John 6:22-46 I’ll never forget hosting a Russian Jewish lady on her birthday. The table was set with the finest china, and fresh flowers provided the centerpiece for the table. All the food was presented well, and I felt everything was near perfect. The moment I sat down at the table after much diligent preparation in the kitchen, the guest of honor said in her heavy Russian accent, “I need some bread. Where is the bread?” She sincerely felt she could not even begin her meal unless bread was on the table. I later found out why she was desperate for bread. Her hands were arthritic, and she used bread to help push things on her fork. Often she would just forget to use the fork and raised her food to her mouth on pieces of bread.
Wouldn’t it be wonderful if we had the same desperate desire for the bread of life—Jesus Christ? In this passage Jesus identifies Himself as the true bread of God sent from heaven to give life to the world. He said, “I am the bread of life.” It is interesting that Jesus was born in Bethlehem, which means “House of Bread” in Hebrew. Bread is often called the staff of life. Jesus is the bread that is the staff of life in this life and the next. He is the only One who can give us lasting sustenance that will sustain us through all the circumstances of life. Every Lord’s Supper we partake of the bread, remembering His body that was broken for us. There is nothing that smells any better than fresh baked bread. One of my happiest memories about my college years was the smell of the Colonial Bread Company that was located on my drive to college. The smell of fresh bread baking, however, cannot compete with the sweet aroma of the Lord’s presence.
Today you will probably eat bread with every meal. When you eat your bread at mealtime, think of Jesus, the bread of life, and how much you need Him in your life. Jesus, the bread come down from heaven, will give strength not only to your physical body, but also to your soul and spirit.
Lord, I need You to sustain me today. Only You can satisfy my longing soul, and only You can give me the spiritual food that lasts forever. Help me not to miss any meals with You today.
READ: 1 Samuel 8:1-9:27; John 6:22-46; Psalm 106:32-48; Proverbs 14:34-35
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