Jesus: The Bread of Life and Compassionate Healer

Devotional

Day 1: Jesus as the Bread of Life

Jesus' ministry was characterized by giving life, not taking it. He is the Bread of Life, offering spiritual nourishment and eternal life to all who believe in Him. This truth should fill us with gratitude and hope, knowing that Jesus' sacrifice on the cross brings us life and not death. Jesus' acts of compassion and power, such as healing the centurion's servant and raising the widow's son, demonstrate His authority and deep care for humanity. These miracles remind us that Jesus is the source of life and hope, and we can trust in His promise of eternal life.

In John 6:35, Jesus declares, "I am the bread of life; whoever comes to me shall not hunger, and whoever believes in me shall never thirst." This statement encapsulates the essence of Jesus' mission—to provide spiritual sustenance and eternal life. As we reflect on this, let us be filled with gratitude for the life Jesus offers and the hope that comes from His sacrifice.

John 6:35 (ESV): "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.'"

Reflection: How can you actively seek spiritual nourishment from Jesus, the Bread of Life, in your daily routine today? [40:58]

Day 2: The Power of Humility and Faith

The centurion's story teaches us the importance of humility and faith. Despite his high status, he acknowledged his unworthiness and trusted in Jesus' word to heal his servant. This humility and faith were commended by Jesus, showing us that recognizing our need for God and trusting in His word are crucial for experiencing His power in our lives. The centurion's example encourages us to approach God with a humble heart, recognizing our dependence on Him and believing in His ability to work in our lives.

In Luke 7:6-7, the centurion says, "Lord, do not trouble yourself, for I am not worthy to have you come under my roof. Therefore I did not presume to come to you. But say the word, and let my servant be healed." This passage highlights the centurion's humility and faith in Jesus' authority. As we reflect on this, let us strive to cultivate a humble heart and unwavering faith in God's word.

Luke 7:6-7 (ESV): "And Jesus went with them. When he was not far from the house, the centurion sent friends, saying to him, 'Lord, do not trouble yourself, for I am not worthy to have you come under my roof. Therefore I did not presume to come to you. But say the word, and let my servant be healed.'"

Reflection: In what areas of your life do you need to practice humility and trust in God's word today? [46:07]

Day 3: Jesus' Compassion for the Suffering

Jesus' heart went out to the widow who lost her only son. His compassion led Him to perform a miracle, restoring the young man's life and providing for the widow. This story reminds us that Jesus deeply cares about our personal struggles and is moved by our pain. He has the power to change our circumstances and bring hope into our lives. Jesus' compassion for the suffering is a testament to His love and care for each of us, and we can find comfort in knowing that He is always with us in our times of need.

In Luke 7:13-14, it is written, "And when the Lord saw her, he had compassion on her and said to her, 'Do not weep.' Then he came up and touched the bier, and the bearers stood still. And he said, 'Young man, I say to you, arise.'" This passage illustrates Jesus' compassion and power to bring life and hope. As we reflect on this, let us be encouraged by Jesus' deep care for our struggles and His ability to transform our circumstances.

Luke 7:13-14 (ESV): "And when the Lord saw her, he had compassion on her and said to her, 'Do not weep.' Then he came up and touched the bier, and the bearers stood still. And he said, 'Young man, I say to you, arise.'"

Reflection: How can you seek Jesus' compassion and power in a specific area of your life where you are struggling today? [47:37]

Day 4: The Authority of Jesus' Word

The centurion understood authority and recognized Jesus' supreme authority over all things. He believed that Jesus' word alone was enough to heal his servant. This teaches us the power and authority of Jesus' word in our lives. We should trust in His promises and believe that His word has the power to bring about change and healing. The centurion's faith in Jesus' authority serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of trusting in the power of Jesus' word.

In Matthew 8:8-9, the centurion says, "Lord, I am not worthy to have you come under my roof, but only say the word, and my servant will be healed. For I too am a man under authority, with soldiers under me. And I say to one, 'Go,' and he goes, and to another, 'Come,' and he comes, and to my servant, 'Do this,' and he does it." This passage highlights the centurion's recognition of Jesus' authority. As we reflect on this, let us trust in the power of Jesus' word to bring about change and healing in our lives.

Matthew 8:8-9 (ESV): "But the centurion replied, 'Lord, I am not worthy to have you come under my roof, but only say the word, and my servant will be healed. For I too am a man under authority, with soldiers under me. And I say to one, 'Go,' and he goes, and to another, 'Come,' and he comes, and to my servant, 'Do this,' and he does it.'"

Reflection: What promise from Jesus' word do you need to trust in today, and how can you apply it to your life? [57:02]

Day 5: God's Help in Our Lives

The miracles in Luke 7 show that God has come to help His people. Jesus' actions demonstrate that He is with us, cares for us, and has the power to intervene in our lives. We should seek Him with all our hearts, trust in His love and authority, and believe that He is here to help us in our times of need. The stories of the centurion's servant and the widow's son remind us that God is always present and ready to help us, no matter our circumstances.

