Advent Devotional Guide: Jesus Is!

Jesus Is!

Advent Devotional Guide
Thursday, December 21, 2023

Bread of Life

“Jesus said to them, “Very truly I tell you, it is not Moses who has given you the bread from heaven, but it is my Father who gives you the true bread from heaven. For the bread of God is the bread that comes down from heaven and gives life to the world.” “Sir,” they said, “always give us this bread.” Then Jesus declared, “I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never go hungry, and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty.”  John‬ ‭6‬:‭32‬-‭35‬

In various places throughout Scripture, we see references to bread and can see that they are pointing to God’s provision and ultimately to Jesus (John 4:14, John 6:51, Jeremiah 2:13, Exodus 16:4-5, etc).

Today, instead of focusing on manna or the Bread of Heaven, etc, I want to look at the result of having the Bread. The last sentence of today's passage says this:

“Whoever comes to me will never go hungry and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty.”

If the Lord were speaking on physical terms, he might say, “If all you eat is empty calories like candy, you’ll never truly be satisfied. What you need is a balanced diet of protein, vegetables, fruit, grains, and dairy. Then you will be properly nourished.” He’s not speaking on physical terms, though, but regarding the spiritual. 

People who are spiritually hungry and thirsty are miserable. They are wasting away inside. They are frantically searching for that something that will bring them satiety, contentment, and peace. But like the empty discomfort that comes from eating too much candy, they are coming up spiritually empty.

The spiritually balanced food pyramid has Jesus as its foundation — everything builds on having a personal relationship with Him and making him Lord. Then Bible Study, worship, prayer and fellowship round out the rest of the nourishment. The result of this spiritual diet is natural growth, strength and health. 

Lord,  Thank you for providing Jesus, our Savior, as the Bread of Life who provides our spiritual nourishment. Help us to truly see those around us who are starving spiritually. Give us the courage to respond to their hunger.