“I am the bread of life.” John 6:35

From Genesis to Revelation, we encounter countless stories and illustrations about bread and its importance to our faith and relationship with God. In the book of Exodus, God provided manna, aka bread, for the Israelites even when they doubted and didn’t think that He would provide (Exodus 16:4). Yet, God was faithful in hearing their cry and providing enough food to meet their need. In the New Testament, we read about bread in the story of Jesus' temptation in the wilderness after fasting for 40 days. The Tempter challenged Jesus to turn stones into bread (Matthew 4:3). Even though Jesus was starving he responded: “One does not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.” While reflecting on these two passages I started to wonder, what is it that is feeding me? What is it that I turn to for nourishment and strength to sustain me in difficult times? Our world offers so many different types of things (aka bread) to help us survive life's challenges brought by Covid, the death of a loved one, a move, or job loss. Our "bread" or spiritual nourishment might include spending time with family or friends, work, exercising, you name it. 

As good as these things are, Jesus reminds us in John 6:35: “I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never be hungry, and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty.” Now, Jesus is not simply speaking in terms of providing for us physically, but also providing for us holistically. For Jesus desires to be the very one that we turn to whenever we are in need. And the way we turn to Him for nourishment is through reading the Bible, prayer, worship, Bible studies or listening to Christian music to name a few examples. Lately, I have found myself listening to Christian music when I find myself homesick for my dad. It is in the lyrics about who God is and what God has done for me that I find comfort.

As we spend this time in Lent when we are invited once again to slow down and reflect on our walk with Christ, consider, what type of bread (spiritual nourishment) is sustaining you right now? Who is giving you this bread or nourishment? Substitutes will never truly fulfill our hunger. Turn to the true bread-- "the bread of life” and find peace and life-giving sustenance.

 Prayer: Bread of Life, help us this week to come to You so that we may be fed, renewed and nourished as we journey throughout this life. Amen.