Bread and Beyond: How Jesus Can Satisfy All Your Needs

Posted on Sep 02, 2021 Topic :
Posted by : Jessica Blanchard

When we look around us, do we just see things for our consumption and comfort, or do we allow ourselves to see God in the world around us, revealing himself in the mundane items we encounter daily? Jesus used many commonplace items in his parables and teaching; mustard seeds, vines and branches, doors, sheep, to name a few. One of my favorites is bread.

“I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never go hungry, and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty.” John 6:35

Throughout Scripture, food and drink are themes that show up often. Think back to Genesis, with Adam and Eve eating the fruit in the garden. In so many of the Old Testament stories, food plays a role. We were just reading in Genesis 27 with our kids about Isaac preparing to give his blessing to Esau and he says “Prepare me the kind of tasty food I like.” (They liked that the word “tasty” was in the Bible!) Food and drink is prominent in God’s provision for the Israelites in the wilderness; and Jesus’s first miracle was to turn water into wine. There are countless other references to food, Jesus feeding the 5,000 to name one more!

Why is this? Perhaps because food is such a daily thing and basic human need, as well as being something that brings satisfaction and delight. God created food, He created taste, He created the sensation of joy we have in relishing a fantastic meal. But God wants to satisfy us even beyond the ways we are satisfied with “tasty” food and drink. And He wants to be a daily, hourly, moment-by-moment part of our lives (the way food often is!). How often do we run after things to satiate us that are “less than?” Do we allow God to reach in and satisfy the longings of our hearts? Do we believe He can do that sufficiently? This passage in Isaiah is beautiful:

“Come, all you who are thirsty, come to the waters; and you who have no money, come, buy and eat!

Come, buy wine and milk without money and without cost.

Why spend money on what is not bread, and your labor on what does not satisfy?

Listen, listen to me, and eat what is good, and you will delight in the richest of fare.

Give ear and come to me; listen, that you may live.

Isaiah 55:1-3

He is not just talking about providing basic needs, He is promising to lavish you with enjoyment and deep delight through His gifts of grace, mercy, love, and joy! Meditate on these verses and allow the Lord to show you the ways He wants to delight and fulfill you. As you look at the world around in you, ask him to reveal himself in the simple everyday things you see. When you seek him, you will find him! You will begin see him all around you and be reminded of his gracious presence throughout your day.

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