Seeking True Sustenance: Jesus as the Bread of Life
Summary
Today, I continued our series in the Gospel of John, titled "So That You May Believe." We resumed this series, which we had paused last November, to deepen our understanding of the hope found in Jesus Christ. The purpose of this series is to equip you to articulate the reason for your hope in Jesus, as instructed in 1 Peter 3:15.
We began by reading John chapter 6, verses 22 to 40, which describes the events following the miracle of feeding the 5,000. This passage highlights the crowd's pursuit of Jesus after witnessing His miracles. They sought Him not out of a spiritual hunger, but because they had been fed physically. This sets the stage for a profound teaching moment about the true sustenance that comes from Christ.
In this dialogue, Jesus challenges the crowd's motives, emphasizing the importance of seeking eternal life over perishable food. He introduces Himself as the "Bread of Life," explaining that unlike the manna given to their ancestors, He offers eternal sustenance that satisfies the deepest spiritual hunger. This statement is pivotal as it not only addresses physical needs but also points to a spiritual fulfillment that only He can provide.
As we explored this passage, I emphasized the significance of Jesus' identity as revealed through His "I am" statements. These declarations are not just self-identifications; they are profound theological revelations that connect Jesus directly to Yahweh of the Old Testament. This connection is crucial for understanding Jesus' divine nature and His role as the provider of eternal life.
We also discussed the importance of community and spiritual growth through participation in life groups. These groups are not just about deepening one's understanding of the Bible but also about living out its truths in fellowship with others. This communal aspect of faith is vital for spiritual maturity and effective discipleship.
In closing, I urged everyone to reflect on what they are truly seeking in life. Are we pursuing temporary satisfaction or the eternal fulfillment that comes from a relationship with Jesus? This question is essential for anyone looking to deepen their faith and truly live out the teachings of Christ.
### Key Takeaways:
1. The Pursuit of Jesus for the Wrong Reasons:
The crowd followed Jesus because they wanted more miracles and physical sustenance. However, Jesus redirected their focus towards eternal life, emphasizing that spiritual nourishment is far more crucial than temporary physical food. This teaches us to examine our motives in following Christ, ensuring they are rooted in a desire for spiritual depth rather than worldly benefits. [13:12]
2. Jesus as the Bread of Life:
Jesus declared Himself the "Bread of Life," which is a profound declaration of His role as the sustainer of spiritual life. This statement is not just metaphorical; it is a direct claim to His divinity and His essential role in our spiritual nourishment and salvation. Understanding this helps us appreciate the depth of our reliance on Christ for our spiritual survival. [23:21]
3. The Importance of Spiritual Sustenance:
In a world that often prioritizes material needs, Jesus teaches that the true necessity is spiritual sustenance, which He alone can provide. This perspective should shift our priorities and influence our daily decisions and interactions, emphasizing eternal values over temporal concerns. [26:32]
4. Community and Spiritual Growth:
Engaging in life groups and community activities is not just about learning but about transforming. These settings provide practical ways to apply biblical truths and grow in faith alongside fellow believers. They are essential for fostering spiritual maturity and accountability. [08:57]
5. Invitation to Trust in Jesus:
The ultimate call of Jesus is to trust in Him. This trust is the foundation of our faith and the beginning of a life transformed by His power and grace. It is not about adhering to religious obligations but about entering a relationship of love and trust with Jesus, who fully accepts us despite our imperfections. [32:23]
### Youtube Chapters:
- [0:00] - Welcome
- [01:36] - Introduction to the Series
- [03:24] - Reading of John 6:22-40
- [08:57] - Importance of Community and Spiritual Growth
- [10:29] - The Crowd's Pursuit of Jesus
- [13:12] - Jesus Challenges the Crowd's Motives
- [16:16] - Jesus as the Son of Man
- [19:40] - The Work God Desires
- [23:21] - Jesus, the Bread of Life
- [26:32] - Spiritual Sustenance over Physical Needs
- [29:45] - Invitation to Trust and Relationship
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
- John 6:22-40
#### Observation Questions
1. What were the crowd's motives for seeking Jesus after the miracle of feeding the 5,000? ([13:12])
2. How does Jesus describe Himself in John 6:35, and what does He promise to those who come to Him? ([05:19])
3. What does Jesus say is the "work" that God desires from the people? ([18:01])
4. How does Jesus contrast the manna given to the Israelites with the bread He offers? ([23:21])
#### Interpretation Questions
1. Why does Jesus challenge the crowd's motives for following Him, and what does this reveal about their understanding of His miracles? ([13:12])
2. What is the significance of Jesus referring to Himself as the "Bread of Life" in the context of His Jewish audience? ([26:32])
3. How does Jesus' statement about being the "Bread of Life" connect to His divine identity and mission? ([26:32])
4. What does Jesus mean when He says that those who come to Him will never be hungry or thirsty again? How does this relate to spiritual sustenance? ([05:19])
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on your own motives for following Jesus. Are there times when you seek Him for temporary benefits rather than eternal fulfillment? How can you shift your focus to seek spiritual nourishment? ([13:12])
2. Jesus emphasizes the importance of seeking eternal life over perishable things. How can this perspective influence your daily decisions and priorities? ([13:12])
3. In what ways can you actively participate in your church community to foster spiritual growth and accountability? Have you considered joining a life group? ([08:57])
4. Jesus invites us to trust in Him as the foundation of our faith. What steps can you take to deepen your trust in Jesus this week? ([19:40])
5. How can you apply the concept of Jesus as the "Bread of Life" in your interactions with others? Are there specific ways you can share this message of spiritual sustenance with those around you? ([23:21])
6. Think about a time when you felt spiritually hungry or thirsty. How did you seek fulfillment, and how can you turn to Jesus for true satisfaction in the future? ([05:19])
7. Jesus' identity as the "Bread of Life" connects Him to Yahweh of the Old Testament. How does this understanding impact your view of Jesus' divine nature and His role in your life? ([26:32])
Devotional
Day 1: Examining Our Motives in Following Christ
When people followed Jesus after the miraculous feeding of the 5,000, they were primarily motivated by the desire for more physical miracles and sustenance. Jesus, however, redirected their focus towards seeking eternal life, emphasizing that spiritual nourishment is far more crucial than temporary physical food. This shift challenges us to examine our own motives in following Christ. Are we seeking Him for the temporary benefits and comforts He can provide, or are we genuinely pursuing a deeper, more enduring relationship with Him that centers on spiritual growth and eternal values? This introspection is vital for cultivating a faith that transcends worldly benefits and aligns with the divine purpose. [13:12]
Matthew 6:33 - "But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you."
