In the Bread of Life discourse, Jesus contrasts physical and spiritual hunger. We work for bread to feed our bodies, but to feed our souls, we need God’s gift of life. The Jews sought proof—bread supplied from heaven like manna in the wilderness. But Jesus offered a better provision: Himself. “I am the bread of life.”
A tour of the Holy Land is not just about what you see, it’s also about experiencing God and His Word in a whole new way. As I reflect on my own experience in Israel I note three things that occurred for me.
Jesus faced His attackers, including the Jewish leaders, the Jerusalem crowds, and even His own brothers. Although some opposed His ministry, Jesus offered Himself like water in a barren wilderness: “Anyone who is thirsty may come to me!” (John 7:37). Believe in Him, and receive Christ’s living water.
The Pharisees wanted to stone Jesus because He claimed equality with God and they rejected His claim. We do the same thing; we either accept or reject Christ. There is no middle ground.
We want to be right (as we see it, of course) more than we want to love our neighbours as ourselves. At that point our personal preferences eclipse any evidence of love. I am of the firm conviction that where grace exists, so must various areas of grey.
By dishing out likes, the Like Ninja is one of the only people I know of who uses the anonymity of the Internet to encourage and build up others. I imagine his likes are the equivalent of smiling at a stranger.
John 8 tells the story of a woman caught in adultery. The Pharisees brought her to Jesus in order to trap Him. If Jesus said, “punish her” then His compassion for people would be questioned. If He said, “release her” then He’d be accused of not supporting the Law of Moses. How did He respond?
Truth gives stability to your faith, strengthens you when you’re tested, enables you to handle the Bible accurately, equips you to detect and confront error, allows you to live with confidence, and releases you from all fears and superstitions. Truth sets you free.
Jesus confronted the Pharisees with their own law when they brought an adulterous woman to Him. Jesus, the one true judge, forgave her: “Go and sin no more,” He said (John 8:11). Whenever we confront, condemn, and correct wrong, we must demonstrate humility, righteousness, and a spirit of forgiveness.
The Pharisees reacted to Jesus over His claim, “I am the light of the world” (John 8:12). Their hostility escalated from opposition to insult to violence, displaying traits of those who reject Jesus—a lack of knowledge, perception, and humility.
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