Scripture: John 4:32 (ESV) – “But he said to them, ‘I have food to eat that you do not know about.’”
When the disciples urge Jesus to eat, He responds with a statement that confuses them: “I have food to eat that you do not know about.” Once again, Jesus redirects the conversation from physical sustenance to spiritual fulfillment. Just as He had spoken to the Samaritan woman about living water, now He teaches His disciples that there is a greater nourishment than physical food—doing the will of the Father.
This moment reveals a common theme in Jesus’ teaching: His true satisfaction does not come from earthly provisions but from accomplishing God’s work. The disciples were focused on meeting a temporary physical need, but Jesus was sustained by obedience to the Father’s mission. This is a truth that He would later emphasize in Matthew 4:4—“Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.”
Martin Luther, in his writings on this passage, explains that true spiritual nourishment comes from obedience to God’s will. He contrasts earthly desires, which are fleeting, with spiritual fulfillment, which brings lasting satisfaction. Luther notes that while food sustains the body, it is the work of God that sustains the soul. He encourages believers to seek a deeper hunger for God’s Word and for serving Him, recognizing that our deepest needs are not physical but spiritual.
For us, this verse challenges us to consider what truly sustains us. Do we find our fulfillment in comfort, success, or material needs, or do we seek spiritual nourishment through obedience to God? Jesus teaches that doing the will of the Father is what truly satisfies. When we live with Kingdom priorities, we will experience a deeper, lasting fulfillment that the world cannot offer.
Reflection Questions:
- Why do you think Jesus refers to a food that the disciples do not know about? What does this reveal about His priorities?
- Are there things in your life that you rely on for satisfaction instead of seeking fulfillment in God’s will?
- How can you cultivate a deeper hunger for doing God’s work, just as Jesus modeled?
Prayer:
Lord Jesus, thank You for teaching us that true fulfillment comes not from earthly things but from doing the will of the Father. Help us to seek spiritual nourishment in You rather than relying on temporary satisfactions. Give us a heart that desires to serve You and to find joy in Your mission. May we hunger for righteousness and be filled by Your truth. In Your name, Amen.
This devotional is based on Pastor Chris Cousine’s sermon on John 4:32 with insights from Martin Luther’s writings.
Covenant Presbyterian Church 