When Jesus walked on earth, He made many bold claims about Himself. One of the most striking of these claims is when He said, “I am the bread of life” (John 6:35).
This statement has puzzled and intrigued believers and non-believers alike for centuries. What does Jesus mean when He says that He is the bread of life?
At its core, bread is a staple food that sustains life. It provides nourishment for our bodies and gives us the energy we need to function throughout the day. In the same way, Jesus offers spiritual sustenance that nourishes our souls and gives us the strength to live out our faith every day.
Jesus goes on to say in John 6:51, “I am the living bread that came down from heaven. Whoever eats this bread will live forever.”
This statement emphasizes that Jesus’ life-giving power comes from above and is not of this world. By partaking in Him and His teachings, we can receive eternal life.
Furthermore, in the Old Testament, manna was provided by God to feed His people during their journey through the wilderness (Exodus 16:4). Manna was a miraculous provision from God that sustained His people’s physical needs. Similarly, Jesus provides spiritual manna that sustains our spiritual needs.
When we accept Jesus as our Lord and Savior, we are invited to partake in His body and blood through communion or the Lord’s Supper (1 Corinthians 11:23-26). This act symbolizes our acceptance of Christ’s sacrifice on the cross for our sins and our commitment to follow Him.
In addition to providing nourishment for our souls, Jesus also satisfies us spiritually in a way that nothing else can (John 6:35). Many people try to find fulfillment in material possessions or worldly pursuits but ultimately find themselves feeling empty. Only Jesus can fully satisfy us because He is the source of all life and goodness.
In conclusion, when Jesus says that He is the bread of life, He is saying that He is the source of spiritual sustenance that nourishes our souls and gives us eternal life. By partaking in Him and His teachings, we can find fulfillment and satisfaction that goes beyond anything this world has to offer. Let us come to Jesus and feast on His word so that we may experience the fullness of life that He offers.