Lent begins not with strength, but with need.
In this first meditation of our Lenten series, I Am: A Lenten Journey with Jesus, we slow down with Jesus’s first I AM statement: “I am the bread of life.” These words come just after Jesus feeds the five thousand—a miracle that meets a very real physical hunger. But as the story unfolds, Jesus gently reveals something deeper: the people were satisfied in their bodies, yet still hungry in their souls.
In John 6, Jesus exposes the difference between temporary provision and true sustenance. The crowd wants more bread, more proof, another sign. But Jesus invites them—and us—to look beneath our surface needs and notice where our hearts are truly hungry.
This guided Scripture meditation invites you to begin Lent honestly, naming places of physical, emotional, or spiritual need. Through several slow readings of John 6:32–35, you will be guided to listen, reflect, respond, and rest—opening your hands to receive Jesus as your true provision.
Lent does not begin with having it all together. It begins with coming to Jesus in our hunger and allowing Him to meet us there.
Download your FREE Companion Journal Here
I AM: A Lenten Journey with Jesus
This journal includes:
• Each week’s Scripture passage
• Reflection prompts from the meditations
• Space to journal, pray, and notice what God is revealing
Here are some additional helpful links:
Learn more about Jodie:
http://www.jodieniznik.com
Follow on Instagram:
@jodieniznik
Follow on Facebook:
@JodieGNiznik
Join the Monday email newsletter for new meditations, HERE
Explore other faith-centered podcasts from LifeAudio:
https://www.lifeaudio.com
Throughout Lent, a brief guided prayer will be released each Wednesday to help you pause midweek and prayerfully reset your focus on Jesus.
Today’s Scripture
John 6:32–35 (NLT)
32 Jesus said, “I tell you the truth, Moses didn’t give you bread from heaven. My Father did. And now he offers you the true bread from heaven.
33 The true bread of God is the one who comes down from heaven and gives life to the world.”
34 “Sir,” they said, “give us that bread every day.”
35 Jesus replied, “I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never be hungry again. Whoever believes in me will never be thirsty.”
If you are helped by these meditations, consider sharing them with a friend or leaving a review. Simple acts like these help create space for more people to slow down and listen.
Thank you for joining me on So Much More.
We really do believe Jesus has so much more to say to us—and this is one way we are creating space to listen.
Learn more about Every Woman’s Bible today by visiting:

I Am the Bread of Life | Midweek Prayer (John 6:32–36)
06:17

Rest in the Shadow of the Almighty | Psalm 91 Meditation
17:29

Moving from Weariness to Strength | Meditation on Isaiah 40:28-31
16:53