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The term “bread” is used 294 times in the scriptures. The first time “bread” is used is in Genesis 3:19 when God is describing the hardness of life, working for bread, and that humanity would turn back to dust instead of living forever.
In this lesson of The Family Bible Journaling Project, the term “bread” is explored. Keep this question in mind: How does the Lord use this metaphor to explain the gospel throughout the Old and New Testaments?
If you are new to this Bible Lesson Series, be sure to read the introduction to answer any questions you might have. Because this is a family activity, gather in an area which allows for you to “circle up” and see each other. We sat at the kitchen table.
Be sure to pray as a group before beginning.
Materials: 2-3 types of bread, including a type of flat, unleavened, bread
Background: (for older children or adults) God uses reality to create life picture lessons for us. In Exodus, the reality was that the people had little to no food. Moses had been given instructions to create a tabernacle that would have bread continually offered to the Lord. And the Lord provided manna for the people: Bread from Heaven. The Israelites were given manna every day, except the Sabbath, until they entered the promised land.
Then in Deuteronomy 8:3 God explains the picture: He humbled you and let you be hungry, and fed you with manna which you did not know, nor did your fathers know, that He might make you understand that man does not live by bread alone, but man lives by everything that proceeds out of the mouth of the Lord. (bold letters are mine)
Brainstorm: Place the types of bread in the center of the group. What does the bread look like? What is it made of? It it fluffy or flat? How is it made? Why do we need bread? Allow for discussion.
Scripture: Read John 6: 5-14 and 26-35. (For older children read 5-58.)
Think: What happened to the bread when Jesus received it? Was there “just enough” bread? What did Jesus call himself? How come?
Journal: Take 10-15 minutes of quiet time to write out thoughts. Younger children can draw pictures, while older children can write and doodle. Allow for an atmosphere of prayer. When younger children are finished, ask them to tell you about what they put in their journals. You might want to write down their thoughts.
Our Examples of Bible Journaling:
Sweet Cheeks drew the bread and the wine. She automatically made that connection!
RB is my more practical, factual child. He made the connection between the bread temporarily filling up our bodies and Jesus eternally filling up our souls.
Take It Deeper: (for older children and adults) Read Luke 22:14-23 and 1 Corinthians 10:16-17. What do these scriptures add to your previous thoughts?
Lesson Tips: This is where you get to learn from my mistakes!
- Be sure to use a clean page in the journal. My kids colored on the back of a previous entry and the stickers caused pencil holes and the markers bled through.
- Have everyone try a piece of bread, especially if you have a different type!
I’d love to see examples of your journal entries! If you email your entries to me I’ll be sure to share them with others to encourage them in their own journaling activity! Everyone has different gifts and I know your journals will be brilliant!
Send your entry to [email protected].