The Bread of Life - Pastor Johnny Marten

Life is filled with many good things, but it’s easy to become weighed down by burdens that aren’t ours to carry. Sometimes, out of love or a sense of responsibility, we take on the struggles of others—whether it’s doing too much for our children, stepping in for someone who won’t take responsibility, or trying to fight someone else’s battles. Yet, we are reminded that only God can truly change hearts, and we must be careful not to assume a role that belongs to Him alone. Self-examination is crucial: we need to regularly ask ourselves if we’re carrying unnecessary guilt or burdens, and then bring those to God, casting our anxieties on Him because He cares for us.

But it’s not enough to simply empty our hearts of these burdens. If we leave our hearts empty, we risk falling back into old patterns or even worse ones. Jesus teaches that after cleaning out what doesn’t belong, we must fill our hearts with what is good and lasting—specifically, with the Word of God and obedience to it. Hearing God’s Word is not enough; transformation comes when we apply it, allowing it to shape our lives and decisions.

Jesus declares, “I am the bread of life.” Just as God provided manna for the Israelites in the wilderness, Jesus offers Himself as spiritual nourishment for our souls. This bread is not just for survival, but for abundant, eternal life. We receive this bread by faith—believing in the One whom God has sent—and by immersing ourselves in His Word, which is alive and active. Fellowship with other believers, sharing in communion, and encouraging one another are also ways we partake in this bread of life, nourishing our spirits together.

As we remember Christ’s sacrifice through communion, we are called to self-examination—not to see if we are perfect, but to remember that our worthiness comes from Jesus alone. Communion is a time to recall that without Him, we are lost, but through His broken body and shed blood, we are reconciled to God. This is not a celebration of our own goodness, but a remembrance of His grace and a proclamation of His death until He comes again.