Jesus: Our True Bread and Source of Peace
Summary
Jesus, the true bread from heaven, offers himself wholly for the life of the world. In remembering his sacrifice—his body broken and his blood poured out—we are invited not just to admire him from a distance, but to receive him into the very core of our being. This is not a mere ritual; it is a living participation in the life he gives, a union made possible by the Holy Spirit. The bread and the cup are reminders that Jesus desires to dwell within us, to be our life, our sustenance, and our peace.
The ascension of Jesus is a profound confirmation of his divine identity. Just as he foretold, he returned to the Father, riding the clouds as the Lord of heaven and earth. This event is not just a historical curiosity; it is a declaration that Jesus is who he claimed to be—the Son of God, the one who intercedes for us even now. The disciples, like us, wrestled with doubt and confusion, especially about what it meant to follow Jesus after his departure. They expected a political revolution, but Jesus pointed them to a different kind of kingdom—one established by love, forgiveness, and the power of the Holy Spirit.
Before they could fulfill the Great Commission, the disciples needed to wait. They needed peace and power that only the Spirit could provide. Jesus breathed on them, imparting the Spirit and the gift of forgiveness, teaching them that true peace comes not from circumstances, but from reconciliation with God and others. Sin steals peace, driving us into hiding and fear, but repentance restores us to fellowship and boldness.
Carrying out the mission of Jesus requires a message of repentance and forgiveness. This is not a popular message, but it is the only path to true peace. Forgiven sinners are compelled to proclaim the good news, not out of obligation, but from the overflow of grace they have received. The power to witness and to see lives transformed comes not from our own strength, but from the living Word of God and the name of Jesus, which carries authority in every realm. As we seek God’s peace and power, we are sent into the world to proclaim the gospel, trusting that Jesus is with us always, and that his Spirit will work through us to accomplish his purposes.
Key Takeaways
- Jesus offers himself as the true bread from heaven, inviting us into a deep, living union with him. This union is not symbolic alone, but a real participation in his life through the Spirit, transforming us from the inside out and sustaining us in every circumstance. [39:27]
- The ascension of Jesus is a powerful affirmation of his divine identity and authority. It reminds us that our faith is anchored in a living, reigning Savior who intercedes for us and will one day return as he promised. Even when doubts arise, the reality of the ascension calls us to trust in who Jesus truly is. [51:35]
- The disciples’ confusion about the nature of Jesus’ kingdom reveals how easily we can misunderstand God’s purposes. Jesus redirects our expectations from earthly power to spiritual transformation, teaching us that his kingdom advances through love, service, and the Spirit’s power—not by force or political means. [56:18]
- True peace is inseparable from repentance and forgiveness. Sin disrupts our relationship with God and others, leading to fear and hiding, but repentance opens the way for restoration and peace. Forgiveness is not just a personal relief; it is a spiritual breakthrough that disarms the enemy and releases us to live freely. [01:03:25]
- Proclaiming the gospel is not a task for the self-sufficient, but for those who have been forgiven and filled with the Spirit. The power to witness comes from God’s Word and the name of Jesus, which never return void. As we speak the truth in love, God confirms his Word with power, drawing others to himself and advancing his kingdom. [01:12:55]
Youtube Chapters
[00:00] - Welcome
[39:27] - Jesus, the Bread of Life
[40:32] - The Power of the Blood
[41:29] - Remembering Christ’s Sacrifice
[42:25] - Succession and Church Leadership
[43:22] - Jesus’ Ascension and the Growing Church
[44:02] - The Great Commission and Ascension
[44:53] - The Promise of the Holy Spirit
[45:54] - The Disciples’ Misunderstandings
[47:04] - Doubt and Worship
[48:22] - Hard Teachings and True Identity
[49:25] - The Offense and Confirmation of Ascension
[51:35] - The Return of Christ
[52:38] - Old Testament Echoes of Ascension
[54:12] - Battling Doubt and Affirming Faith
[56:18] - The Nature of the Kingdom
[58:57] - Peace, Forgiveness, and the Spirit
[01:03:25] - Sin, Fear, and the Loss of Peace
[01:05:38] - Repentance and Revival
[01:08:35] - Proclaiming Peace through Forgiveness
[01:12:05] - The Power of God’s Word
