He Who Shared My Bread

John 13:18 “I am not referring to all of you; I know those I have chosen. But this is to fulfill the scripture: ‘He who shares my bread has lifted up his heel against me.’

Continuing on with the theme of digging deep into the Word of God. I the John 13:18 verse, there is a reference to an earlier scripture verse ‘He who shares my bread has lifted his heel against me.’ That earlier verse comes from Psalm 41:9 Even my close friend, whom I trusted, he who shared my bread, has lifted up his heel against me. This link is found in a study Bible. This is another tool believers can use to explore the full meaning of God’s Word. One of the blessings the Disciples enjoyed was the opportunity to learn from Jesus as a group. The group learning has many  benefits. When we look back at our own group learning experiences we too have been exposed to question and answer sessions where we benefited from inquiries of others. Often new information is revealed we may never have thought to ask. When we look at the study of God’s Word in a group setting, this very same premise holds true. It is in these group settings we can more fully experience fellowship, exchange of ideas and concepts and explore the truth as found in the Word of God. The Word is the spiritual bread we all need and desire. The early church found that gathering together was a fundamental need to continue to exist and to grow.  Acts 2:41-44 gives insight into this fundamental worship concept. Acts 2:41-44 Those who accepted his message were baptized, and about three thousand were added to their number that day. They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. Everyone was filled with awe, and many wonders and miraculous signs were done by the apostles. All the believers were together and had everything in common.  

We develop deep bonds with those whom we break bread and study the Word. A fellowship that goes far beyond what one can experience in other group fellowship activities. There is a trust that permeates this environment because at the center of this kind of fellowship is found the Word of God. When we study in a solo environment we only know what we know. When we study as a group we know what the group as a whole knows. When this happens awe inspiring things can happen. Been there, seen that, have the t-shirt. Friends, join a Bible study group and experience the joy and wonder that the Lord has in store for you. And don’t forget to bring the bread.

PRAYER: Lord the blessings that flow from studying Your Word are endless. We find nuggets of wisdom more valuable than nuggets of gold. The truth our world desperately needs rests within Your Word. Help us to explore Your Word in a world that tells us to shun Your truth. Let Your words of love fill us. We ask this in the name of Jesus, our bread of life, Amen.