In Psalm 46:1, it is written, "God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble." This verse reassures us of God's constant presence and willingness to help us in times of need. As we reflect on this, let us seek God's help with confidence, knowing that He is always with us and ready to intervene in our lives.

Psalm 46:1 (ESV): "God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble."

Reflection: How can you actively seek God's help and trust in His presence in a specific area of your life today? [01:04:32]

Sermon Summary

### Summary

Today, we reflected on the profound truth that Jesus is the Bread of Life, not the bread of death. Jesus' life and ministry were marked by bringing life, healing, and hope to those around Him. He never took a life but instead restored it, as seen when He healed the centurion's servant and raised the widow's son from the dead. These acts of compassion and power demonstrate His authority and His deep care for humanity.

In the Gospel of Luke, Chapter 7, we see two significant miracles. First, the centurion, a man of authority, humbly sought Jesus' help for his dying servant. Despite his high status, he recognized his unworthiness and trusted in Jesus' word alone to heal. This humility and faith were commended by Jesus, who healed the servant from a distance. This story teaches us about the importance of humility, recognizing our true position before God, and having faith in His word.

The second miracle involved Jesus raising a widow's only son from the dead. This act of compassion not only restored the young man's life but also provided for the widow, who would have been left destitute. Jesus' heart went out to her, showing that He deeply cares for our personal struggles and needs. This miracle reminds us that Jesus has the power to change our circumstances in an instant and that He is always moved by our pain and suffering.

Both stories highlight the themes of humility, faith, and the compassionate authority of Jesus. They encourage us to trust in His word, recognize our need for Him, and believe in His power to bring life and hope into our situations.

###

Key Takeaways

1. Jesus as the Bread of Life: Jesus' ministry was characterized by giving life, not taking it. He is the Bread of Life, offering spiritual nourishment and eternal life to all who believe in Him. This truth should fill us with gratitude and hope, knowing that Jesus' sacrifice on the cross brings us life and not death. [40:58]
2. The Power of Humility and Faith: The centurion's story teaches us the importance of humility and faith. Despite his high status, he acknowledged his unworthiness and trusted in Jesus' word to heal his servant. This humility and faith were commended by Jesus, showing us that recognizing our need for God and trusting in His word are crucial for experiencing His power in our lives. [46:07]
3. Jesus' Compassion for the Suffering: Jesus' heart went out to the widow who lost her only son. His compassion led Him to perform a miracle, restoring the young man's life and providing for the widow. This story reminds us that Jesus deeply cares about our personal struggles and is moved by our pain. He has the power to change our circumstances and bring hope into our lives. [47:37]
4. The Authority of Jesus' Word: The centurion understood authority and recognized Jesus' supreme authority over all things. He believed that Jesus' word alone was enough to heal his servant. This teaches us the power and authority of Jesus' word in our lives. We should trust in His promises and believe that His word has the power to bring about change and healing. [57:02]
5. God's Help in Our Lives: The miracles in Luke 7 show that God has come to help His people. Jesus' actions demonstrate that He is with us, cares for us, and has the power to intervene in our lives. We should seek Him with all our hearts, trust in His love and authority, and believe that He is here to help us in our times of need. [01:04:32]
### [64:32]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[40:58] - Jesus, the Bread of Life
[41:55] - The Greatest Stain Remover
[43:11] - Healing and Faith
[44:08] - Finding Hope in Unexpected Places
[46:07] - The Centurion's Humility and Faith
[47:37] - Jesus Raises the Widow's Son
[49:56] - The Jewish Elders' Motives
[51:46] - Deserving vs. Undeserving
[54:39] - Humility and Faith in Action
[56:21] - Understanding Authority
[57:02] - The Power of Jesus' Word
[58:52] - Jesus' Compassion for the Widow
[60:25] - The Power to Raise the Dead
[61:57] - Jesus Cares for the Widow
[64:32] - God Has Come to Help His People
[69:33] - Closing Prayer and Invitation

Bible Study Guide

Observation Questions

What was the centurion's request to Jesus, and how did he demonstrate humility and faith in his approach? ([46:07])
How did Jesus respond to the widow's situation in the town of Nain, and what was the outcome? ([47:37])
What did the people say after Jesus raised the widow's son from the dead, and how did they interpret this miracle? ([01:04:32])

Interpretation Questions

Why do you think the centurion felt unworthy to have Jesus come under his roof, and what does this reveal about his understanding of authority and faith? ([46:07])
How does Jesus' compassion for the widow reflect His character and mission? What does this tell us about His response to human suffering? ([47:37])
The people exclaimed, "God has come to help his people" after witnessing the miracle. How does this statement encapsulate the message of Jesus' ministry? ([01:04:32])

