11th February 2022

Vanilla or Marmite

“…You have the words of eternal life. We have come to believe and to know that you are the Holy One of God.”  John 6:68-69 (NIV)

Vanilla flavouring is often regarded as being bland and inoffensive, something that would not spark a strong opinion for, or against it. By contrast, people in Britain often say something is like Marmite (other yeast extract spreads are available), because it generates a strong response for or against, often dividing opinion among those who will vehemently defend their viewpoint. This has sometimes led to people being referred to as being like vanilla or Marmite.

Jesus was one such person who often divided opinion and generated a passionate response for or against him. In John chapter six he called himself the ‘bread of life’ (v.35), and told his audience they must feed on him. Of course, he was speaking spiritually and telling them that all they needed for their spiritual existence was him. However, some failed to appreciate the significance of what Jesus was saying, so that ‘From this time many of his disciples turned back and no longer followed him.’ (v.66). Others saw Jesus’ words as a rallying call to commit their lives to him and responded, “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life.” (v.68).

This is exactly what Jesus wanted: that those who understood the significance of what he was saying would make a total commitment to him. The Christian life isn’t one of sitting on the fence, being part of two camps, living how we want to, with Jesus as a small add-on to it. No, Jesus saying he is the ‘bread of life’ means our life cannot be sustained without him. He is not just all we need, but the only thing, the only one, that we need. He alone is our sustainer and the one who has delivered us from our sinful state.

So next time you’re enjoying a vanilla dessert, or eating bread (perhaps toast with Marmite), think about Jesus and make a commitment, or recommitment, to living totally for him.

Prayer
Father, thank you for your Son Jesus giving his life for us. Please help us to respond to this love by making a commitment to follow him, and to continually renew that commitment. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Study by Anthony Dady

 

About the writer:
Anthony Dady is a Minister in Grace Communion International and is the Regional Pastor for Wales, the Midlands, and Northern England.

Local congregation:
GCI Northampton
Ecton Village Hall
78A High Street
Ecton
Northampton
NN6 0QB

Meeting time:
Saturday 10:30am

Local congregational contact:
Gavin Henderson
Email:  gavin.henderson@gracecom.church

Word of Life contact:
wordoflife@gracecom.church