Receiving the true bread of life, Jesus Christ
Preaching
Lectionary Preaching Workbook
Series V, Cycle B
Theme For The Day: Receiving the true bread of life, Jesus Christ.
BRIEF COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONS
Lesson 1: 2 Samuel 11:26-12:13a (C)
This text continues the story of David's sin with Bathsheba and spells out the consequences. After Bathsheba's period of mourning, David brings her into his household and marries her. He might have thought that he had gotten away with his crime when Nathan the prophet tells him the story of the rich man who took the poor man's little ewe lamb to slaughter for a feast. David unknowingly pronounces judgment on himself when he declares to Nathan that such a man deserved to die. Then, dramatically, the prophet points to David: "You are the man!" The king then confesses his sin against God. Nathan responds that God has put away (forgiven) his sin but that, as a consequence of his sin, violence would never leave David's household and his little son would die.
Lesson 1: Exodus 16:2--4, 12--15 (RC); Exodus 16:2--4, 9--15 (E)
Lesson 2: Ephesians 4:1--16 (C)
The first three chapters of this epistle set out the doctrinal issues and 4:1-6:20 lay out the ethical implications. This pericope is an appeal for unity. Paul begs them to lead a life worthy of the gospel, to maintain the unity of the Spirit. He reminds them that there is only one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of us all. We have all been assigned various gifts and roles - pastors, evangelists, teachers - for the building up of the body of Christ. God's aim for his Church is unity.
Lesson 2: Ephesians 4:17, 20--25 (RC); Ephesians 4:17--25 (E)
Gospel: John 6:24--35 (C, RC, E)
The crowds search for Jesus and find him at Capernaum. They question how he got there. Jesus doesn't answer but confronts them with the fact that they are not seeking the bread of heaven but earthly bread. Jesus warns them to work for the bread that endures eternally, not the loaves which perish. They ask him what a person should do to be doing the work of God. Jesus declares that it is the will of God to believe in the One God has sent. They then ask for a sign, saying that God gave their ancestors bread from heaven. Jesus counters that he is the true bread from heaven, the gift of the Father, who gives life to the world. The people respond: "Lord, give us this bread always."
Psalm Of The Day
Psalm 51:1--12 (C) - "Wash me thoroughly from my iniquity" (v. 2).
Psalm 78:11--25 (E)
Psalm 77 (RC)
Prayer Of The Day
Bread of life, we sometimes consume that which does not truly satisfy and seek to fill the hunger of our soul with the bread of this earth. Satisfy us with the Bread of Heaven, Jesus Christ, our Lord, that we might never hunger again. In Jesus' name. Amen.
THEOLOGICAL REFLECTION ON THE LESSONS
Lesson 1: 2 Samuel 11:26-12:13a
The danger of devaluing life. In verse 25 a messenger reports to David from the battlefield that some of his men are dead and that Uriah was also dead. The king hadn't a care. He blithely announced: "Do not let this matter trouble you, the sword devours now one, and now another..." We all suffer when life becomes devalued and cheap. The hoodlums who roam our streets feel precisely the same way, not only about others but themselves. God values life so highly that he sent his Son.
Pronouncing judgment on yourself. Sometimes parents will say to their disobedient sons and daughters: "Now John, how do you think we should punish you for what you have done wrong?" David pronounced judgment on himself, albeit unwittingly (vv. 5--6). It's kind of a rule of life, the Lord judges us by the ruler we have used to judge others.
No fifth amendment rights before the Supreme Court. When Mark Fuhrman was called back to court and asked if he had spoken certain racial slurs, he replied: "I assert my fifth amendment rights." The constitution says that we don't have to incriminate ourselves. David didn't assert any fifth amendment rights when he stood accused by God through his prophet, Nathan. He confessed, "I have sinned against the Lord" (v. 13). When we appear before the judgment seat of God, the supreme court of the universe, we cannot plead the fifth amendment but we can plead that we are covered by the blood of Jesus. We are guilty but stand acquitted.
Lesson 2: Ephesians 4:1--16
The peace bond (v. 3). During World War II, war bonds were promoted so that our nation might have the capital needed to fight our enemies. The war brought the people of our nation together in a common effort. The war bonds (saving bonds) were an expression of that effort and the unity of spirit which prevailed among us. Paul urges that Christians be eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit and "the bond of peace." This peace bond was purchased with the atoning blood of Christ. We don't have to buy it; all we need to do is maintain it.
