To encourage believers to hunger and thirst for God, the true Bread of Life, and to place their belief and trust in Jesus, as this is the work God desires from us.
Good morning, brothers and sisters. I hope you're all doing fine today. This morning, we're going to be breaking bread over some powerful words from the Gospel of John, chapter 6, verses 22-29. If you're hungry for the Lord, then you're in the right place because today, we're talking about "The Bread of Life, Hungering for the Giver, and The Work of God."
John Piper, a respected Christian author and pastor, once said, "God is most glorified in us when we are most satisfied in Him." This quote ties in beautifully with our topic for today. Let's hunger and thirst for God, for in doing so, we not only glorify Him, but we are also filled.
In the Gospel of John, Jesus refers to Himself as the "Bread of Life." This is a profound metaphor that is rich in meaning and significance.
A. Bread, in the time of Jesus, was a staple food. It was essential for survival and was a common part of every meal. By referring to Himself as the Bread of Life, Jesus was saying that He is essential for our spiritual survival and growth.
B. This metaphor also speaks to the satisfying nature of Jesus. Bread, especially when one is extremely hungry, can be incredibly satisfying. In the same way, Jesus satisfies our spiritual hunger. We all have a deep, spiritual hunger within us - a longing for purpose, for meaning, for love, for acceptance. The world offers many things that promise to satisfy this hunger - wealth, success, pleasure, power. But these things, while they may provide temporary satisfaction, cannot truly satisfy our deepest longings. Only Jesus, the Bread of Life, can truly satisfy our spiritual hunger.
C. Furthermore, bread is also a symbol of life in many cultures. It is often used in celebrations and feasts, symbolizing abundance and life. In the same way, Jesus, as the Bread of Life, brings life in abundance. He said in John 10:10, "I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full." This life is not just eternal life, although that is certainly part of it. It is also a life of joy, peace, purpose, and fulfillment here and now.
D. Jesus, the Bread of Life, also provides nourishment. Just as physical bread provides the nutrients our bodies need to function, Jesus provides the spiritual nutrients we need. He gives us strength when we are weak, comfort when we are hurting, guidance when we are lost, and peace when we are in turmoil. He nourishes us with His love, His grace, His mercy, and His truth.
E. In the context of the scripture passage, Jesus was speaking to a crowd that had followed Him because He had miraculously fed them with five loaves and two fish. They were seeking Him out of a desire for more physical food. But Jesus pointed them to something far greater - Himself, the Bread of Life. He was teaching them, and us, that while physical food is necessary for physical life, He is necessary for spiritual life. He was inviting them, and us, to come to Him, to believe in Him, to feast on Him, and to find in Him the satisfaction, life, and nourishment that we all deeply long for.
Hungering for the Giver is a concept that goes beyond the physical and material needs we experience in our daily lives ... View this full PRO sermon free with PRO
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