You Are What You Eat

You are what you eat. That can be a scary thought sometimes! What criteria would you usually use to describe your daily food choices: healthy, fresh, cheap, quick and easy, deep fried, must contain bacon, whatever is handy, totally open to whomever prepares it. Sometimes our choices are well thought out and other times they are based on satisfying our immediate hunger.

In the Bible (John 6:1-29) we read of Jesus meeting people’s hunger needs. A large crowd of people had gathered on a hillside, near the Sea of Galilee, to hear Jesus speak. They were curious about His message. After a long day, the disciples suggested Jesus send them away to find food. Jesus had a different idea, and we know He ended up miraculously feeding thousands of people that day!
The people spent the night there on the hillside but when they awakened, Jesus and the disciples were gone! The disciples had taken a boat across the sea, and Jesus…well, that’s another interesting story for another day! (You’ll find it in John 6:16-21).
The next day, the crowd of people took the long route around the sea to find Jesus, and they did! Their first question, “How did You get here?” Jesus told them that they wanted to know, not because of His message, but because of the food they had received! Once again, Jesus used this as a teachable moment. He noted that God provides not only for our daily physical needs, but also for our eternal and spiritual needs. He even refers to Himself as the “Bread of Life.”

Questions you might ask:

• Why were the crowds still searching for Jesus?
• How does Jesus’ response show the difference between His interests and theirs?
• What do you think are some of the reasons that people follow Jesus today?
• What reasons might a friend site for not following Christ today? How could you respond to them?

Just as we can make better, healthier food choices that can improve our daily health, we can make healthier, more intentional choices in our desire to better know Jesus, and what He desires for our lives. As we anticipate the beginning of another new year, what life changes would you like to make to strengthen your relationship with Christ?
Each day this week, remind yourself of the truth that “Jesus is the Bread of Life.”  Address Him as such when you pray. As you respond to challenges this week, think “Because Jesus is the Bread of Life…”