Daily Devotional

Raising teenagers can be disheartening.  One-minute parents are amazed and hopeful as they see their teens act responsibly.  The next minute their hopes are dashed as they see them do or say something really childish. Young people can experience confusing mood swings, and anxiety but they crave to be treated like adults. Communication can be agonizing. How do you express love when conflict seems to be the norm?

In my experience as a parent, food was one of the tools I used to express love, especially during tough times. My kids were always hungry. Sitting down with their favorite food could open up constructive conversation. When I needed to get to know their friends, all I had to do was suggest they invite their friends over for pizza and soda. Our daughters knew it was not just about the food; It was Dad and Mom’s way of showing love.  One day I took a grapefruit to my daughter’s high school as a treat for her. (Her favorite fruit.)  I enjoyed the look of shock on her face.  Being a little unpredictable as a parent worked for me, too.

Jesus used food to teach on more than one occasion. Remember the feeding of the multitudes? The people flocked to Him. Many of them just wanted free food and a good show of miracles.

John 6:24–27 - "So when the crowd saw that Jesus was not there, nor His disciples, they themselves got into the small boats, and came to Capernaum seeking Jesus. When they found Him on the other side of the sea, they said to Him, 'Rabbi, when did You get here?' Jesus answered them and said, 'Truly, truly, I say to you, you seek Me, not because you saw signs, but because you ate of the loaves and were filled. Do not work for the food which perishes, but for the food which endures to eternal life, which the Son of Man will give to you, for on Him the Father, God, has set his seal.'"

Jesus used the most basic need of food to invite people to be fully satisfied through Him. Physical hunger for food is nothing compared to the spiritual craving for a right relationship with God. Jesus wanted them to experience everlasting satisfaction through Him. Jesus declared He is the bread of life to draw people’s attention to the truth that through Him they can have eternal life. Their deepest craving can be satisfied.

So, I ask you today. Do you want pizza or eternal life?  Jesus is the bread of life.

New American Standard Bible®, Copyright © 1960, 1971, 1977, 1995 by The Lockman Foundation. All rights reserved.