Jesus: The Bread of Life and Our Satisfaction
Summary
### Summary
Welcome to Bethany! Today, we installed our new council members, celebrating their commitment to serve and lead our congregation. We reflected on the Apostle Paul's words about spiritual gifts, emphasizing that each of us has unique abilities given by God for the common good. We prayed for our new council members, asking God to guide them in their roles.
We then transitioned into a discussion about spiritual hunger, using a humorous story about a child accidentally ordering $1,500 worth of food to illustrate how hunger can drive us to make poor decisions. This led us to the core message: Jesus satisfies our deepest spiritual hunger. We began a new series on the seven "I Am" statements of Jesus in the Gospel of John, starting with "I am the bread of life" (John 6:35). Just as bread satisfies physical hunger, an active relationship with Jesus satisfies our spiritual hunger.
We explored the miracle of feeding the 5,000, where Jesus demonstrated His power to meet our needs. This miracle was a sign pointing to a deeper truth: our need for a relationship with Jesus. We also discussed the storm on the Sea of Galilee, where Jesus walked on water to show His power over life's storms. These stories teach us that Jesus is not just a provider of miracles but the source of our ultimate satisfaction.
We concluded by reflecting on what truly satisfies us. Is it something that competes with Jesus? True satisfaction comes from knowing we belong to Him and He to us. This assurance frees us from despair, even in failure, and helps us recognize that nothing in this world can satisfy us like Jesus, the bread of life.
### Key Takeaways
1. Spiritual Gifts and Community: Each of us has unique spiritual gifts given by God for the common good. These gifts manifest when we contribute to our faith community, reflecting God's presence in our lives. Our new council members are called to lead by example, ensuring that our words and deeds reflect Christ. [19:22]
2. Jesus as the Bread of Life: Jesus declared, "I am the bread of life," emphasizing that He is the ultimate source of spiritual nourishment. Just as bread satisfies physical hunger, an active relationship with Jesus satisfies our deepest spiritual needs. This relationship is essential for our spiritual well-being. [38:41]
3. Miracles as Signs: The miracle of feeding the 5,000 was not just about providing physical food but a sign pointing to Jesus as the source of spiritual sustenance. Our deepest problems are not physical or circumstantial but spiritual, and Jesus addresses these by offering Himself as the bread of life. [44:21]
4. Jesus in Our Storms: The story of Jesus walking on water during a storm illustrates His power over life's challenges. Jesus is already present in our storms, offering peace and assurance. The question is whether we have received Him into our lives, recognizing His presence and power. [47:37]
5. True Satisfaction in Christ: True satisfaction comes from knowing we belong to Jesus and He to us. This assurance frees us from despair, even in failure, and helps us recognize that nothing in this world can satisfy us like Jesus. Our spiritual hunger is met in Him, the bread of life. [50:50]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[18:20] - Installation of New Council Members
[33:22] - Story of Accidental Food Orders
[35:57] - Spiritual Hunger and Jesus as the Bread of Life
[38:41] - The Miracle of Feeding the 5,000
[44:21] - Understanding the Significance of the Miracle
[47:37] - Jesus in Our Storms
[50:50] - True Satisfaction in Christ
[54:03] - Communion and Reflection
[01:04:03] - The Lord's Prayer and Blessing
Study Guide
### Bible Reading
1. John 6:35 - "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.'"
2. 1 Corinthians 12:4-7 - "There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit distributes them. There are different kinds of service, but the same Lord. There are different kinds of working, but in all of them and in everyone it is the same God at work. Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good."
3. John 6:16-21 - "When evening came, his disciples went down to the lake, where they got into a boat and set off across the lake for Capernaum. By now it was dark, and Jesus had not yet joined them. A strong wind was blowing and the waters grew rough. When they had rowed about three or four miles, they saw Jesus approaching the boat, walking on the water; and they were frightened. But he said to them, 'It is I; don’t be afraid.' Then they were willing to take him into the boat, and immediately the boat reached the shore where they were heading."