Celebrate our unity (vv. 3--7). We hear a good deal about celebrating our diversity as a nation and a Church. As the people of God, we would be better off celebrating our unity. "One Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of us all."
Growing up in God (v. 13). When it comes to our relationship to the Lord, we are all immature children. God has given each member of the Church gifts to be exercised for the common good, so that we might all grow up in God. It is God's will that we strive to attain full spiritual maturity, measuring our lives by the pattern of Jesus.
Gospel: John 6:24--35
Food with a longer shelf life (v. 27). In this century we have experienced a revolution in food technology - packaging, handling and distribution. With this technology, we have been able to lengthen greatly the shelf life of food. Two or three generations ago most people had to buy perishable food just about every day. Even so, no food has an endless shelf life, and none of the things that we feel are so essential for our lives - cars, houses, VCR's - will last very long. Jesus calls us to strive for the food that does not perish, the Bread of Life (v. 27).
Jesus, the original bread machine? (v. 26). Jesus accuses the masses of seeking him not because they sought spiritual truth but because they had their physical appetite satisfied. Perhaps they view Jesus as the original bread machine. They could obtain fresh bread with a minimum of effort.
Priorities. If you read this chapter literally, you come away with the idea that one must choose between earthly bread and heavenly bread, that it's an "either/or" proposition. Actually, Jesus is speaking of priorities. He's saying, "seek first the bread of heaven and then God will give you the earthly bread you need as well." Recall that our Lord teaches us to pray for earthly bread, "Give us this day our daily bread." However, Jesus instructs us to pray not for an endless hoard of bread but for that which we need at the present time.
SERMON APPROACHES WITH ILLUSTRATIONS
Lesson 1: 2 Samuel 11:26-12:13a
Sermon Title: Deserving Of Death
Sermon Angle: When Nathan told the story of the rich man stealing the pet ewe from the poor man, David pronounced: "This man deserves to die." How true! He did deserve death, so does every murderer, every criminal, every sinner. Oops! That includes us. We deserve to die but God is gracious. God was gracious in forgiving David and he is gracious to us as well. Though we must suffer the consequences of our sins, God saves our lives through the reconciliation offered to us in Christ.
Outline:
1. David judged rightly - the man in Nathan's parable deserved to die, but so did David.
2. Paul says: "The wages of sin is death" (Romans 6:23).
3. God offered forgiveness to David and pardon to all through Jesus Christ. "The free gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ, our Lord."
Sermon Title: Who Have You Sinned Against?
Sermon Angle: The television newscast the other day reported that the police had recovered a quantity of stolen goods in the car of a couple of young men. They admitted that they were stolen. The problem was, they had no victim. Nobody had reported any of these items missing. No crime can be charged without a victim. The fact of the matter is that when we sin, there are more victims than meet the eye. Some executive commits a white--collar crime, stealing from a large company, and he thinks that there are no victims but the company. Wrong! We all pay in terms of higher prices and a deteriorating sense of morality. What the sinner doesn't realize until too late is that he himself is victim of his own sins. Note the consequences that Nathan spelled out for David's sin. But it goes even further, the ultimate victim is God. David confessed: "I have sinned against the Lord."
Outline:
1. We like to think that our sins have no victims.
2. David thought that he had contained his sin against Uriah but came to see that he was victim of his own sin.
3. The ultimate victim is God (v. 13).
4. God can and does forgive but he can't undo the consequences of our sins.
__________
In October of 1995 a Chicago priest who was accused of sexual misconduct against two boys was allowed to return to his parish. This misconduct occurred in 1976. Although the priest wa warmly received by many members of the parish, others demonstrated in opposition to his reinstatement. The Survivors Network of Those Abused By Priests picketed. The Catholic Church has placed conditions on his return. He must have other adults present when he ministers to children and he must continue to undergo counseling. The story illustrates the principle of forgiveness. God forgives, many other people will forgive, but a cloud of suspicion remains because trust has been put into question. The sinner can never re--create the world as it was before his transgression.
Lesson 2: Ephesians 4:1--16
Sermon Title: War And Peace
Sermon Angle: Wars are either won or lost. Victory is usually defined by some decisive moment or crucial battle which assured an eventual victory. Peace, on the other hand, is not so much won as maintained. To keep the peace requires constant diligence and effort. Paul speaks of maintaining "the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace" (v. 13). Christ has won the decisive victory against the forces of evil and gives us his peace through our baptism into Christ. However, the Church is entrusted with the sacred mission of maintaining the peace. This comes about when we permit the Spirit to guide our actions so that we work together as one body. God's Spirit gives us humility, patience and love, which maintains the peace bond.