[01:12:55] - Seeking God’s Peace and Power
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
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### Bible Reading
- John 6:32-40, 53-58 (Jesus, the Bread of Life)
- Acts 1:1-11 (The Ascension and the Promise of the Spirit)
- Luke 24:45-49 (Repentance and Forgiveness Preached to All Nations)
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### Observation Questions
1. In John 6, what does Jesus mean when he calls himself the “bread of life” and says, “unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink his blood, you have no life in you”? What reaction did this teaching get from the people listening? [39:27]
2. According to Acts 1, what instructions did Jesus give his disciples before he ascended into heaven? What were they told to wait for? [44:53]
3. In Luke 24, what did Jesus say would be preached in his name to all nations, starting at Jerusalem? [01:06:51]
4. How did the disciples respond emotionally and spiritually to Jesus’ ascension? What does the text say about their doubts and worship? [47:04]
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### Interpretation Questions
1. Why do you think Jesus used such strong language about eating his flesh and drinking his blood? What does this say about the kind of relationship he wants with his followers? [39:27]
2. The disciples expected Jesus to bring a political revolution, but he pointed them to a different kind of kingdom. What does this reveal about the difference between God’s purposes and human expectations? [45:54]
3. Jesus told the disciples to wait for the Holy Spirit before carrying out the Great Commission. Why was waiting and receiving the Spirit so important for their mission? [44:53]
4. Why is repentance so closely tied to peace and forgiveness in Jesus’ teaching? How does this challenge common ideas about peace in our culture? [01:06:51]
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### Application Questions
1. The sermon said that Jesus doesn’t just want to be “around you” but to live in you and be your sustenance. What does it look like in your daily life to receive Jesus into the “core of your being”? Are there areas where you keep him at a distance? [39:27]
2. The disciples struggled with doubt and confusion, even after seeing the risen Jesus. When have you experienced doubt in your faith? How did you respond, and what helped you move forward? [47:04]
3. Jesus’ kingdom advances through love, forgiveness, and the Spirit’s power—not by force or politics. Are there ways you have been tempted to look for God’s work in the wrong places or through the wrong means? How can you realign your expectations with Jesus’ way? [45:54]
4. The sermon emphasized that true peace comes from repentance and forgiveness, not from circumstances. Is there someone you need to forgive, or do you need to seek forgiveness from God or another person? What is holding you back? [01:06:51]
5. Before the disciples could go out, they needed to wait for the Spirit’s peace and power. Are you trying to do things for God in your own strength? What would it look like to wait on the Spirit in your current season? [44:53]
6. The message of repentance and forgiveness is not always popular, but it is the only path to true peace. How can you share this message with others in a way that is both truthful and loving? [01:06:51]
7. The sermon shared a story about the power of speaking the name of Jesus and God’s Word. Is there someone in your life who needs to hear about Jesus? What is one step you can take this week to share your faith or pray for them? [01:09:22]
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Devotional
Day 1: Jesus, the Bread of Life—True Life Through Union with Him
Jesus offers Himself as the true bread from heaven, inviting all to partake in His life by receiving Him fully—body and blood—so that we may have eternal life and remain in Him. This union is not a mere association but a deep, spiritual indwelling, where Christ lives in us by the Holy Spirit, bringing real life, healing, and restoration to every part of our being. As we remember His sacrifice, we are called to embrace the fullness of His gift, trusting that there is nothing the blood of Jesus cannot heal or redeem. [39:27]
John 6:32-35, 53-58 (ESV)
Jesus then said to them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, it was not Moses who gave you the bread from heaven, but my Father gives you the true bread from heaven. For the bread of God is he who comes down from heaven and gives life to the world.” They said to him, “Sir, give us this bread always.” Jesus said to them, “I am the bread of life; whoever comes to me shall not hunger, and whoever believes in me shall never thirst...
