Jesus said to them, “Very truly I tell you, it is not Moses who has given you the bread from Heaven, but it is my Father who gives you the true bread from Heaven. For the bread of God is the bread that comes down from Heaven and gives life to the world.” —John 6:32-33
Jesus compares Himself to bread in several instances. While He was on Earth, bread was vital for survival. Many poorer families didn’t have access to meats or an abundance of vegetables. Ground flour was easy to store and work with, and so it was a staple for every meal. It was especially important for children, because they require more food to grow at a healthy rate. In this chapter, Jesus performs a miracle by feeding 5,000 people with only two fish and two loaves of bread. There was so much food, in fact, that much of it was left over. This feat is one of the most astounding in the Bible and is a perfect example of the power of God. Beyond the immediate effect of this miracle is the
importance of its symbolism. Bread represents spiritual life and nourishment throughout Scripture. Humans have a natural hunger for something beyond themselves. We’re innately drawn to God, and nothing less than his peace can satisfy our yearning. In this way, Jesus is the bread of our spirits. It is only through daily servings of his grace that we can be wholly satisfied. Our hunger will grow without nourishment in prayer and reading our Bible. Today, take time to feed your spirit. Give glory to God by setting aside a few minutes to pray and come closer to Him. Devote some time to the Word, too, since it is a staple for our souls. When you nourish yourself properly, your spirit will grow strong in the Lord.
Comments