8.8.2024
This past week’s sermon, we listened to Jesus’ declaration, “I am the bread of life.” After witnessing the miraculous feeding of the five thousand, the crowd was captivated by the spectacle but missed the deeper spiritual significance.
Just as we might chase after worldly pleasures or achievements to fill a void, these people sought to satisfy their souls with more miracles. Jesus, however, offered something far more substantial: Himself. He is the ultimate source of life and fulfillment.
To receive this Bread of Life, we must have faith in Jesus, the Christ, and a commitment to follow Him. When we partake in the Sacrament of Holy Communion, we remember his sacrifice and renew our covenant with him.
At the Olympic Opening Ceremony, there was a lot of backlash and chatter about just how offensive the scene of the perceived Leonardo da Vinci’s “The Last Supper” was to Christians—only to be confused with another supposed scene from Greek mythology. The artist claims that it was not his intent to mock any religion; instead, he “wanted to include everyone…” Isn’t that what Jesus would do, invite everyone to the table, making us all feel included and valued?
As my doctoral mentor, Leonard Sweet, had written, “The stage has a purpose, but the table sets the stage. If we invested as much energy setting the table as we do setting the stage, the church would be a wellspring of revival. The table represents who we truly are; the stage is who we want others to perceive us. The table embodies authenticity; the stage reflects appearance. Jesus dedicated His ministry to setting the table, not just performing on stage. Can we prioritize authenticity and gather around the table as much as gather for and spotlight the stage?” Indeed, the only thing that should be offensive to Christians are those among us who come to the table and partake of the body and blood of Christ without repentance and, after partaking in the Sacrament of Holy Communion, go about their sinful ways without transformation.
1 Corinthians 11:27-28
27 So then, whoever eats the bread or drinks the cup of the Lord in an unworthy manner will be guilty of sinning against the body and blood of the Lord. 28 Examine yourselves, and only then eat of the bread and drink of the cup.
May we prioritize the eternal over the temporal, seeking nourishment from the One who can truly satisfy our hearts and souls.
In Christ!
Pastor Sela
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