Jesus claimed to be the bread of God and bread of life. In Luke 16:19-30, Jesus described what eternity is like without God. The man in Hades wanted water to cool his tongue. He experienced eternal deprivation. If only he had listened to Jesus, but it was too late.
Jesus told the crowds, “This is the will of Him who sent Me, that everyone who sees the Son and believes in Him may have everlasting life; and I will raise him up at the last day.” “Most assuredly, I say to you, he who believes in Me has everlasting life. I am the bread of life.” [2]
Jesus is life-giving bread because He gives His Holy Spirt and God’s Words to His followers. He explained, “It is the Spirit who gives life; the flesh profits nothing. The words that I speak to you are Spirit, and they are life.” [3]
As Jesus emphasized that He was the only way to God and to eternal life, many disciples forsook Him. They were not willing to believe that God made only one way to Himself, and that the way was through His Son Jesus Christ. Some remained faithful...
“From that time many of His disciples went back and walked with Him no more. Then Jesus said to the twelve, ‘Do you also want to go away?’ But Simon Peter answered Him, ‘Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life. Also, we have come to believe and know that You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.’” [4]
Friend, I cannot emphasize enough the absolute importance of believing in Christ alone for salvation. Be His disciple! Listen to Him. Love Him! Ask Him for spiritual discernment. Have a personal and ongoing relationship with Christ. Be willing to suffer the loss of all things and die for Him. Eternity is a long time.
Jesus was nailed to a cross. So, was the thief next to Him. People were jeering and insulting Jesus. Jesus prayed, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they do.” [5] A prayer for divine forgiveness that we all need. The crucified thief died a horrific death, so did Jesus, but despite the circumstances, the thief knew by God’s Holy Spirit that Jesus was Messiah. He said to Jesus, “Lord, remember me when You come into Your kingdom.” And Jesus said to him, “Assuredly, I say to you, today you will be with Me in Paradise.” [6]
[1] John 6:33, 35
[2] John 6:40, 47-48
[3] John 6:63
[4] John 6:66-69
[5] Luke 23:34
[6] Luke 23:42-43
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