The Life and Ministry of Jesus
In the meantime His disciples urged Him, saying, “Rabbi, eat.” But He said to them, “I have food to eat of which you do not know.” Therefore the disciples said to one another, “Has anyone brought Him anything to eat?” Jesus said to them,“My food is to do the will of Him who sent Me, and to finish His work. John 4:31–34
Our Lord’s intended thrust was that he was so engrossed with the woman’s spiritual well-being that he cared little about anything else. Perhaps Jesus’ thoughts were alternating between prayer and concern about what was going to happen to the woman as she went into the city. Perhaps our Lord was even thinking about the words he was going to say when she returned. “I have food to eat, and I am not hungry at this time because I am caught up in what will happen in this woman’s life.”
At the same time Jesus was directing his disciples to embrace the highest priority along with him. “I have something that you do not have!” He was attempting to draw them to what he wanted to say and teach. I put the highest emphasis on God’s will and work in my life. That is my food.” The transcending priorities in Jesus’ life—serving God by doing his will and his work—were his sustenance in life. 1
Personal Encouragement
In the work that you do, do you consider “the work” that God may want you to do for Him while you are at work, or busy serving your family in your home?
A man’s heart plans his way, But the Lord directs his steps. Proverbs 16:9
A spiritual appetite is fed by faith in God & personal obedience to God.
A Prayer
Lord, teaching me to receive Your bread of life. You will sustain me in every situation.
1. Wiersbe, W. W. (1996). The Bible exposition commentary. Wheaton, IL: Victor Books.