### Observation Questions
1. What did Jesus mean when He said, "I am the bread of life"? (John 6:35)
2. According to 1 Corinthians 12:4-7, what is the purpose of the different spiritual gifts given to believers?
3. In the story of Jesus walking on water (John 6:16-21), how did the disciples react when they saw Jesus approaching the boat? What did Jesus say to them?
4. What was the significance of the miracle of feeding the 5,000 in relation to Jesus' statement, "I am the bread of life"? [38:41]
### Interpretation Questions
1. How does Jesus being the "bread of life" relate to our spiritual hunger and needs? [35:57]
2. What does the Apostle Paul’s teaching on spiritual gifts in 1 Corinthians 12:4-7 suggest about the role of each believer in the church community?
3. How can the story of Jesus walking on water during the storm (John 6:16-21) be seen as a metaphor for Jesus' presence in the "storms" of our lives? [47:37]
4. Reflecting on the miracle of feeding the 5,000, what deeper spiritual truth was Jesus pointing to beyond just providing physical food? [44:21]
### Application Questions
1. Jesus said, "I am the bread of life." How can you cultivate a more active and intimate relationship with Jesus to satisfy your spiritual hunger? [38:41]
2. Think about the spiritual gifts you have. How can you use them to serve your faith community and reflect God's presence in your life? [19:22]
3. Reflect on a recent "storm" in your life. How did you recognize Jesus' presence and power in that situation? If you didn’t, how can you be more aware of His presence in future challenges? [47:37]
4. What are some things in your life that compete with Jesus for your satisfaction? How can you prioritize your relationship with Him above these things? [49:13]
5. The sermon mentioned that true satisfaction comes from knowing we belong to Jesus and He to us. How does this assurance impact your daily life and decisions? [50:50]
6. How can you support and encourage the new council members in their roles, ensuring that their leadership reflects Christ’s mission and work in the congregation? [19:22]
7. Jesus performed miracles to point to deeper spiritual truths. How can you look beyond your immediate needs to see the greater spiritual lessons Jesus is teaching you? [44:21]
Devotional
Day 1: Embracing Our Spiritual Gifts
Each of us has unique spiritual gifts given by God for the common good. These gifts manifest when we contribute to our faith community, reflecting God's presence in our lives. Our new council members are called to lead by example, ensuring that our words and deeds reflect Christ. [19:22]
1 Corinthians 12:4-7 (ESV): "Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit; and there are varieties of service, but the same Lord; and there are varieties of activities, but it is the same God who empowers them all in everyone. To each is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good."
Reflection: What unique spiritual gift has God given you, and how can you use it to serve your faith community this week?
Day 2: Jesus as the Bread of Life
Jesus declared, "I am the bread of life," emphasizing that He is the ultimate source of spiritual nourishment. Just as bread satisfies physical hunger, an active relationship with Jesus satisfies our deepest spiritual needs. This relationship is essential for our spiritual well-being. [38:41]
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: In what ways can you deepen your relationship with Jesus to satisfy your spiritual hunger today?
Day 3: Miracles as Signs
The miracle of feeding the 5,000 was not just about providing physical food but a sign pointing to Jesus as the source of spiritual sustenance. Our deepest problems are not physical or circumstantial but spiritual, and Jesus addresses these by offering Himself as the bread of life. [44:21]
John 6:26-27 (ESV): "Jesus answered them, 'Truly, truly, I say to you, you are seeking me, not because you saw signs, but because you ate your fill of the loaves. 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. For on him God the Father has set his seal.'"
Reflection: Reflect on a recent challenge you faced. How did you seek Jesus as your source of spiritual sustenance during that time?
Day 4: Jesus in Our Storms
The story of Jesus walking on water during a storm illustrates His power over life's challenges. Jesus is already present in our storms, offering peace and assurance. The question is whether we have received Him into our lives, recognizing His presence and power. [47:37]
Matthew 14:28-31 (ESV): "And Peter answered him, 'Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you on the water.' He said, 'Come.' So Peter got out of the boat and walked on the water and came to Jesus. But when he saw the wind, he was afraid, and beginning to sink he cried out, 'Lord, save me.' Jesus immediately reached out his hand and took hold of him, saying to him, 'O you of little faith, why did you doubt?'"