So Jesus said to them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink his blood, you have no life in you. Whoever feeds on my flesh and drinks my blood has eternal life, and I will raise him up on the last day. For my flesh is true food, and my blood is true drink. Whoever feeds on my flesh and drinks my blood abides in me, and I in him. As the living Father sent me, and I live because of the Father, so whoever feeds on me, he also will live because of me. This is the bread that came down from heaven, not like the bread the fathers ate and died. Whoever feeds on this bread will live forever.”
Reflection: What is one area of your life—physical, mental, or spiritual—where you need to invite Jesus, the Bread of Life, to bring healing and true life today?
Day 2: The Ascension—Confirmation of Jesus’ True Identity
The ascension of Jesus is a powerful confirmation of His divine identity, fulfilling the ancient prophecies and demonstrating that He is the Son of God who came down from heaven and returned to the Father, riding on the clouds in majesty. This event assures us that Jesus is not only our Savior but also our reigning King, seated at the right hand of God, interceding for us and promising to return in the same way. Even when doubts arise, the reality of the ascension anchors our faith in who Jesus truly is. [52:38]
Acts 1:9-11 (ESV)
And when he had said these things, as they were looking on, he was lifted up, and a cloud took him out of their sight. And while they were gazing into heaven as he went, behold, two men stood by them in white robes, and said, “Men of Galilee, why do you stand looking into heaven? This Jesus, who was taken up from you into heaven, will come in the same way as you saw him go into heaven.”
Reflection: When doubts about Jesus arise, how can remembering His ascension and promised return strengthen your trust in Him today?
Day 3: The Great Commission—Empowered to Proclaim and Forgive
Jesus commissions His followers to go and make disciples of all nations, but He also commands them to wait for the empowerment of the Holy Spirit, knowing that peace and power are essential for the mission. In the midst of fear and uncertainty, Jesus breathes His peace and Spirit upon His disciples, equipping them to forgive, to proclaim the gospel, and to carry out His mission with boldness and compassion. The call to forgive and to receive forgiveness is central to living out the Great Commission and experiencing the fullness of God’s peace. [58:57]
Matthew 28:18-20 (ESV)
And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”
John 20:21-23 (ESV)
Jesus said to them again, “Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, even so I am sending you.” And when he had said this, he breathed on them and said to them, “Receive the Holy Spirit. If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven them; if you withhold forgiveness from any, it is withheld.”
Reflection: Who is one person you need to forgive or seek forgiveness from today, so that you can walk in the peace and power Jesus offers?
Day 4: Repentance—The Key to Peace and Revival
Repentance is at the heart of the gospel and the Great Commission; it is the turning away from sin and the turning toward God that brings true forgiveness and peace. Without repentance, peace is lost, and fear and hiding take its place, just as it did for Adam and Eve. Jesus calls us to preach repentance for the forgiveness of sins to all nations, reminding us that revival and the power of God are released when we humble ourselves, confess, and receive His grace. [01:06:51]
Luke 24:45-49 (ESV)
Then he opened their minds to understand the Scriptures, and said to them, “Thus it is written, that the Christ should suffer and on the third day rise from the dead, and that repentance for the forgiveness of sins should be proclaimed in his name to all nations, beginning from Jerusalem. You are witnesses of these things. And behold, I am sending the promise of my Father upon you. But stay in the city until you are clothed with power from on high.”
Reflection: Is there a sin or area of your life you need to repent of today in order to experience God’s peace and power anew?
Day 5: Proclaiming the Word—God’s Power Released Through the Gospel
When forgiven sinners proclaim the gospel and speak God’s Word, the Lord Himself confirms it with power, bringing peace and transformation to those who hear. The Word of God never returns void; it lingers in hearts and minds, drawing people to Jesus and opening the way for grace to abound. As we seek God’s peace and power, we are compelled to share the good news, trusting that God will work through our witness to bring others into His kingdom. [01:12:05]
Mark 16:19-20 (ESV)
So then the Lord Jesus, after he had spoken to them, was taken up into heaven and sat down at the right hand of God. And they went out and preached everywhere, while the Lord worked with them and confirmed the message by accompanying signs.
Reflection: Who is one person you can share a word of hope or the message of Jesus with today, trusting that God will confirm His Word in their life?
