A TURNING POINT

[51]

THE BREAD OF LIFE

Read John 6:22–71

And Jesus said to them, “I am the bread of life. He who comes to Me shall never hunger, and he who believes in Me shall never thirst. John 6:35 NKJV

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The crowds saw the disciples get into their boat and leave; but Jesus was not with them. They followed the disciples to the other side of the lake, not knowing that Jesus had walked on water to get there. This was the dramatic moment when He would reveal to them who He really was, and that He knew who they really were: “I tell you the truth; you are looking for me, not because you saw miraculous signs but because you ate the loaves and had your fill.” (6:26 NIV)

* * *

Then Jesus said, “I am the living bread that came down from heaven. If anyone eats of this bread, he will live forever. This bread is my flesh, which I will give for the life of the world.” (6:51 NIV) This declaration of His coming death was the turning point: From that time many of His disciples went back and walked with Him no more. (6:66 NKJV)

* * *

Lord, it is hard to believe so many would be willing to benefit from Your miraculous provision, and yet not embrace You as Savior. Thank You for dying on the cross for my sin and for the daily miracle of life which comes from You.

* * *

Then Jesus said to the twelve, “Do you also want to go away?” But Simon Peter answered Him, “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life.” John 6:67-68 NKJV

FORGIVENESS

[49]

THE UNFORGIVING SERVANT

* * *

Peter wanted to do the right thing and He is asking if there are limits to how much of the right thing he must do. Jesus pointed out to the disciples on another occasion that their responsibility involved more than just forgiveness – it also included confrontation.

Forgiveness is not just about feelings, it is about behavior. The forgiving person must care enough about his brother to seek a resolution. There is no place for holding a grudge and never speaking to the person again.

* * *

Jesus said, “If your brother sins against you, rebuke him; and if he repents, forgive him. And if he sins against you seven times in a day, and seven times in a day returns to you, saying, ‘I repent,’ you shall forgive him.” (Luke 17:3-4 NKJV)

* * *

Lord, I realize that sometimes I don’t even want to admit that a person has hurt or offended me. But when I don’t face the problem, there is no opportunity for forgiveness. Then later, when a similar incident arises, buried resentment rears its ugly head and makes the situation even worse. Lord, help me to quickly act when reconciliation is needed, and always be ready to forgive.

* * *

Jesus said to him, “I do not say to you, up to seven times, but up to seventy times seven.” Matthew 18:22 NKJV

 

BECOME LIKE LITTLE CHILDREN

[48]

WHO IS THE GREATEST?

Read Matthew 18:1–14

            At that time the disciples came to Jesus, saying, “Who then is greatest in the kingdom of heaven?“  Matthew 18:1 NKJV

 

* * *

            Many of Jesus’ followers were expecting Him to set up an earthly kingdom, as promised by the prophets. What they didn’t realize was that Jesus was going to gather His subjects over the centuries into a much greater kingdom than they could imagine. Those who would be a part of His kingdom would come in humble obedience to the gospel of Jesus Christ.

 

            First, the King would be crucified, buried and then raised again the third day. After a time He would go back to His Father in Heaven awaiting the Day of the Lord when He would return ─ a time for which we also are waiting. Who will be great in that kingdom? Jesus said, “Assuredly, I say to you, unless you are converted and become as little children, you will by no means enter the kingdom of heaven.” (18:3)

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             And so Lord, we will present the gospel to our children with confidence, so that they will believe and be a part of Your eternal kingdom. Thank You Jesus, for reminding us how much You love our children.

* * *

            “Take heed that you do not despise one of these little ones, for I say to you that in heaven their angels always see the face of My Father who is in heaven.”  Matthew 18:10 NKJV

 

THIS IS MY BELOVED SON

[47]

 

JESUS TRANSFIGURED

Read Matthew 17:1–13

He was transfigured before them. His face shone like the sun, and His clothes became as white as the light. And behold, Moses and Elijah appeared to them, talking with Him. Matthew 17:2–3 NKJV

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To Peter, James and John, the greatest men who ever lived were Moses and Elijah. For them to see Jesus talking to these legendary heroes further convinced them that He was the Messiah. But they needed to go a step farther in their understanding of who Jesus was. Peter, not knowing what to say, proposed building a tabernacle, one each for Moses, Elijah and Jesus.

While he was still speaking, behold, a bright cloud overshadowed them; and suddenly a voice came out of the cloud, saying, “This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased. Hear Him!” (17:5) They fell on their faces in fear.

* * *

Lord Jesus, You are the beloved Son of God. In You, we have access to the very throne of the Father. Help us to live like children of the King, trusting You to lead and guide every day as You reveal more and more just who You are. Help us to communicate to our generation, and the generation to come, how they can know the Son of God.

* * *

Jesus came and touched them and said, “Arise, and do not be afraid.” When they had lifted up their eyes, they saw no one but Jesus only. Matthew 17:7-8 NKJV