Jesus, the Bread of Life

Bread. For many the most essential of all foods. When that is gone from the larder, in all likelihood rock bottom has been reached financially. In a real sense, bread represents that which is most basic and foundational to survival. For many, the meal is incomplete without bread; for many more, the meal is bread.

I believe the above is just as true spiritually. No matter what all else you take in spiritually, nothing will ever be more essential, basic and foundational than the Living Bread. When the Living Bread is gone from your spiritual larder, you have hit rock bottom. Without the Living Bread, any spiritual feast is incomplete.

This lesson's memory selection reminds me of Isaiah 55:2 -- "Wherefore do ye spend money for that which is not bread? and your labour for that which satisfieth not? hearken diligently unto me, and eat ye that which is good, and let your soul delight itself in fatness." The application to today's lesson shines through very clearly. Why invest your labor and the fruit of your labor for anything less than the Living Bread?

Let me ask you two simple questions. Last month, what did you spend your money on, and what did you pursue in your search of satisfaction? Today, are you satisfied with both your choices and the results? Oh, I guess I have a third question: Why, or why not? My friend, if we wish to be deeply satisfied...even long after we have made our choices...then we must labor for that which satisfies. That seems so obvious! To be satisfied, labor for that which satisfies. Then let us choose the Living Bread.

The Israelites on their long trip received bread from heaven. Without question, that bread was very, very special. But it would still rot. Now we can enjoy an infinitely more special Bread, also come down from heaven. And this Bread will never rot. This Bread is eternal. And those who eat of it shall live forever, of course.

Have you chosen the Living Bread yet? Don't tell me you are quite content to blow your life on stuff that ultimately amounts to nothing! Look at the choice this way. I would much prefer an old, well-used $100 bill to a brand-new, crisp, counterfeit $1000 bill. At our mature age, we think it humorous and instructive that a small child would pick a big nickel over a small dime. But what do we pick when it comes to our own life decisions?! If you have not yet chosen the Living Bread, I must tell you that you are choosing nickels and counterfeit $1000s.

Have you had your Living Bread today yet? Jesus did not have in mind (I am certain) that we should survive on our single initial "bite" of the Living Bread. This meal, once begun, should never be allowed to end. Eat to live...and live to eat. This is one good application of that statement!

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