Quotes
There's no sin, there's no place you've been, there's nothing going on physically, mentally, or spiritually with you that the blood of Jesus will not cure. I've never forgotten it. So Jesus, we remember what you did for us. You shed your blood. Your love for us held you on the cross. And so we remember that today. Now, as we drink, Father, I would ask in the name of Jesus that you would heal our bodies. That you would give us the mind of Christ. And that, Lord, you would fill us with your Holy Spirit today. In Jesus' name, let's drink. [00:41:10] (48 seconds)
He said to them, it is not for you to know the times or dates the Father has set by his own authority, but you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea, Samaria, and to the ends of the earth. There's a commission. After he said this, he was taken up before their very eyes, and a cloud hid him from their sight. They were looking intently up into the sky as he was going when suddenly two men dressed in white stood beside them. [00:45:58] (33 seconds)
Then Jesus came to them and said, All authority in heaven and on earth have been given to me. Therefore, go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. Surely I am with you always to the very end of the age. Father, I ask you to guide us by the power of your Holy Spirit today. The gift has been given. [00:47:28] (30 seconds)
You see, as sure as Jesus was taken up, he's coming back. He's coming back. And then if you go all the way back to Deuteronomy, all right? Deuteronomy chapter 33 and verse 26. Look at what it says. There is no one like the God of Jeshurun who rides across the heavens to help you and on the clouds in his majesty. Man, this is my Lord. He rides the clouds. Go to the Psalms 104 and verse 3. It says, in verse 2 it says, the Lord wraps himself in light as with a garment. Now, that's pretty awesome. [00:51:54] (44 seconds)
He stretches out the heavens like a tent and he lays the beams of his upper chambers on their waters. He makes the clouds his chariot and rides on the wings of the wind. And the men that were on that hill with him, on that mountain with him, watching him ascend, they knew the Psalms and they knew Deuteronomy. of me and they went this certainly is the Lord because he's riding on the clouds I'm telling you man I when I was a kid I rode ponies and then I rode a horse and then I traded that for a Yamaha and I traded that for a Suzuki I got me a Harley I never had a ride on a cloud yet [00:52:38] (49 seconds)
and I'm here to tell you Jesus rose up and he wrote a cloud into heaven to go back by his father the Bible tells us he is seated at the right hand of God the Father right now and it says he's making intercession for us that makes me so happy because right now he's going dad we got to watch that preacher down there make sure he doesn't goof up this morning it's a confirmation of who he is [00:54:28] (31 seconds)
and Jesus walks right through the door man that's cool I don't know if you guys know that but that's awesome you try this today you get your nose broke but Jesus just passed right through the door and he doesn't say hey hi guys he says peace be with you as the father has sent me I'm sending you there's that commission again he says I'm sending you it says and with that oh this is awesome he breathed on him what did he do to Adam after he formed him out of dirt it says he breathed on him he breathed into him and he gave him life and now spiritually he's breathing on the disciples and he said receive the Holy Spirit and then he says if you forgive anyone's sins their sins are forgiven if you do not forgive them they are not forgiven listen if you want peace forgive whoever sinned against you today forgive them let it go turn them over to God [00:59:58] (68 seconds)
in the spirit world it will set them free to forgive you and say please forgive me is everybody listening this morning this isn't about going to confession and telling your sins to somebody this is about forgiving and then receiving forgiveness and the grace of God because in your heart alone no matter what the other party does you let go you let go and in the spirit world the enemy loses his grip the minute you say Lord I'm going to forgive him I'm going to let him go I'm not going to want vengeance [01:01:07] (37 seconds)
And forgiven sinners are propelled to proclaim the only way to true peace. Romans chapter 5, verse 1. Therefore, having been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. There's no other way to get peace, folks. It's through repentance. It's through proclaiming Jesus as Lord and Savior. And after that, the next verse is, by whom we have access into this grace in which we stand. I love that. You ever think of yourself just standing in grace? Sometimes I just think of myself up to my eyeballs. in the grace of God because I don't deserve to be saved. But for some reason, he knew me and he called my name. Come on, church. [01:10:16] (58 seconds)
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