Devotionals for February 28, 2023
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READ
(John 6:30-35)
30 So they said to him, “Then what sign do you do, that we may see and believe you? What work do you perform? 31 Our fathers ate the manna in the wilderness; as it is written, ‘He gave them bread from heaven to eat.’” 32 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. 33 For the bread of God is he who comes down from heaven and gives life to the world.” 34 They said to him, “Sir, give us this bread always.” 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.
REFLECT
The gospel of John is a book filled with Jesus' miraculous acts. John wanted to testify to the divine nature of Jesus, and this is a primary emphasis of his gospel. When Jesus fed the 5,000 he did not do so sparingly. He did not allocate some exact, modest amount of bread for each person. He did not say "let me use only enough divine power to multiply this bread into *just enough*." Instead, Jesus gave them "as much as they wanted," showcasing His limitless power, and utmost freedom to use it as He pleases. Yet, the next day when the same people He fed came back for more bread, He offers a sobering, but kind rebuke. Jesus wanted the people to know that the bread which they ate to complete satisfaction is merely a morsel compared to the food He came to offer them. Whereas with the earthly bread, they came back needing more, after eating of heavenly bread (Jesus himself) nothing more is needed. Jesus is able to bless us with our fill of "bread," and He can give us abundantly more than we even asked for. He can heal us. He can provide financially for us. He can make our dreams come true. But, just like with the 5,000, God is more concerned with how we view Him in light of these blessings. When we realize that all of our earthly desires are pulsating reflections of our root desire for Jesus, we come closer to tasting that bread that will truly satisfy our souls.
APPLY
Q: Why do you think Jesus chose bread as a symbol of Himself in this passage?
Q: What are some of the ways you ask God "what sign do you do that we may see and believe you?"
Q: How does Jesus being the bread of life impact how you'd share your faith with your surroundings?
SING
“Greater Than All” by The Belonging Co (feat. Henry Seeley)
PRAY
"May your Kingdom come soon. May your will be done on earth, as it is in heaven."
Lord, in heaven you are the target of all praise. It would be absurd for an angel, or saint to praise anything else when in your presence. I pray that this would become our normal. Let us not be fixated on the bread you offer, but on you who offer it to us. Help us to become radically passionate about closeness with you, Amen.
READ
(John 6:30-35)
30 So they said to him, “Then what sign do you do, that we may see and believe you? What work do you perform? 31 Our fathers ate the manna in the wilderness; as it is written, ‘He gave them bread from heaven to eat.’” 32 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. 33 For the bread of God is he who comes down from heaven and gives life to the world.” 34 They said to him, “Sir, give us this bread always.” 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.
REFLECT
The gospel of John is a book filled with Jesus' miraculous acts. John wanted to testify to the divine nature of Jesus, and this is a primary emphasis of his gospel. When Jesus fed the 5,000 he did not do so sparingly. He did not allocate some exact, modest amount of bread for each person. He did not say "let me use only enough divine power to multiply this bread into *just enough*." Instead, Jesus gave them "as much as they wanted," showcasing His limitless power, and utmost freedom to use it as He pleases. Yet, the next day when the same people He fed came back for more bread, He offers a sobering, but kind rebuke. Jesus wanted the people to know that the bread which they ate to complete satisfaction is merely a morsel compared to the food He came to offer them. Whereas with the earthly bread, they came back needing more, after eating of heavenly bread (Jesus himself) nothing more is needed. Jesus is able to bless us with our fill of "bread," and He can give us abundantly more than we even asked for. He can heal us. He can provide financially for us. He can make our dreams come true. But, just like with the 5,000, God is more concerned with how we view Him in light of these blessings. When we realize that all of our earthly desires are pulsating reflections of our root desire for Jesus, we come closer to tasting that bread that will truly satisfy our souls.
APPLY
Q: Why do you think Jesus chose bread as a symbol of Himself in this passage?
Q: What are some of the ways you ask God "what sign do you do that we may see and believe you?"
Q: How does Jesus being the bread of life impact how you'd share your faith with your surroundings?
SING
“Greater Than All” by The Belonging Co (feat. Henry Seeley)
PRAY
"May your Kingdom come soon. May your will be done on earth, as it is in heaven."
Lord, in heaven you are the target of all praise. It would be absurd for an angel, or saint to praise anything else when in your presence. I pray that this would become our normal. Let us not be fixated on the bread you offer, but on you who offer it to us. Help us to become radically passionate about closeness with you, Amen.