Can We Talk?

Scripture – John 6:48-52: I am the bread of life. Your forefathers ate the manna in the desert, yet they died. But here is the bread that comes down from heaven, which a man may eat and not die. 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.” Then the Jews began to argue sharply among themselves, “How can this man give us his flesh to eat?”

Observation – (Write down what you see in the scripture.) Bread continues as a metaphor Jesus is using. I suspect people in the crowd are beginning to get a new sense of who He is – or at least who He says He is. He’s made a pretty natural transition from physical bread to spiritual bread. I find it interesting that the Jews ”began to argue sharply among themselves.” They were not arguing with Jesus. Were some of them getting it? (Remember Nicodemus in chapter three.) Jesus is beginning to effect transformation in personal belief and faith in God at ever wider, deeper levels. How do we handle such change? What leads me to resist?

Application – (Write how you will be different today because of what you have just read.) I will be open to the ideas of other people today. I will avoid arguing with them. I will look for dialogue.

Prayer – (Write out a brief prayer.) Lord, please give me a sensitive heart today as I speak with people. Open my ears to hear what they’re saying. Lead us to a meeting of meaning in our conversation. Thank you for your continuing transforming work in me and in the life and heart of Bethel.

An Invitation – If you’re interested in a face to face discussion about what we’ve been discovering in the Mini-Journal, join us at Tim Hortons (Dix and Northline in Southgate) today, 9:45 – 10:30am.