Advent Daily Devotional - Jesus, the Bread of Life

Then Jesus took the loaves, gave thanks to God, and distributed them to the people. Afterward he did the same with the fish. And they all ate as much as they wanted. After everyone was full, Jesus told his disciples, “Now gather the leftovers, so that nothing is wasted.” — John 6:11-12, New Living Translation

Today’s Reading:John 6

Listen to today's reading on her.BIBLE®

One day Jesus and his disciples traveled across the Sea of Galilee. A large crowd followed because they heard about the people Jesus had healed. The blind could see, and the lame could walk. Some wondered if He would perform another miracle. Others wanted to listen to Him teach.

As the crowds arrived, Jesus asked His disciples a question. “How will we feed all these people?” Jesus said this to test their faith. Would they believe He could meet this need?

Philip quickly said they couldn’t possibly buy enough food to feed everyone, and he pointed out there were no markets close enough. In the meantime, Andrew found a boy with a lunch containing five loaves and two fish. His lunch was small, but it was a start.

The hungry crowd of 5,000 men with their families sat down on the grass. Taking the food into His hands, Jesus, the Bread of Life, lifted the loaves and fish toward heaven in His outstretched arms.

After thanking His Father for providing the food, Jesus gave away loaf after loaf and fish after fish to everyone in the crowd. The food multiplied and everyone ate until they were full. When the meal ended, the disciples filled twelve baskets with leftovers.

Jesus had performed another miracle. The people were amazed, and they decided He must be a true prophet sent from God. They were ready to make Him their king. Instead, Jesus disappeared onto the mountain so He could be by Himself and pray.

Jesus wants to show you that you can trust Him to meet your needs the same way He met the needs of the hungry crowd and strengthened the faith of His disciples. He can turn your limited resources into His abundant provision.

Whatever your greatest need is, He can meet it and strengthen your faith. Bring your need to Him in prayer and trust Him to provide. When He brings people into your life who have needs, ask Him if He wants to use you to meet those needs even if you don’t think you have enough.

Thank God for the ways He has already met your needs. Plan to be generous.

If you don’t have what you need, see if there are resources God has placed near you. Andrew pointed Jesus to the boy with the five loaves and two fish even though they weren’t enough to feed the crowd.

Bring your five loaves and two fish, or whatever you do have, to Jesus. Alone, they may not be enough to solve your problem, but you can invite Jesus to meet your needs His way. Watch for the miracle that comes when He takes your little bit and turns it into His abundance. Allow Jesus, the Bread of Life, to satisfy your hunger.

What needs are you trying to meet with your own limited resources? How can you trust God to multiply what you have to offer and provide for your needs completely?

Think of the people in your life. Where might they need to experience God’s abundant provision? How can you trust God to use your limited resources to help meet that need and strengthen their faith?

Pray:

Thank You, Jesus, for working in my life and in the lives of people around me. Show me how You can use my limited resources to meet their needs. Thank You for the generous ways You provide. Cause me to trust You with my whole heart.

God is generous. Learn more about how you can be generous with your life and resources.

Looking Forward to Advent

Where do you look when your world feels like it's on shaky ground?

Advent Wallpapers

Download these free Advent wallpapers for your smartphone.

How to Turn Holiday Conversations Toward Jesus

Get some ideas to turn holiday conversations — from Christmas to New Year's Day — toward Jesus.