John 6 - Pass the Bread!

John 6 - NIV

John 6 - Enduring Word Commentary

Key Verse - John 6:35

"Then Jesus declared, “I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never go hungry, and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty."

Commentary

This is one of seven "I am" statements that Jesus made about himself in John's gospel. They not only reveal Jesus' divine nature, but also reveal the role he plays in our lives. Today, Jesus says, after feeding the the 5,000, "I am the bread of life." Although Jesus met a very important physical need when he fed the 5,000, they would get hungry again. But if they believed in Jesus, they would never be hungry again. 

Bread was a staple in Jesus' life and very symbolic in Israel's history, as when the Israelites wandered in the wildnerness, God provided daily manna for them. They were a sign of God's provision and also an affirmation of Moses' leadership.  A little earlier in this passage Jesus describes the unique nature of the bread He would provide, 

"For the bread of God is the bread that comes down from heaven and gives life to the world.” John 6:33

So it is no accident then when Jesus says two verses after this, "I am the bread of life". 

Here are some of the core meanings of the "bread of life" as it relates to Jesus for us. 

1. Just as bread gives us sustenance for living, Jesus is our sustenance for the spiritual life. John says, "If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit." They key nutrient for us as followers of Jesus, is abiding in him and getting our nourishment from him. 

2. Eternal Life - The bread of life Jesus gives us does not just sustain us in this life, but gives us eternal life. 

3. Satisfaction - I love good bread in any form. I.e. Bagels, Sour Dough, Muffins, French Bread. When I eat it, I feel satisfied. Especially with peanut butter. The bread that Jesus gives us offers us spiritual satisfaction in a way the world could never give us. 

4. Communion - The meaning of bread, and Jesus being the bread of life, ties in closely to when we receive Holy Communion through the elements of the bread and the wine. When we offer the bread to each person we say, "The body of Christ broken for you." The bread is a constant reminder that Jesus willingly sacrificed his body on the cross for us. 

Application

1. Are you feeding on Jesus, the bread of life?  Or, are you still feeding on what the world serves up? Although the world may taste good initially it will never satisfy your soul. 

2. As we approach Holy Week, how does Jesus body being nailed to the cross, remind us of the break we bread in Holy Communion?  

Whenever we "break bread" with someone we can pause to remember his body broken for us! 

This reminds me of one of my favorite hymns, "Let Us Break Bread Together"

Let us break bread together on our knees, (on our knees).

Let us break bread together on our knees, (on our knees).

When I fall on my knees with my face to the rising sun,

O Lord, have mercy on me. (on me)


Let us drink wine together on our knees, (on our knees).

Let us drink wine together on our knees, (on our knees).

When I fall on my knees with my face to the rising sun,

O Lord, have mercy on me. (on me)


Let us praise God together on our knees, (on our knees).

Let us praise God together on our knees, (on our knees).

When I fall on my knees with my face to the rising sun,

O Lord, have mercy on me. (on me)


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