Jesus: Real Food!

The following is a preview of this summer’s curriculum, “Who Are You Jesus.” This is written by Karen Matthias-Long from the ELCA Outdoor Ministries Curriculum. Karen is an alumni staffer from Camp Mount Luther. Our theme on Day 1 is “I Am the Bread of Life.”

Mandy had everything she could want. Her family lived in a huge home in the suburbs. She never worried about where her next meal would come from. At the age of 13, Mandy had been to Disneyland several times and had even been to several countries abroad on family vacations. Birthdays brought all the presents she asked for. But, somehow, Mandy felt something was missing

J.T. lived in the city in a small apartment. His family was always struggling to make ends meet, it seemed.  Yet, television shows portrayed people having glamorous and wealthy lifestyles. To J.T. it appeared that these people were happy because they had so many things. Was the purpose of life to acquire as many things as possible? J.T. often felt that something was missing.

Then, one summer, J.T. and Mandy went to camp. They enjoyed the campfires, songs, new friendships, hikes, Bible studies, and other activities. They became aware or what had been missing in their lives: They had been hungry for Jesus’ love. Their time at camp helped them experience Jesus’ deep love for them. Knowing that Jesus loved them helped JT. and Mandy look at their lives differently when they were at home.

God’s Word: We need “spiritual food” as well as earthly food and material things. Jesus said, “I am the bread of file”. Read about it in John 6:22-40.

Think about it: We need food to live. We also need Jesus to live. How can you experience Jesus’ love for you? How can you help others to do so? What you can do: Set aside a time each day to get some spiritual “food”. Choose from any of the following or create your own ideas: Read the Bible, pray, sing, do a dance of praise, look for Jesus in the events that happen in your daily lite, keep a journal.