Today's discussion question: Specify. How have Jesus' words brought this world life?
This week our Daily Readings follow the theme: Better than Bread. While fasting in the wilderness, Jesus knew that God's Words offered more life than the bread he could make from stones. This week we will think through that idea and examine some of the words that give us life.John's gospel (6:25-71) tells a moving story in which Jesus compares himself to the manna the Israelites received in the desert. Literally, these flakey sweet nutrition packs kept the Israelites alive in the wilderness. Jesus insisted that "unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink his blood, you have no life in you." This offended the
followers who focused on what sounded like cannibalism to them. Many left him; those who remained sensed Jesus spoke of something deeper.
In fact, he explains to them (in the verse we read today), that he wants us to eat his words and assures us that they bring life. Let me give you a personal example.
At the end of my eighth-grade school year, my parents divorced. More intensely than the average teenager, I believed my parents had lost their minds. I felt confused and angry, and out of control. I read Jesus' promise in Mark 10:29-30 that anyone who left home or family or possessions for him and the gospel would receive 100 times as much in this life and eternal life in the next age. Greatly comforted, I chose to believe that I might never understand what my parents were going through, but that I could move forward into life with Jesus and I would never suffer more neglect or deprivation than I could handle.
Jesus promise of 100X blessing was a rough estimate at best. Over the years, Jesus sent countless men and women into my life to guide me, comfort me, mother and father me, even provide for, teach and discipline me. Better still, in truly short order he led my parents through the stress and insanity that comes with divorce. They never stopped attending to my needs or assuring me of their love for me. (Even when my attitudes made that difficult.) I stood full-weight on Jesus' promise and the promise held firm. It gave me life.
How have Jesus' words brought life to you or someone you know?
Tell us about your hopes & goals for 40 Days 'Till Easter.
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