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August 11, 2024

Beneath It All

Christal Williams   |   Read John 6:41-51

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Lectionary Week
August 5–11, 2024
Scripture Overview

Our readings from Second Samuel invite you to look at the cries of King David as warrior, father, child of God, and king. These readings contrast with the life and call of Jesus as the bread of life, which comes down from heaven and is gifted to all. In the psalm, we will see both the faith and frailty of a psalmist who acknowledges the need to be heard, forgiven, and rescued by God. The reading from the letter to the Ephesians calls for unity and maturity in the body of Christ. This week’s reading will be bread not only for your soul but your life.

Questions and Suggestions for Reflection

Read 2 Samuel 18:5-9, 15, 31-33. Have you ever been afraid? Did that fear paralyze you? How does your relationship with God help anxiety to dissipate?
Read Psalm 130. When have you experienced God’s presence in times of despair?
Read Ephesians 4:25–5:2. What is the difference between unity and uniformity? Once accepting this relationship in the body of Christ, how vital will replacing old behaviors with new ones become?
Read John 6:35, 41-51. Have you ever had to make a declaration that seemed unpopular? What unpopular statements are you being called to make now?

Respond by posting a prayer .

John 6:41-51

41 The Jewish opposition grumbled about him because he said, “I am the bread that came down from heaven.” 42 They asked, “Isn’t this Jesus, Joseph’s son, whose mother and father we know? How can he now say, ‘I have come down from heaven’?” 43 Jesus responded, “Don’t grumble among yourselves. 44 No one can come to me unless they are drawn to me by the Father who sent me, and I will raise them up at the last day. 45 It is written in the Prophets, And they will all be taught by God. Everyone who has listened to the Father and learned from him comes to me. 46 No one has seen the Father except the one who is from God. He has seen the Father. 47 I assure you, whoever believes has eternal life. 48 I am the bread of life. 49 Your ancestors ate manna in the wilderness and they died. 50 This is the bread that comes down from heaven so that whoever eats from it will never die. 51 I am the living bread that came down from heaven. Whoever eats this bread will live forever, and the bread that I will give for the life of the world is my flesh.”

Unless otherwise indicated, scripture quotations are from the Common English Bible. Copyright © 2011 Common English Bible. Used by permission.

In the seventies, American families purchased “Wonder Bread,” the perfectly sliced loaf sealed in the white and multicolored plastic bag with the red twist tie. Known for its freshness, one loaf provided enough bread for sandwiches to feed a family for a week. We would often roll the tasty, gluten-filled...

Thank you, God, for the miracle of love and covenantal relationship with all of humanity. It feeds and nourishes us, just like a holy meal that offers us the bread and the cup. We want to be filled with you so that we can share your love with others. Amen.


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