The second time Jesus takes bread into His hands, blesses it, breaks it, and gives it is at the Last Supper. The occasion is Passover, the feast which commemorates God’s rescue of Israel from Egypt and God’s judgment of evil. Passover is when God dealt with sin and evil. God delivered His people by providing a covering of blood over their sins. It is the perfect setting in which to talk about what Jesus does with our own brokenness. Jesus takes the brokenness of our sin, removes our guilt and shame, and gives us peace. In the face of the brokenness of the world, we want to be spared pain and suffering, hoping God will prevent it. But rather than prevention, God chooses to major in in redemption. What God blesses, He redeems. Through Him, even the broken become blessed. 

 

Day 1        Luke 22:14-19 

Reflect:  What is significant about what Jesus said in verse 15? How does He connect suffering and brokenness? What are the similarities and differences between how and why Jesus experienced these two things and how and why we experience them?

Apply:    Reflect on “Bread that is not broken cannot be shared.” Any new insights?

Pray:      Father, work my weaknesses, losses and brokenness for good, according to Your purpose. I can endure suffering and sacrifice as long as You do not leave or forsake me. And You promise You never will. 

 

Day 2       Hebrews 9:13-15

Reflect: Why was Jesus “broken” for us? What is conscience and what does it do? Why do you think that word was used here?  

Apply:    Brokenness can refer to our own failure. In verse 14, phrases used to describe brokeness are sinful deeds, acts that lead to death, and dead works. From what do you need to be redeemed?  

Pray:     Lord, I have fallen so short of Your perfect standard. Thank You that the blood of Jesus cleanses and keeps cleansing me from all my sin. Day by day, may I be washed with the Word so that I become more and more like Jesus.     

                                                                

Day 3      John 11:17-37

Reflect: Through this situation, what was Jesus teaching the people? What lies would the people hear from the enemy? What truths do we learn about God? 

Apply:   Why do you think Jesus lets us experience brokenness instead of preventing it? How have you experienced Him doing so? How did He redeem your situation?

Pray:    God, You alone can redeem what the enemy has stolen and the havoc of pain and sin. Thank You for the beauty that’s possible because of Your love and grace! 

 

Day 4     Psalm 34:15-22

Reflect: To whom does the Lord give His attention and why? How does this text put our brokenness and suffering in right perspective? How does the Lord comfort the brokenhearted?   

Apply:   Who do you know who needs to hear these words? How might you share them? What words do you need to receive, believe, and commit to heart?

Pray:     Lord, I choose to believe things that hurt us reveal Your strength is in our weakness. Let my broken heart remind me that You are a God Who not only sees and saves, but comforts and provides for all who are called by Your name.

 

Day 5     Isaiah 61:1-3   

Reflect: What does this text say about God? About ourselves? About our relationship with Him? 

Apply:   How have you experienced this passage? What does Jesus want to trade with you—

your ____ for His ____? Right now, ask Him to do that for you!

Pray:      Jesus, thank You for giving me the strength to shake off the past and move forward. My rags are traded in for the garment of praise. 

 

Put It into Practice!

Week 3:  Ask the Holy Spirit to help you identify the brokenness in your spiritual life. What hurt or trauma from the past are you still dealing with? What false identity or beliefs about yourself are still impacting you? With what sin are you still struggling? Ask the Spirit to speak truth to you and to lead you to the next step for overcoming these holds on you. 

 Consider taking the Break Free Workshop this fall. See the events page on the church website for more details.