the Word of God! We go to church to receive God’s amazing grace, forgiveness, mercy, and love through the breaking of the Bread! Jesus is the BREAD!  Through Him, we are given LIFE!  A life that frees us from our sin, brokenness, and suffering! This is the Life that is truly LIFE!

Sir, give us this Bread always!