The Jesus Bible Reading PlanSample

TRUE SATISFACTION FOR HUNGER AND THIRST

As Israel wandered through the wilderness, they were humbled and tested by God in order to reveal the true condition of their hearts, especially whether or not they trusted the Lord’s promise when provisions were lacking and they grew hungry. God saw their need and responded to it, using the occasion to refine his people’s faith in him yet again. His proclamation reminded them that life is not supported by physical sustenance alone — people require more than bread and water to live and thrive on earth. In this incident, God taught the Israelites that their spiritual life was sustained in the same way their physical bodies were sustained: with daily faith.

During his temptation in the wilderness Jesus referenced this verse when Satan enticed him to “tell these stones to become bread” to prove himself to be the Son of God (Mt 4:3). But Jesus trusted that God would supply all that he needed physically, spiritually, emotionally and otherwise. Also, by drawing upon this text, Jesus linked himself to the Lord God of Israel and strengthened his self-identification as the living bread of heaven (Jn 6:33 – 51). By contrasting himself with the manna given to Israel, which only met temporary physical needs, he revealed the superiority of the eternal nourishment found in him as opposed to physical sustenance alone.

Jesus, help me to trust in you alone for my needs: physical, spiritual and emotional. Thank you for your faithfulness. Amen.