Crumbled Bread
Have you ever been really hungry?
I know I have and when I finally get to eat, it’s not pretty. I eat anything and everything I can, mixing stuff together and taking whatever is in front of me. Have you done this too?
The truth is, when we feel famished, it’s hard to have control on what we’re eating because in a way, our stomachs are desperate for nourishment. Have you noticed how hunger can dictate what we do, where we go and what we buy? This is a big deal in our lives and when we hit the breaking point, it’s easy to go all in on whatever we see.
But this blog post isn’t about our eating habits. It’s about our hunger for God!
Have you ever been really hungry for God?
If so, you know it’s like a fire that burns within you as you reach for more of Jesus. This is hard to explain because, it’s from the inside out and it changes us forever. It’s almost like our focus is razor sharp not on what we see, but on Him through faith. This of course, goes against the current culture because our senses are heightened by what we can tangibly feel and grasp with our minds.
But God is different!
For now, we don’t see Him and we certainly can’t figure Him out with our mental ability. He is the greatest and when we’ve been touched by His love, it does something to us, that nothing else can do.
This is what a gentile mother knew in the gospel of Matthew.
She was so hungry for God that she overcame offended, rejected and pushed down by Jesus’ disciples. She stood her ground and refused to move. In fact, she kept worshiping Him knowing, all she needed was a piece of crumbled bread and everything would change.
“26. Jesus responded, “It isn’t right to take food from the children and throw it to the dogs.” 26. She replied, “That’s true, Lord, but even dogs are allowed to eat the scraps that fall beneath their masters’ table.” 28. “Dear woman,” Jesus said to her, “your faith is great. Your request is granted.” And her daughter was instantly healed.”
Matthew 15:26-28
Notice the tension of the ethnic and cultural dynamics of the Jews and gentiles. It was not pleasant and this exchange touched this topic. But, she stayed and worshiped and said, “even the dogs are allowed to eat the scraps that fall beneath the Masters’ table.”
To me, she was saying, if I can just get a crumble of bread, that’s all I need.
This was for her daughter being healed of torment and to have peace in their home. When I read the story, I can almost hear her desperation for her daughter and how she wouldn’t quit until she received it. She knew Jesus was the answer!
For Jesus, this moved Him to the point of Him not only healing her daughter but saying the mother had great faith. She realized that one crumbled piece of bread from Jesus, was enough for her miracle and she got it!
For us today, I encourage you to be hungry for God. Whatever we’re facing in this moment, just one crumbled piece of bread from heaven is enough to change not only our situation but our lives forever. Jesus can do anything and it’s important that we remember it daily. There’s nothing too hard for Him!
So I ask you, what are you hungry for today?
Whatever your answer is, I encourage you to let your greatest hunger be for Jesus.
This is where you and I receive the bread that gives eternal life, nourishes our soul, gives peace to our mind and heals our lives. It’s this bread that sustains us both now and for eternity.
Isn’t this what we want?
Of course! Because we all have eaten the stale bread of life that only leaves us empty and dry. But Jesus has more for us!
And the good news is, He’s giving this bread every single day.
You are accepted by Jesus, you are loved by Jesus and He is ready to nourish your soul on a daily basis. I encourage you, all you need, is a crumbled piece of bread from Jesus to have all you need.
I pray God does amazing things in your life and that He strengthens your heart in this moment.
God is with you and the best is yet to come!
PD