White, Wheat, Rye or Spiritual?

Going to the grocery store is an adventure for me, especially when the list from my wife is vague. She knows that if the list says “bread” she may get one of any number of interesting types of bread. I mean, have you ever stood in the bread aisle at a grocery store and looked at how many types of bread exist?  
 
While bread is not always seen as a healthy food option these days, in biblical times, it was a staple of daily life. Jesus used this food as a metaphor for what sustains your life and even brings it up in a cosmic conversation with Satan.
 
In Matthew 4, we see Jesus prompted by the Holy Spirit to go to the wilderness and fast for 40 days. At the end of the time, Satan tries to take advantage of Jesus’ hunger and challenges him to prove he is God by turning the rocks into bread. (Specifically, 100% organic, whole wheat, artisan style bread.)

Jesus’ response is to quote a verse from the book of Deuteronomy saying, “Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.” (Matthew 4:4)
 
Jesus’ point is that while physical food may keep our bodies alive, we need something more. Using a similar metaphor, he later tells a large crowd, “I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never go hungry, and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty.” (John 6:35). Jesus is referencing the thirst and hunger all people have for a real ongoing spiritual connection with something bigger than themselves. Without it, there is a void that needs to be filled.
 
We easily forget there is a need for spiritual nourishment, as well as physical. When there is an empty feeling inside of us, we can turn to entertainment, shopping, video games, social media, food or even other people. But none of those can satisfy our spiritual hunger and thirst.
 
If you try to live on physical bread alone, you may survive, but you won’t truly live. Survival is about trying to maintain life under difficult situations. You’ll run from one thing to the next trying to find meaning, purpose and peace. Living means enjoying life with peace (Phil 4:6-7) and contentment (v. 11-13). This life doesn’t come because you have it all together or you have everything you’ve ever wanted but because you have a connection to the one that can fill the spiritual void in your life.
 
You can move from surviving to living by engaging with Jesus and his Word on a regular basis. We need to renew our connection to him each day. I love what Pastor Joe said recently, “Yesterday’s bread is stale today.” You could have a great day with Jesus one day, but the next day you need to get connected again. When we try to make sure we have a diet of spiritual bread (i.e. connection with Jesus), he promised that we would live and live life to the fullest. (John 10:10)
 
More Resources:
 

• New Testament in a year
• Reading Plans on YouVersion

 

• New Morning Mercies
• My Utmost for His Highest
• The Power of Prayer