Application Questions

Reflect on a time when you felt unworthy or inadequate. How can the centurion's example of humility and faith inspire you to trust in Jesus' word and authority in your own life? ([46:07])
Jesus showed deep compassion for the widow in her time of need. How can you show compassion to someone in your life who is struggling or suffering? ([47:37])
The people recognized that "God has come to help his people." In what ways have you experienced God's help in your life, and how can you share this testimony with others? ([01:04:32])
The centurion understood the power of Jesus' word. How can you apply this understanding to your daily life by trusting in the promises found in Scripture? ([57:02])
Jesus' miracles brought hope to those who were hopeless. How can you bring hope to someone in your community who feels hopeless? ([45:12])
The widow's situation changed in an instant when Jesus intervened. Is there a situation in your life where you need to trust Jesus for a sudden change or miracle? How can you actively seek His intervention? ([01:03:39])
The sermon emphasized the importance of humility, faith, and recognizing our need for Jesus. What practical steps can you take this week to cultivate these qualities in your relationship with God? ([54:39])

Sermon Clips

### Quotes for Outreach

1. "Aren't you glad he's not the bread of death? Stop and think about this. There's no place in Scripture where Jesus killed anybody or took anyone's life. He kept bringing people back to life. When Peter struck the high priest's ear off with his sword, Jesus said, Put your sword away. He said, Don't you know I could call legions of angels to wipe out my enemies right now? But he didn't do it." [40:58] (33 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

2. "Sin leaves a stain on all of us. So many of us have sinned and we still aren't over the stain. We even know we're forgiven, but there's still a mark. There's still a stain. The enemy uses that sin to haunt us. But Jesus said he was going to shed his blood. He said, Take this cup. And he said, All of you drink it. He says, This is a cup of my blood. The blood of the new and everlasting covenant. And he said it's shed for your sins and all men's sins can be forgiven." [41:55] (44 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

3. "If you're in here, how many people here ever watch the news? Or check out social media? Or what's going on in this country? Come on, be honest. You're in church. It can get you hopeless, can't it? You can watch this stuff and listen to it. But Friday night we went to watch the guys ride those bulls, you know? And there were a whole bunch of us from Mount Zion there. And I found so much hope in this cowboy that prayed." [44:08] (34 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

4. "Do you believe God's word today? No worries. I can trust him. Now here's your next point. Jesus cared about the widow. You know, it says he looked at her, his heart went out to her. He cared about her. Let's think about her for just a minute. It says she was a widow and this was her only son. You know what this means? That means with her son's death, nobody was there to care for her." [01:01:57] (26 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

5. "Do you understand today that God is here to help you? Any voice inside your head that tells you God's not here to help you and he doesn't care about you, that is from the enemy. And you may be going through difficult times, but God is right here and he knows what's going on and he loves you. And he wants you to be with him for eternity." [01:05:15] (24 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

### Quotes for Members

1. "The centurion cared about his servant. You know, they don't translate it. They translate it servant. But really, you can translate that word as slave. This servant was a slave to the centurion. The centurion owned him. But because the centurion saw the value of his servant, and the servant probably cared about the well-being of the centurion, this centurion cared about him enough that when he was on his deathbed, he sent people to Jesus to heal him. That's how much he cared about him." [48:40] (40 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

2. "The Jewish elders and the centurion had different opinions about what they deserved. I have a friend, every time I call him on the phone, I say, how you doing? He says, I'm doing better than I deserve. It's such a great message online. It's like he says, I'm better than I deserve. Do we realize what we deserve? We're sinners. We're lost. We can't redeem ourselves." [52:26] (26 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

3. "How do you approach every situation that you're in and what you're going through today? Do you approach it with I don't deserve this? Or do you say, you know what, Lord, here I am. I'm in your hands. I'm going to humble myself in your presence. And Lord, I'm going to look to you and I'm going to trust you and I'm going to put my faith in you. See, that's what the centurion did. He said, Jesus, I don't even deserve to have you come to my home." [54:39] (37 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

4. "The will and the word of God have power to raise the dead. It can raise the dead. Jesus spoke to the young man. He had compassion on the mom. Alright? Let's talk about the son for just a minute, okay? This guy was going to have to die twice, do you know that? He raised him from the dead, right? He was dead. He died. He went through the death's door. Now Jesus raises him back to life. Him, Lazarus, Jairus' daughter. How many people did Jesus bring up from the dead? And then they had to die again." [01:00:25] (44 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

5. "Do you know today that God can change your situation in a moment just like that? If we back up a little bit, are you humble? Do you understand his authority? And do you put your faith in Jesus? Because that's what's going on right here. This mom, she had no clue he was even coming to town. And what does he do? He comes in there and he gives her her son back." [01:03:39] (28 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

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