Outline:
1. War requires a concerted effort but peace calls for a continued effort.
2. Christ has won the war, now the Church must keep the peace.
3. How do we maintain the peace?
- The Spirit (v. 3).
- The Spirit grants patience, humility and love (vv. 2--3).
- Use our gifts for the building up of the Church (vv. 11--12).
Sermon Title: Blest Be The Ties That Bind
Sermon Angle: Paul lifts up the essential ties that bind all Christians - "One hope...one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of us all..." In so doing, he raises the factors that define the essential catholicity of the Church. Ties and being bound are not highly valued in our free--wheeling society which has deified individual rights. We Christians can provide a corrective for society by celebrating the blessed ties that bind us together in Christ.
Outline:
1. While society elevates individual freedoms, Christians are called to celebrate the spiritual ties that bind us.
2. What are the ties that bind us?
- The one body and the one Spirit (v. 4).
- The one hope (v. 4).
- One Lord (Jesus), one faith, one baptism, one God and Father (vv. 5--6).
3. Offer the world what it needs - unity and community in Christ.
Gospel: John 6:24--35
Sermon Title: Why Are You Seeking Jesus?
Sermon Angle: Jesus had vanished. The crowds went looking for him and found him. The problem was that they were seeking him for the wrong reasons. Jesus observed: "Very truly I say to you, you are looking for me, not because you saw signs but because you ate your fill of the loaves" (v. 25). They wanted Jesus, not so they could get to heaven, but so that they might have their physical appetites satisfied. People seek Jesus for a host of reasons; not all of them are good. We need to ask ourselves, why are we seeking Jesus? Are you mostly interested in what you can gain from him to make this life a little easier? Or are you following Jesus because he is the bread of life and you want him, nothing less?
Outline:
1. The crowds were looking for Jesus for the wrong reason - for a handout.
2. They did not seek Jesus for salvation, nor see him as the Savior.
3. Why do you seek or follow Jesus?
Sermon Title: Locked In A Welfare Mentality
Sermon Angle: The crowds that were looking for Jesus were locked into a kind of welfare mentality. A welfare mentality is created in some people after they have been on the dole for some time. All they are interested in is a handout. What they need is a hand down. That is, they need help in changing their lives. They need to be told how they can become new people. They need to see a vision of how they can really live life, rather than merely exist. Many Christians are locked into a welfare mentality. They are merely seeking a handout rather than a hand--down from heaven that will enable them to have life and have it abundantly.
Outline:
1. The crowds merely wanted help in living the same old life.
2. Jesus wanted to help them find new life in him.
3. Christians get caught up in a welfare mentality - make my life easier, Lord!
4. Christ wants to reinvent our lives, to make them great and to make them eternal.
Sermon Title: Real Food For Real People
Sermon Angle: One of the fast food chains had the motto: "Real food for real people." The crowd recalled the bread which God gave their ancestors as they wandered though the wilderness. Jesus replied: "It was not Moses who gave you the bread from heaven, but it is my Father who gives you the true (real) bread from heaven" (v. 32). The law, for all its goodness, was not the real bread; it was not real food for real people. The real food (bread) is that which comes down from heaven and gives life to the world (v. 33). The gospel is real food for real people, to be received through faith (v. 29).
Outline:
1. Much of what we consume is garbage, not real food for real people.
2. The law was good, but was not real food because it could not change us inside.
3. Jesus is the bread of heaven - real food for real people.
4. Receive that bread by faith and live eternally.
__________
The Great Harvest Bread Co., Geneva, Illinois, has this message on its front door, "No shirt, No shoes, No problem." The owners of this company have created a fun place where people can enjoy bread. They produce over a dozen varieties of specialty breads. Each loaf is made with freshly ground flour, abetted by such natural ingredients as apples, seeds, garlic and blueberries. The thing that grabs the eye of visitors as they enter the store is a cutting board laden with fresh--baked bread, softened butter and honey. Behind the board is a smiling baker urging them to sample a thick slice of fresh bread or the bread of their choice. "We love to watch our people enjoy bread, even if they don't intend to buy any," intoned one of the owners. Jesus also likes to see his children enjoy bread, but he most wants us to enjoy the Bread Of Life, because it will satisfy the appetite of our souls.
