Transformed – teen devotion – March 17, 2019
Jesus said to them, “Very truly I tell you, it is not Moses who has given you the bread from heaven, but it is my Father who gives you the true bread from heaven. For the bread of God is the bread that comes down from heaven and gives life to the world.” “Sir,” they said, “always give us this bread.” Then Jesus declared, “I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never go hungry, and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty.
John 4:13-14
I am the Bread of Life
What would it have been like to be an Israelite in the middle of the desert and have no food? A long time ago, the Israelites were slaves in Egypt. God freed them from their slavery and led them out into the desert. Eventually, their food ran out. There wasn’t a simple solution like a nearby Taco Bell for picking up some crunchy beefy Frito burritos. I can’t imagine what it would feel like knowing that if nothing changed, they would die. But God provided for them. He sent down bread from heaven called manna. The Israelites ate it and lived.
You too were in a situation where if things didn’t change, you were going to die. If God had not intervened in your life to give you faith and bring you to him, you would have wandered in this world. You have wandered in this world seeking satisfaction and rescue but never finding the bread that truly satisfies.
But God sent down bread from heaven to save you. Not bread from heaven like the manna God gave to the Israelites. God sent Jesus, the Bread of Life. Because of your sin, you were going to die eternally in hell. But God sent Jesus into the world. He lived a perfect life and died on the cross for your sins. He took away your sin and gave you eternal life. Just like bread in the desert, Jesus has given you eternal life.
Do you know what is better than bread? Free bread! Do you know what is better than Taco Bell? Free Taco Bell! Do you know what is the best part of Jesus, the Bread of Life? He was freely given! Jesus said, “My Father gives you the true bread from heaven.” God knew the tremendous cost of your sin. Instead of having you pay the full price, it came at great cost to him. He sent his Son to pay for it. Out of his grace and mercy, God has freely given you Jesus.
There is nothing better than the free Bread of Life. There is nothing better than Jesus. Believe it.
Prayer: O Lord God, you hold all things in your hand. I ask that you give me opportunities and courage. Give me opportunities to freely share Jesus, the Bread of the Life with those who do not yet have him. Give me courage to make the most of those opportunities to your glory. In Jesus name I pray, Amen.
