Depending on the situation that you find yourself in, you may favor one interpretation over the other. We will take a close look at how each of these play out in our lives, and why Jesus emphasized a relationship with the Father more than the rules of the Old Testament.
Beginning our subtheme on the Fruit of the Spirit, Dr. Rueter talks about how we can love because Jesus first loved us.
Some religious leaders were concerned about Jesus' disciples' hand-washing practices. They were concerned that they weren't following the "rules" of ceremonial law. Jesus goes deeper into their concerns. It's not about external appearances, but your inner motivations-your "heart" that is the key. Where is your "heart" these days when it comes to something bigger than hand-washing...personal anxiety?
Faithful Elijah finds himself at the end of his rope. He's had just about enough of life and asks for it to end. My guess is that you can relate and have had "just about enough" of something or someone in your life. If you haven't, you probably will get there at some point. Our God meets us in the dark and lonely times of our lives with the hope that we might never see as possible.
Bread is a foundational food the world over. Yet, as essential as bread is Jesus reminds us that food perishes. In Jesus, we are invited to so much more. As the Bread of Life, Jesus promises us sustenance for eternity.
Have you ever ended up somewhere different than where you had planned? Maybe it was a different restaurant, a different movie, or a different vacation destination than you intended. Life happens, plans change, and we carry on. How we respond when things change can make a big impact on our days, relationships, and lives.