BRIEF COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONS
Lesson 1: 2 Samuel 11:26-12:13a (C)
This text continues the story of David's sin with Bathsheba and spells out the consequences. After Bathsheba's period of mourning, David brings her into his household and marries her. He might have thought that he had gotten away with his crime when Nathan the prophet tells him the story of the rich man who took the poor man's little ewe lamb to slaughter for a feast. David unknowingly pronounces judgment on himself when he declares to Nathan that such a man deserved to die. Then, dramatically, the prophet points to David: "You are the man!" The king then confesses his sin against God. Nathan responds that God has put away (forgiven) his sin but that, as a consequence of his sin, violence would never leave David's household and his little son would die.
Lesson 1: Exodus 16:2--4, 12--15 (RC); Exodus 16:2--4, 9--15 (E)
Lesson 2: Ephesians 4:1--16 (C)
The first three chapters of this epistle set out the doctrinal issues and 4:1-6:20 lay out the ethical implications. This pericope is an appeal for unity. Paul begs them to lead a life worthy of the gospel, to maintain the unity of the Spirit. He reminds them that there is only one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of us all. We have all been assigned various gifts and roles - pastors, evangelists, teachers - for the building up of the body of Christ. God's aim for his Church is unity.
Lesson 2: Ephesians 4:17, 20--25 (RC); Ephesians 4:17--25 (E)
Gospel: John 6:24--35 (C, RC, E)
The crowds search for Jesus and find him at Capernaum. They question how he got there. Jesus doesn't answer but confronts them with the fact that they are not seeking the bread of heaven but earthly bread. Jesus warns them to work for the bread that endures eternally, not the loaves which perish. They ask him what a person should do to be doing the work of God. Jesus declares that it is the will of God to believe in the One God has sent. They then ask for a sign, saying that God gave their ancestors bread from heaven. Jesus counters that he is the true bread from heaven, the gift of the Father, who gives life to the world. The people respond: "Lord, give us this bread always."
Psalm Of The Day
Psalm 51:1--12 (C) - "Wash me thoroughly from my iniquity" (v. 2).
Psalm 78:11--25 (E)
Psalm 77 (RC)
Prayer Of The Day
Bread of life, we sometimes consume that which does not truly satisfy and seek to fill the hunger of our soul with the bread of this earth. Satisfy us with the Bread of Heaven, Jesus Christ, our Lord, that we might never hunger again. In Jesus' name. Amen.
THEOLOGICAL REFLECTION ON THE LESSONS
Lesson 1: 2 Samuel 11:26-12:13a
The danger of devaluing life. In verse 25 a messenger reports to David from the battlefield that some of his men are dead and that Uriah was also dead. The king hadn't a care. He blithely announced: "Do not let this matter trouble you, the sword devours now one, and now another..." We all suffer when life becomes devalued and cheap. The hoodlums who roam our streets feel precisely the same way, not only about others but themselves. God values life so highly that he sent his Son.
Pronouncing judgment on yourself. Sometimes parents will say to their disobedient sons and daughters: "Now John, how do you think we should punish you for what you have done wrong?" David pronounced judgment on himself, albeit unwittingly (vv. 5--6). It's kind of a rule of life, the Lord judges us by the ruler we have used to judge others.
No fifth amendment rights before the Supreme Court. When Mark Fuhrman was called back to court and asked if he had spoken certain racial slurs, he replied: "I assert my fifth amendment rights." The constitution says that we don't have to incriminate ourselves. David didn't assert any fifth amendment rights when he stood accused by God through his prophet, Nathan. He confessed, "I have sinned against the Lord" (v. 13). When we appear before the judgment seat of God, the supreme court of the universe, we cannot plead the fifth amendment but we can plead that we are covered by the blood of Jesus. We are guilty but stand acquitted.
Lesson 2: Ephesians 4:1--16
The peace bond (v. 3). During World War II, war bonds were promoted so that our nation might have the capital needed to fight our enemies. The war brought the people of our nation together in a common effort. The war bonds (saving bonds) were an expression of that effort and the unity of spirit which prevailed among us. Paul urges that Christians be eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit and "the bond of peace." This peace bond was purchased with the atoning blood of Christ. We don't have to buy it; all we need to do is maintain it.
