September 21: Bread from Heaven

Jesus had just fed five thousand people in the desert with the bread and fish He multiplied from a boy’s lunch. The people were amazed. No one since Moses had given them bread in the wilderness like this. They felt they’d hit the jackpot! If Jesus could feed them like that every day, they could quit their jobs and lead lives of luxury. They wanted more bread from Jesus!

Then Jesus offered them the true bread from Heaven; He offered them Himself. You see, Jesus knew their real and deeper need wasn’t physical bread for their stomachs, but spiritual bread for their souls. The bread He multiplied was a sign of the abundant provision He came to offer in Himself. And if they would come to Him, He would give them something far more substantial than a bite to eat—He would satisfy the hunger of their souls. Jesus is the true bread of Heaven. Jesus is the true living water. He offers Himself for our hungry and parched souls.

When Jesus went to the cross, He hung there for hours, famished and parched. He even cried out in thirst (John 19:28). Don’t you see? Jesus was famished on the cross that our souls might be satisfied forever. Jesus was parched so that His living waters might quench our spiritual thirst. He offered Himself in our place and for our sake that we might have eternal life in Him.

In many ways, our spiritual lives are like coming to a lavish feast. God Himself is our portion and the satisfier of our souls. Jesus offers the life of God to us and has given us a seat at the table. The Holy Spirit stirs up our appetites for the goodness of the meal. As we look around the table, we find we are not alone. We are surrounded by a family of God’s children who gather with hungry souls around this table of grace. The best meals are shared, after all. It’s a community feast—and our hungry souls are invited to dig in.