Abiding: Bread For Today

Introduction:

In “Abiding: Bread For Today,” Pastor Elisha continues the series “Rediscovering The Jesus We Thought We Knew” through John 6. After Jesus feeds the crowd, they search for Him again. But Jesus challenges their reason for following Him. They wanted more bread, while Jesus wanted them to recognise the One standing before them: “I am the bread of life.”

Key Points:

• Seek Jesus for who He is, not only for what He gives: The crowd followed Jesus because He had satisfied their physical hunger. They wanted a bread maker, but Jesus offered Himself as the Bread of Life. Pastor Elisha asks us to examine our own hunger. Are we pursuing God for another blessing, breakthrough or experience, or because we genuinely want Him?
• Jesus is the Bread that truly satisfies: We look for satisfaction in work, money, relationships, entertainment, success and even spiritual experiences. These things may satisfy us for a time, but Jesus says that He alone can satisfy our deepest hunger. He isn't simply another source of provision. He is our life, strength and sustenance.
• We need fresh bread for today: Israel couldn't store up manna in the wilderness for another day. In the same way, we can't live indefinitely on yesterday's encounter with God, an old spiritual experience or a handful of familiar Scriptures. Jesus invites us into a daily relationship with Him: “Give us this day our daily bread.”
• The Word feeds us as we abide in Him: Scripture isn't simply information to learn. Through the Holy Spirit, the written Word becomes a place where we encounter Jesus, the living Word. Pastor Elisha encourages us to return personally and consistently to Scripture, allowing God to nourish our faith, restore hope and give us what we need for each day.

Conclusion:

Abiding isn't about storing enough of God to last us through the week. It is a daily relationship.

Jesus invites us to come to Him today for today's bread, and tomorrow to come again. We don't have to chase yesterday's miracle, Sunday's experience or another temporary source of satisfaction. We can simply come back to the Bread of Life.

“God, I want You. Only You can satisfy.”

As we abide in Jesus each day, we find the strength, wisdom and life we need for today.