Celebrate our unity (vv. 3--7). We hear a good deal about celebrating our diversity as a nation and a Church. As the people of God, we would be better off celebrating our unity. "One Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of us all."
Growing up in God (v. 13). When it comes to our relationship to the Lord, we are all immature children. God has given each member of the Church gifts to be exercised for the common good, so that we might all grow up in God. It is God's will that we strive to attain full spiritual maturity, measuring our lives by the pattern of Jesus.
Gospel: John 6:24--35
Food with a longer shelf life (v. 27). In this century we have experienced a revolution in food technology - packaging, handling and distribution. With this technology, we have been able to lengthen greatly the shelf life of food. Two or three generations ago most people had to buy perishable food just about every day. Even so, no food has an endless shelf life, and none of the things that we feel are so essential for our lives - cars, houses, VCR's - will last very long. Jesus calls us to strive for the food that does not perish, the Bread of Life (v. 27).
Jesus, the original bread machine? (v. 26). Jesus accuses the masses of seeking him not because they sought spiritual truth but because they had their physical appetite satisfied. Perhaps they view Jesus as the original bread machine. They could obtain fresh bread with a minimum of effort.
Priorities. If you read this chapter literally, you come away with the idea that one must choose between earthly bread and heavenly bread, that it's an "either/or" proposition. Actually, Jesus is speaking of priorities. He's saying, "seek first the bread of heaven and then God will give you the earthly bread you need as well." Recall that our Lord teaches us to pray for earthly bread, "Give us this day our daily bread." However, Jesus instructs us to pray not for an endless hoard of bread but for that which we need at the present time.
SERMON APPROACHES WITH ILLUSTRATIONS
Lesson 1: 2 Samuel 11:26-12:13a
Sermon Title: Deserving Of Death
Sermon Angle: When Nathan told the story of the rich man stealing the pet ewe from the poor man, David pronounced: "This man deserves to die." How true! He did deserve death, so does every murderer, every criminal, every sinner. Oops! That includes us. We deserve to die but God is gracious. God was gracious in forgiving David and he is gracious to us as well. Though we must suffer the consequences of our sins, God saves our lives through the reconciliation offered to us in Christ.
Outline:
1. David judged rightly - the man in Nathan's parable deserved to die, but so did David.
2. Paul says: "The wages of sin is death" (Romans 6:23).
3. God offered forgiveness to David and pardon to all through Jesus Christ. "The free gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ, our Lord."
Sermon Title: Who Have You Sinned Against?
Sermon Angle: The television newscast the other day reported that the police had recovered a quantity of stolen goods in the car of a couple of young men. They admitted that they were stolen. The problem was, they had no victim. Nobody had reported any of these items missing. No crime can be charged without a victim. The fact of the matter is that when we sin, there are more victims than meet the eye. Some executive commits a white--collar crime, stealing from a large company, and he thinks that there are no victims but the company. Wrong! We all pay in terms of higher prices and a deteriorating sense of morality. What the sinner doesn't realize until too late is that he himself is victim of his own sins. Note the consequences that Nathan spelled out for David's sin. But it goes even further, the ultimate victim is God. David confessed: "I have sinned against the Lord."
Outline:
1. We like to think that our sins have no victims.
2. David thought that he had contained his sin against Uriah but came to see that he was victim of his own sin.
3. The ultimate victim is God (v. 13).
4. God can and does forgive but he can't undo the consequences of our sins.
__________
In October of 1995 a Chicago priest who was accused of sexual misconduct against two boys was allowed to return to his parish. This misconduct occurred in 1976. Although the priest wa warmly received by many members of the parish, others demonstrated in opposition to his reinstatement. The Survivors Network of Those Abused By Priests picketed. The Catholic Church has placed conditions on his return. He must have other adults present when he ministers to children and he must continue to undergo counseling. The story illustrates the principle of forgiveness. God forgives, many other people will forgive, but a cloud of suspicion remains because trust has been put into question. The sinner can never re--create the world as it was before his transgression.
Lesson 2: Ephesians 4:1--16
Sermon Title: War And Peace
Sermon Angle: Wars are either won or lost. Victory is usually defined by some decisive moment or crucial battle which assured an eventual victory. Peace, on the other hand, is not so much won as maintained. To keep the peace requires constant diligence and effort. Paul speaks of maintaining "the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace" (v. 13). Christ has won the decisive victory against the forces of evil and gives us his peace through our baptism into Christ. However, the Church is entrusted with the sacred mission of maintaining the peace. This comes about when we permit the Spirit to guide our actions so that we work together as one body. God's Spirit gives us humility, patience and love, which maintains the peace bond.
