Welcome back to "A Word from the Vine." I’m Pastor Loren Christensen, and today we’re wrapping up our short, five-part series on Jesus as the Bread of Life. Our focus will be on living out the promise that Jesus offers us, found in John 6:24-35.
Please open your bibles to those verses:
"So when the crowd saw that Jesus was not there, nor his disciples, they themselves got into the boats and went to Capernaum, seeking Jesus. When they found him on the other side of the sea, they said to him, 'Rabbi, when did you come here?' 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.' Then they said to him, 'What must we do, to be doing the works of God?' Jesus answered them, 'This is the work of God, that you believe in him whom he has sent.' So they said to him, 'Then what sign do you do, that we may see and believe you? What work do you perform? Our fathers ate the manna in the wilderness; as it is written, "He gave them bread from heaven to eat."' 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. For the bread of God is he who comes down from heaven and gives life to the world.' They said to him, 'Sir, give us this bread always.' 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.'"
Throughout this series, we’ve explored the profound truths in Jesus’ declaration, "I am the bread of life." Let’s summarize the key teachings:
1. The Difference Between Physical and Spiritual Hunger:
Jesus challenged the crowd to seek not just physical nourishment but the food that endures to eternal life (John 6:26-27).
2. The True Bread from Heaven:
Jesus explained that the true bread from heaven is not merely physical sustenance like manna but He Himself, sent by the Father to give life to the world (John 6:32-33).
3. Jesus as the Bread of Life:
Jesus declared, "I am the bread of life; whoever comes to me shall not hunger, and whoever believes in me shall never thirst" (John 6:35). This means that in Jesus, we find the fulfillment of our deepest spiritual needs.
4. The Call to Believe:
Jesus emphasized that the work God desires is to believe in Him whom God has sent (John 6:28-29). This belief is foundational for our spiritual journey and eternal life.
5. Living Out the Promise
Now, let’s discuss how we can live out the promise that Jesus offers us—that whoever comes to Him will never hunger or thirst.
Seek Jesus Daily
Just as we need daily food for our physical bodies, we need daily spiritual nourishment. Spend time in prayer, reading the Bible, and meditating on God’s Word. Jesus invites us to come to Him continually, finding our sustenance in His presence.
Rely on Jesus for Spiritual Sustenance
Life can be demanding, and we often seek temporary fulfillment in various activities and achievements. However, true and lasting satisfaction comes from relying on Jesus. Trust in His provision and guidance in every aspect of your life.
Embrace Jesus as the Core of Your Existence
Make Jesus the center of your life. Let His teachings, love, and grace permeate your thoughts, actions, and decisions. By doing so, you align yourself with God’s eternal purposes and experience the abundant life He promises.
When we embrace Jesus as the bread of life, our lives are transformed. We no longer chase after things that temporarily satisfy; instead, we find lasting contentment and purpose in Him. This transformation not only affects our personal spiritual journey but also impacts how we interact with others, live out our faith in our communities, and fulfill God’s mission in the world.
As we conclude this series, let’s remember that Jesus is the true bread from heaven, offering us eternal life and fulfillment. By coming to Him and believing in Him, we receive the spiritual nourishment that sustains us through all of life’s challenges and seasons.
Heavenly Father, we thank You for sending Jesus, the true bread of life. Help us to seek Him daily and to rely on Him for our spiritual sustenance. Transform our lives as we embrace Jesus as the core of our existence, aligning ourselves with Your eternal purposes. Guide us and sustain us with Your presence, now and always. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.
Thank you for joining me on "A Word from the Vine." May God bless you as you live out the promise of Jesus, finding true satisfaction and purpose in Him.
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