While reading through the book of John this month, I once again was struck with Jesus’ seven I am statements: I am the bread of life (6:48); I am the light of the world (8:12); I am the door (10:9); I am the good shepherd (10:11); I am the resurrection and the life (11:25); I am the way, the truth, and the life (14:6); I am the true vine (15:1). But something hit me afresh in John 6:58, Jesus isn’t just the bread of life, but He is the living bread that came down from heaven. Living implies activity, power, and breath.
“For the bread of God is that which comes down out of heaven, and gives life to the world.” Then they said to Him, “Lord, always give us this bread.” Jesus said to them, “I am the bread of life; he who comes to Me will not hunger, and he who believes in Me will never thirst.” John 6:33-35
You don’t have to wait until heaven to experience the promise of life. You can enjoy life in the here and now. God doesn’t promise ease, but He does promise life. Proverbs 8:35 says, “For he who finds me finds life and obtains favor from the Lord.”
Even when life seems unmanageable, humanly speaking, He provides a way for you to walk through your days with strength and dignity. He gives you Himself each day through His written Word—the bread of God. He is your daily bread (see Matthew 6:11).
Can you make the switch from longing for food that nourishes your stomach (bread) to longing for food that nourishes your soul (Jesus)? Just as you need to feed your body to maintain vigor and vitality, you need to feed your soul. Your soul’s hunger can only be satisfied by seeking His presence each day. Jesus is calling you to come and dine with Him. “Behold, I stand at the door and knock; if anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and will dine with him, and he with Me” (Revelation 3:20).
However, first, you must open the door and let Him rain down His spiritual food and fill your life with the fullness of His presence in your day. He is the way, truth, and life. No one has access to God unless they have Jesus (see John 14:6).
In Luke 24, we read about the women finding Jesus’s tomb empty, for the stone closing off his body had been rolled away. We go on to read that Cleopas and his companion were traveling to Emmaus, and while walking discussed all they had heard about this event. Jesus physically appeared and joined them in their journey, but they did not recognize Him. At the end of their seven-mile journey, the two urged Jesus, who they still did not recognize, to stay the night. He did and that evening, they broke bread. At that moment, their eyes were opened. With that, Jesus vanished from their sight. At this, verse 22 shares how they turned and said to one another, “Were not our hearts burning within us while He was speaking to us on the road, while He was explaining the scriptures to us?”
As you daily break bread with Him, your heart will burn for more of Him. And from your innermost being will flow rivers of living water (see John 7:38). What you and I receive from Him will escape from you and exude every part of your being. Take in His Word and breath out His truths.
Taking time away, knowing God’s Word, and knowing His love are all things that will fuel your inner life in Christ.
Hopefully, like the two on the road to Emmaus that walked the seven miles back to Jerusalem, you will continue down the same road a little differently because you communed with Him—Who is your life (see Colossians 3:4).
Journeying with Him,