Reflection: Reflect on your personal reasons for following Jesus. Are they more aligned with worldly gains or spiritual growth?
---
Day 2: Jesus as the Bread of Life
Jesus declared Himself the "Bread of Life," a profound statement that underscores His role as the sustainer of our spiritual lives. This declaration is not merely metaphorical; it is a direct claim to His divinity and His essential role in our spiritual nourishment and salvation. Understanding Jesus as the Bread of Life helps us appreciate the depth of our reliance on Him, not just for physical sustenance but for our spiritual survival. This perspective invites us to deepen our faith and trust in Jesus as the ultimate source of life and fulfillment. [23:21]
John 6:35 - "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 does viewing Jesus as the Bread of Life change your daily reliance on Him for spiritual nourishment?
---
Day 3: Prioritizing Spiritual Sustenance
In a world that often prioritizes material needs and immediate gratification, Jesus teaches that the true necessity is spiritual sustenance, which only He can provide. This teaching invites us to reconsider our daily priorities and the way we make decisions, emphasizing eternal values over temporal concerns. By focusing on spiritual growth and sustenance, we align ourselves more closely with God's kingdom and His righteousness, leading to a more fulfilled and purpose-driven life. [26:32]
Luke 12:31 - "Instead, seek his kingdom, and these things will be added to you."
Reflection: What are some specific ways you can prioritize spiritual growth over material pursuits in your daily routine?
---
Day 4: The Role of Community in Spiritual Growth
Engaging in life groups and community activities is crucial not just for learning but for transforming. These settings provide practical ways to apply biblical truths and grow in faith alongside fellow believers. They foster spiritual maturity and accountability, helping us to live out our faith in tangible, impactful ways. This communal aspect of faith is essential for anyone looking to deepen their relationship with Christ and effectively disciple others. [08:57]
Hebrews 10:24-25 - "And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near."
Reflection: How can you more actively engage in your church community to foster both your spiritual growth and that of others?
---
Day 5: Trusting in Jesus for Transformation
The ultimate call of Jesus is to trust in Him fully. This trust is the foundation of our faith and the beginning of a life transformed by His power and grace. It is not about adhering to religious obligations but about entering a relationship of love and trust with Jesus, who fully accepts us despite our imperfections. This invitation to trust is an ongoing journey that influences every aspect of our lives, encouraging us to live authentically and freely in the grace of Christ. [32:23]
Romans 15:13 - "May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope."
Reflection: What is one area of your life where you struggle to trust Jesus fully? How can you begin to surrender this area to Him today?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "We serve food because we want to show the love of Jesus practically. All right. We offer hope groups as an opportunity to discuss spiritual matters. But I can tell you, there are more people who attend our dinners than there are in the hope groups. And let me say that the team are actually making adjustments to create more opportunities for connection and building relationships so that the soul and their bodies are nourished." [14:46]
2. "I don't know about you but I love a good sourdough bread especially when it's just freshly baked yeah have you have you experienced that before you know the crunchy exterior and the soft interior of the bread with some with some butter it's delicious um and in my unfortunately in my area uh there are at least three good uh bakeries that just make this awesome bread I wish I could make my own um maybe that's something I'll pick up later um I don't know maybe that's something maybe yeah no I don't like bread maybe it's rice for you or pasta or something I don't know um but I love bread." [23:21]
### Quotes for Members
1. "Jesus corrects the crowd by saying that it was God, the father, and not Moses who gave their ancestors bread from heaven. And I suppose to paraphrase Jesus' reply will be, well, what other work will I do? This is the work to give you the word of God and an eternal life in and through me. This is the spiritual bread you must feast on to have life." [24:52]
2. "Jesus says in this passage, Jesus says that God the Father has given me the seal of his approval. And in ancient times and still often used, I suppose, with food or with goods, you know, there's a lifetime warranty as well as, you know, you know, those kinds of seal of approval. And places like countries like Japan, a seal or you got to have your own little stamp. It was a mark of ownership and a guarantee of the contents. And so we should have confidence in Jesus because God the Father has guaranteed him." [16:16]
3. "The work that you have to do is simply trust. If you want to do the work of God, it begins with trust. If you want to do the work of God, it begins by trusting and believing in Jesus. The people of Jesus' day knew, they knew the various ceremonies, the observances, the rituals and the deeds. That was their culture, right? They knew what they needed to do. They've been told all their lives what to do. So in a way, it makes sense that they asked this question, what must I do? But Jesus, he gathers it all up and he says, just believe in me because God, the father has given his, his seal of approval on me." [18:01]
4. "This is the gospel. This is the good news. This is the amazing grace of God. This is the invitation of Jesus to come to him, to remind us that it is safe to come to him. Jesus wasn't interested in his own agenda." [29:45]
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