Reflection: Think of a current storm in your life. How can you invite Jesus into this situation and trust in His power and presence?
Day 5: True Satisfaction in Christ
True satisfaction comes from knowing we belong to Jesus and He to us. This assurance frees us from despair, even in failure, and helps us recognize that nothing in this world can satisfy us like Jesus. Our spiritual hunger is met in Him, the bread of life. [50:50]
Psalm 63:1-3 (ESV): "O God, you are my God; earnestly I seek you; my soul thirsts for you; my flesh faints for you, as in a dry and weary land where there is no water. So I have looked upon you in the sanctuary, beholding your power and glory. Because your steadfast love is better than life, my lips will praise you."
Reflection: Identify one area of your life where you seek satisfaction outside of Jesus. How can you shift your focus to find true satisfaction in Him today?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "An active, lively, day to day, intimate relationship with Jesus is to our souls what bread is to our bodies. And so to get our minds around this, we're going to talk about three things. We're going to talk about a sign, a storm and a satisfaction." [38:41] (18 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "Jesus said, I'm the bread of life. Whoever comes to me shall not hunger, and whoever believes in me shall never thirst, that you will be filled with his presence, his blessing, his love, his promises." [52:36] (17 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "What you and I need most is not the miracle itself. What you and I need the most is the maker of that miracle. It's two very different things. I mean, I know I do it all the time. Jesus, I need. I need this. I need you to provide this. But then Christ kind of nudges me. And he says, look, there's nothing in creation that can satisfy you more than what you already have in me. I'm the bread of life." [45:16] (35 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "Hunger is one of the worst. One of the worst feelings a human can have or experience when you're hungry, one of the first things that happens is your mood changes. How many of you have a spouse or a roommate or a sibling when they're hangry, they're just a real pain to live with? No, no, don't raise your hands. You're sitting right next to them. Yeah, that's what happens." [35:57] (22 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "Jesus has already shown up in your storm already because of the cross of Christ Jesus has already gotten into your boat. The question becomes have we actually received him because he's with you you don't have to go find him you don't even have to come to church to find him you know you don't have to go through a bunch of different spiritual hoops in order to discover some greater presence he's already with you." [47:37] (29 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
### Quotes for Members
1. "So the first thing Jesus does is he tests him. He wants to prove something to them. He wants to see how utterly unable. I mean, he wants them to see this. He wants them to see how utterly unable they are in and of themselves to be able to solve this problem or meet this need that is in front of them. Have you ever been there? Have you ever been in a point or in a moment where you are utterly unable to meet the moment?" [39:33] (28 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "And today we're going to see how Jesus satisfies the deep spiritual hunger that we all have. And if I could be so bold, the core of many of your spiritual problems is spiritual hunger. I mean, if we were to trace. Some of your worst choices, my worst choices, some of your worst habits, some of your addictions, some of your emotional issues, we could trace many of them back to their source. And their source would be you would find a deep, unsatisfied spiritual hunger." [37:08] (37 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "And so today we're installing them and making it official. And so Paul, the Apostle Paul, this is what he wrote about spiritual gifts. This is important for you as well. There's different kinds of spiritual gifts, but the same spirit gives them. There's different ways of serving, but the same Lord is served. There's different abilities. There's different ways to perform service, but the same God gives to everyone ability for a particular service." [18:20] (27 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "And so you've been elected to positions of leadership. You've been elected to positions of leadership and trust in this congregation. You are to see that the words and deeds in this household of faith reflect him in whose name we gather. We are to work together to see the mission and work of Christ are done in this congregation and that God's will is done in this faith community. You're to be examples of faith, active in love, to help maintain the life and harmony of this congregation." [19:22] (26 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "And part of what that means is that even when you win in life, even when you're successful, so many of you are so incredibly successful by worldly standards, but there's probably a little part of you that recognizes, even in your success, there is something that, there's still a hunger, that even when you win, you recognize the value of having Christ in your life is far more important than whatever success, whatever win, you either hope to have or already have had." [50:50] (37 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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