Scripture: John 6:35-42

Key verse: (35) Jesus said to them, “I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never be hungry, and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty.

Reflection: As we start a new year, food is probably the last thing you want to think about! I spent the holidays making food that was my grandmother’s, my sister’s, food from my childhood in New Orleans and food from my husband’s family in Baltimore. That was all on top of the traditional Christmas cookies, oyster crackers, candy canes and parties with amazing food. I wanted to pass on traditions to my children through the food they eat. Food has the power to bring joy or transport us to another time and place. It can comfort us just with the smell of something familiar. Food is also deeply biblical.

There is some deep theological meaning to the bread of life and we can spend some time unpacking it or we can just take Jesus for his word. Trust Jesus will provide.

I think he wanted us to just keep it all in perspective. Look at how Jesus used food to feed people who were hungry. Basic.  Jesus was found at parties and celebrations where there was food. He used food to show compassion.  Think about how much we worry about the perfect meal, what we will eat, how it will look to others or if my children will remember anything GOOD about my cooking!!! Jesus said, I am the bread of life. This is what is important. You will have food to eat…get some perspective.

It is a new year. A new opportunity to remember that everything is about Jesus.

Prayer: Loving God, prepare me this day to embrace your son more fully. Amen.

Author: Michelle Thomas-Bush

[Scripture quotations are from New Revised Standard Version Bible, copyright © 1989 National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved].