John 6:51-69

Today concludes our three week look at Jesus' bread of life discourse. We look at two questions that Jesus directed to his followers: "Does this offend you?" and "Do you want to leave me too?" These questions are worth considering ourselves as we reflect on what Jesus teaches us about who he is and what he has to offer. Ultimately, as we evaluate our options through the eyes of the faith God has given us, we have to echo Peter's words: "Where else would we go? What other bread should we eat?"

John 6:35-51

It feels offensive and uncomfortable, but the truth is we cannot come to Jesus on our own any more than we can toss a jumbo jet like a paper airplane or jump the Grand Canyon. We're naturally predisposed to rejecting Jesus and ignoring the wonderful promises he offers. Thankfully, in his love, the Father patiently and gently draws us to Jesus. By his grace, we learn from him and have our epiphany: Jesus isn't something to be ignored or downplayed: he's the bread of life!

John 6:24-35

Today begins a three week look at Jesus' famous "Bread of Life Discourse." It's a turning point in Jesus ministry. At the high point of his popularity, his teachings suddenly begin to turn many of his followers off. As we wrestle with the challenging teachings he introduces, we can recognize our own temptations to be disappointed in who Jesus is and what he offers. At the same time, we can grow a deeper appreciation for his amazing promises and love!

Mark 6:45-56

So often when things get difficult, we get overwhelmed and start acting and thinking foolishly. We fail to see that Jesus is with us. The solution is simple. All we need to do is look and see that Jesus is right there with us. He's by our side as we face all the challenges of life, including the challenges and difficulties in the meaningful ministry he has given us.

2 Corinthians 9:8-11

One of the hallmarks of a child of God is the selfless and single minded generosity in their life of service to God and others. This generosity gives meaning to a believer's ministry, has everlasting results, and is itself fueled by God's great generosity.

Mark 6:30-34

When we look at the world, we see people who are our enemies, who are burdens, who are more trouble than they're worth, who are lost causes. We struggle to minister to them because we're selfish and self-righteous.

When Jesus looks at the world, he sees people who are like sheep without a shepherd. It fills his heart with compassion and love.

Meaningful ministry is motivated by and modeled after Christ's compassion, as believers learn to look at the world and see lost sheep who need the Good Shepherd's love.

Titus 1:5-9

We naturally distrust self-appointed authorities, and easily question anyone who presumes to speak with any authority. We put them under the microscope and ask, "What gives you the right to say that to me?"

While it seems nice to say "to each their own," or "let's agree to disagree," this thinking has led to a world where everyone has their own truths These truths often contradict and it can begin to feel like no one has anything of any meaning.

That's where God steps in. He sends his ministers, both public and personal into the world with his own authority. In order to safeguard his image and the authority that they carry, God has specific qualifications for those who would serve as pastors.

Ezekiel 2:1-7

Christians have the greatest news to share: There is forgiveness, life, and salvation in Jesus! You might expect such wonderful news to be received with joy, eagerness, and thanks.

More often than not, however, that is not the reaction Christians experience as they share the life changing gospel that means so much to them. Instead of joy and thankfulness, they're met with rejection, animosity, and resentment.

There is a temptation to feel like our personal ministry is worthless and empty when it's received so poorly. Looking at Ezekiel's call, we see that our ministry is meaningful whether people respond the way we hope or not! God gives meaning to our ministry!

Mark 5:21-24a; 35-43

What might cause people to drive more recklessly, to spend more time tanning in the sun, and to be more aggressive toward people who don't share their world view?

It's not lead in the water. It might be the fear of death. Some social psychologists believe that the fear of death doesn't just effect our lives, it might sub-consciously be the main driving motivation behind everything we do!

As we reflect on Jesus' act of power and love for one family in grief, Christians are blessed with a different perspective on death–one that can only come from God. The top-down perspective on death relieves our fears and sets us free from slavery to fear so that we can be in control of our lives and live in peace and joy!

Mark 4:35-41

Assuming there is a god, there seem to be only two logical conclusions that explain the evils we face in the world. Evil happens because either God doesn't have the power to stop it, or because he just doesn't care enough to be bothered to stop it.

Jesus' actions one night on the Sea of Galilee show that neither is true. The "top-down" faith God has given us allows us to see that, despite all appearances, Jesus does have the power to control all the storms of life, and he does care for us perfectly!