The Bread Of Life Is Our Answer
Monday, December 11
Luke 2:1-7 (NKJV)
”And it came to pass in those days that a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be registered. This census first took place while Quirinius was governing Syria. Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and lineage of David, So it was, that while they were there, the days were completed for her to be delivered. And she brought forth her firstborn Son, and wrapped Him in swaddling cloths, and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.“
Devotion
Jesus would be the answer to Israel's long lifted-up prayers for a Messiah, but he would also be the answer so many didn't recognize because he didn't show up like they expected. Jesus was not an earthly king who came to give temporary victory through battle. He came to bring everlasting victory by becoming the eternal King who died on the cross to save his people. And Jesus was not a king born into a palace. No, our Savior had much humbler beginnings.
Not only would Jesus being born in Bethlehem fulfill Old Testament prophecy, (Micah 5:2) the very name of this tiny town is quite literally a prophetic declaration. Bethlehem means "house of bread." Don't miss the significance here: The house of bread was where the Bread of life was born.
This is what Jesus calls himself later in Scripture, our Bread of Life. (John 6:35) It's also part of what Jesus teaches us to pray for in Matthew 6, daily bread.
Let us ask him to help us keep our eyes open to his answers that are right in front of us this Christmas Season. And let us give thanks even if they don't look like we thought they would. Because if we have Jesus today, we're already living in answered prayer and perfect provision.
Today’s Prayer
Dear Heavenly Father,
I thank You for Jesus, the bread of life, the bread from heaven, the Word of God. I pray that You would give us this day our daily bread. Give us Jesus. Let us feed on Your Word. Let us feed on the body of Jesus. Let us not live by bread alone, but by every Word that proceeds from the mouth of God. Speak Your Word and help living water flow in us and through us according to Your promise. In the name of Jesus, I pray. Amen
Apply It Today
If you are anticipating a get-together with family or friends over the holidays, consider planning a group reading of Luke chapter 2. It could be before a meal, before opening gifts, over breakfast or dessert, etc. Share what you have learned about the meaning of Bethlehem, and thank the Lord Jesus for daily bread and especially for the Bread of Life. Ask Jesus to give you this bread that satisfies the soul.
Resources
- Learn more from Sunday’s message, “The Stable And The Table”, and be encouraged to celebrate this season with the right perspective.
- Read John 6:22-40, and ask yourself whether you follow Jesus so he can supply the natural bread of this world, or because you want to be filled with the true Bread of Life that truly satisfies.