With respect to Lent, we are exploring some of the many Names of Jesus. Hence, this week we examine Jesus as The Bread of Life. Obviously, this Name has so much depth we cannot begin to explore its profound meaning in this itty bitty blog post.
However, we will begin by looking at a time that Jesus satisfied the physical hunger of His followers.
“Do not work for the food that perishes but for the food that endures to eternal life, which the Son of Man will give to you.” John 6:27.
Unquestionably, the above statement was a warning! Don’t seek Jesus for what He can do. Furthermore, don’t use Him as a meal ticket or for entertainment. Instead, follow Him because He is the Bread of Life that provides spiritual sustenance that sustains us through eternity.
After all Jesus continues:
So how do we do this?
As Max Lucado reminds us:
Obviously, if we don’t open a loaf of bread it becomes moldy. Therefore, it offers no nourishment to our bodies. When we don’t open God’s Word and seek to learn more about Jesus, our faith becomes moldy. We don’t take in the life-giving nutrients essential for spiritual growth.
This week’s prayer and reflection question:
Are you like the people who witnessed the miracle of the feeding of the 5,000 and followed Jesus for food or to experience more miracles? In other words, do you follow Jesus for blessings or do you seek Jesus to grow closer or become more like Him ? Moreover, are you on the take or do you honor God by seeking to serve and glorify your Savior?
Want to learn more? You can read this article for more insight into Jesus as “The Bread of Life.”
Would love for you to engage with our community. Share your thoughts on Jesus as The Bread of Life. Of course, answers to this week’s reflection question, prayer requests or any random thoughts are also welcome.
I often am reminded of this theme when I pray my daily Lord’s Prayer. “Give us this day our daily bread” with its many meanings kind of reminds me that yes while God provides me with physical nourishment, I am asking Him for spiritual nourishment and I need to remember not to be a “taker” but to put that spiritual gift to service for others in my life that day. Yes sometimes I feel drained and need the nourishment for myself for a couple of hours before I can share it, but I am often refreshed and more at peace from the taking in and then passing it forward to someone in my day!
Thanks for sharing your thoughts. I know when I pray the Lord’s prayer when I get to the part about my daily bread I tend to focus on my needs- and if I am honest on my wants. So, thanks for reminding us that not only is God providing our daily bread (both material and spiritual) but we should share it with others in many different ways.