“I am the bread of life” is the first of seven self-descriptions uttered by Jesus. All are powerful in their own right.
“Bread” has been a strong symbol throughout this week. It has raised thoughts of a deep hunger that cries to be satisfied. It has given us an understanding that God provides freely and generously. It reminds us that
unless we are sustained, we will most certainly die. In a nutshell, we are freely and generously satisfied. We will never again hunger after God and live eternally through Jesus Christ.
But what is this life?
It is a life that goes beyond mere existence, beyond the confines of space and time, and beyond our physical restraints. Jesus offers eternal life. This is the freedom to live in a forever relationship
with God without fear that our dark shadows will prohibit it. Jesus has opened the way for us to overcome social, corporate, and self-imposed obstacles. We can do this simply by accepting that Jesus freely paved the way for this relationship with his sacrifice.
Many of us may still be unable to understand how this happened. But Jesus says to just believe, and the rest will come. Just believe. And if that seems hard to do, ask
Jesus for the grace to believe, which is given freely and willingly.
You might have accepted Jesus' gift of eternal life long ago, or you might be doubting if this is all real. You may have been led to think about this for the first time. It doesn’t matter.
All that matters is that Jesus is reaching out to you today and saying, “Come, I love you. Let me show you how
much.”
Where are you in your spiritual journey as you read this today?
Reflections by Cherie-Lynn van der Merwe