Outline:
1. War requires a concerted effort but peace calls for a continued effort.
2. Christ has won the war, now the Church must keep the peace.
3. How do we maintain the peace?
- The Spirit (v. 3).
- The Spirit grants patience, humility and love (vv. 2--3).
- Use our gifts for the building up of the Church (vv. 11--12).
Sermon Title: Blest Be The Ties That Bind
Sermon Angle: Paul lifts up the essential ties that bind all Christians - "One hope...one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of us all..." In so doing, he raises the factors that define the essential catholicity of the Church. Ties and being bound are not highly valued in our free--wheeling society which has deified individual rights. We Christians can provide a corrective for society by celebrating the blessed ties that bind us together in Christ.
Outline:
1. While society elevates individual freedoms, Christians are called to celebrate the spiritual ties that bind us.
2. What are the ties that bind us?
- The one body and the one Spirit (v. 4).
- The one hope (v. 4).
- One Lord (Jesus), one faith, one baptism, one God and Father (vv. 5--6).
3. Offer the world what it needs - unity and community in Christ.
Gospel: John 6:24--35
Sermon Title: Why Are You Seeking Jesus?
Sermon Angle: Jesus had vanished. The crowds went looking for him and found him. The problem was that they were seeking him for the wrong reasons. Jesus observed: "Very truly I say to you, you are looking for me, not because you saw signs but because you ate your fill of the loaves" (v. 25). They wanted Jesus, not so they could get to heaven, but so that they might have their physical appetites satisfied. People seek Jesus for a host of reasons; not all of them are good. We need to ask ourselves, why are we seeking Jesus? Are you mostly interested in what you can gain from him to make this life a little easier? Or are you following Jesus because he is the bread of life and you want him, nothing less?
Outline:
1. The crowds were looking for Jesus for the wrong reason - for a handout.
2. They did not seek Jesus for salvation, nor see him as the Savior.
3. Why do you seek or follow Jesus?
Sermon Title: Locked In A Welfare Mentality
Sermon Angle: The crowds that were looking for Jesus were locked into a kind of welfare mentality. A welfare mentality is created in some people after they have been on the dole for some time. All they are interested in is a handout. What they need is a hand down. That is, they need help in changing their lives. They need to be told how they can become new people. They need to see a vision of how they can really live life, rather than merely exist. Many Christians are locked into a welfare mentality. They are merely seeking a handout rather than a hand--down from heaven that will enable them to have life and have it abundantly.
Outline:
1. The crowds merely wanted help in living the same old life.
2. Jesus wanted to help them find new life in him.
3. Christians get caught up in a welfare mentality - make my life easier, Lord!
4. Christ wants to reinvent our lives, to make them great and to make them eternal.
Sermon Title: Real Food For Real People
Sermon Angle: One of the fast food chains had the motto: "Real food for real people." The crowd recalled the bread which God gave their ancestors as they wandered though the wilderness. Jesus replied: "It was not Moses who gave you the bread from heaven, but it is my Father who gives you the true (real) bread from heaven" (v. 32). The law, for all its goodness, was not the real bread; it was not real food for real people. The real food (bread) is that which comes down from heaven and gives life to the world (v. 33). The gospel is real food for real people, to be received through faith (v. 29).
Outline:
1. Much of what we consume is garbage, not real food for real people.
2. The law was good, but was not real food because it could not change us inside.
3. Jesus is the bread of heaven - real food for real people.
4. Receive that bread by faith and live eternally.
__________
The Great Harvest Bread Co., Geneva, Illinois, has this message on its front door, "No shirt, No shoes, No problem." The owners of this company have created a fun place where people can enjoy bread. They produce over a dozen varieties of specialty breads. Each loaf is made with freshly ground flour, abetted by such natural ingredients as apples, seeds, garlic and blueberries. The thing that grabs the eye of visitors as they enter the store is a cutting board laden with fresh--baked bread, softened butter and honey. Behind the board is a smiling baker urging them to sample a thick slice of fresh bread or the bread of their choice. "We love to watch our people enjoy bread, even if they don't intend to buy any," intoned one of the owners. Jesus also likes to see his children enjoy bread, but he most wants us to enjoy the Bread Of Life, because it will satisfy the appetite of our souls.
