The Day He Took My Lunch

OCT 9  / Sunday – Read  John 6:1-14

Overview: Jesus takes a boy’s simple lunch of fish and bread and turns it into an all-you-can-eat affair for a huge crowd.

10 / Mon – Hungry people  |  Read John 6:1-14

Some people think God is only interested in the big issues of life. Jesus shows us that God cares about everyday needs too. Like food. In this story, the crowd was large and Jesus’ teaching went well past lunchtime. People had ‘feasted’ on his words but now their bellies were empty. You know what happened next. Ever heard God say to you ‘feed these people’ but you had little or nothing to share? If so, what happened? And if not, notice verse 5-6. You don’t do this alone.

11 / Tue – Always sufficient  |  Read 1 Kings 17:1-16

What happens when you are the hungry person with nothing to eat? That is where Elijah found himself during the 3-year famine God brought on Israel. Contrast the two ways God provided for him. See how Elijah’s obedience brought a blessing on others as well. Does this help give you confidence that God will provide, regardless of what’s in your kitchen cupboard or your bank account? He is very creative when it comes to solving problems.

12 / Wed – The real reason  |  Read Luke 12:16-21

This man was a success by most standards. He had worked hard and stored all he would need for many years to come so he could sit back and indulge himself. Do you think that is why God had prospered him? Is there an area of your life where God has blessed you, with finances or specific skills or extra time (think retirement). Maybe you love to bake or can do plumbing or electrical work or fix cars. Whatever it is, consider how you could use it to make a difference for others.

13 / Thu – Eating with gratitude what God’s provided |  Read Luke 12:22-24 / Matthew 6:11

When God delivered his people from slavery in Egypt, he cared for them every step of that long 40 year trek. He provided water for them and their livestock. Their clothes and shoes never wore out. Every day they were given fresh bread from heaven. As often happens, the people took this food miracle for granted and started complaining it wasn’t good enough. How does giving thanks at every meal guard you from ingratitude and keep you aware of God’s everyday blessings?

14 / Fri – Proper digestion  |  Read 1 John 3:17-18 / John 6:35

As God has fed us, we are called to feed others. There are practical ways to do that in your own community. But there is another kind of food people also need, even those who seem wealthy in your eyes. Jesus is the bread of life. His words can be ‘eaten’ to give your soul strength. Reading them is ‘eating’ but they are only lasting when they are digested. How do you do that? After reading a bite, pause to consider its meaning, ask for understanding and then act on it.

15 / Sat – What?!  |  Read Matthew 25:34-40

It’s not just that you can help feed others but it is important how you do so. Some people look down on those who they consider to be poor and often pass by needs they see. Here Jesus gives his followers a different perspective. If it was Jesus in front of you right now, hungry and in need, would you look the other way? This might be a good way to focus on those Jesus puts in your path every day. Will you decide to be watchful and see people the way he does?