Jesus Christ, “The Bread of Life”
By Pastor Dan Kennedy
© March 1, 2020
Scripture Reading:
John 6:31–51
31 Our forefathers ate the manna in the desert; as it is written: ‘He gave them bread from heaven to eat.’” 32 Jesus said to them, “I tell you the truth, it is not Moses who has given you the bread from heaven, but it is my Father who gives you the true bread from heaven. 33 For the bread of God is he who comes down from heaven and gives life to the world.” 34 “Sir,” they said, “from now on give us this bread.” 35 Then Jesus declared, “I am the bread of life. He who comes to me will never go hungry, and he who believes in me will never be thirsty. 36 But as I told you, you have seen me and still you do not believe. 37 All that the Father gives me will come to me, and whoever comes to me I will never drive away. 38 For I have come down from heaven not to do my will but to do the will of him who sent me. 39 And this is the will of him who sent me, that I shall lose none of all that he has given me, but raise them up at the last day. 40 For my Father’s will is that everyone who looks to the Son and believes in him shall have eternal life, and I will raise him up at the last day.” 41 At this the Jews began to grumble about him because he said, “I am the bread that came down from heaven.” 42 They said, “Is this not Jesus, the son of Joseph, whose father and mother we know? How can he now say, ‘I came down from heaven’?” 43 “Stop grumbling among yourselves,” Jesus answered. 44 “No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws him, and I will raise him up at the last day. 45 It is written in the Prophets: ‘They will all be taught by God.’ Everyone who listens to the Father and learns from him comes to me. 46 No one has seen the Father except the one who is from God; only he has seen the Father. 47 I tell you the truth, he who believes has everlasting life. 48 I am the bread of life. 49 Your forefathers ate the manna in the desert, yet they died. 50 But here is the bread that comes down from heaven, which a man may eat and not die. 51 I am the living bread that came down from heaven. If anyone eats of this bread, he will live forever. This bread is my flesh, which I will give for the life of the world.”
In considering Jesus Christ as the Bread of Life today we are deliberating about some of life’s greatest mysteries, concrete conclusions and ultimate outcomes.
Outward Goals
Observable Realities
Order and Purpose
Obtainable Future
Do you remember the three aspects of water that were compared to “Living Water” – two weeks ago?
· Hydration
· Metabolism
· Temperature
How do Aspects of Water relate to “Bread”?
The body’s need of “bread” is that of nutrition and daily nourishment. In our body, the metabolism that “bread” gives us can only be obtained with the solvency, circulation and replenishing that is given with our intake of water (and saliva[1]). These together bring a vast percentage of nutrition, energy, growth and wellbeing to our physical life.
“Bread” + Water (99.5%) (with enzymes, etc. .5%) = Hydration and Metabolism
How does Water and Bread relate to Spiritual Life?
As there are diversities and brilliance associated with the word “Light”:
· The Brilliance of a Glorious Day
· The Excellence of an Exceptional Thought
· The Resolution to a Gnarly Problem
· The Rescue from a Troubling Adversity
· The Stimulating Conversation with a Trusted Friend
· The Revelation of a Profound Reality
· The Intricate Beauty of a Delicate Flower
· The Continuing Awe surrounding all of God’s Creations
· The Incomparable Wonder of the Magnificent Universe
So “Water” and “Bread” have clear associations with Spiritual Life.
“The Water of Life,” refers directly to the Holy Spirit
John 7:37–39
37 On the last day of the feast, the great day, Jesus stood up and cried out, “If anyone thirsts, let him come to me and drink. 38 Whoever believes in me, as the Scripture has said, ‘Out of his heart will flow rivers of living water.’ ” 39 Now this he said about the Spirit, whom those who believed in him were to receive, for as yet the Spirit had not been given, because Jesus was not yet glorified.
The “Bread of Life” also refers to Jesus Christ who is “The Word of God.”
John 6:46-48
46 No one has seen the Father except the one who is from God; only he has seen the Father. 47 I tell you the truth, he who believes has everlasting life. 48 I am the bread of life.
How can the Christian continue to feed his or her spirit and soul, to strengthen their daily Spiritual life?
Living a life that accomplishes God’s Purposes could come down to these three things:
· Bread (metabolism): What is my daily spiritual nourishment?
· Water (hydration): With what am I satisfying my daily thirst?
· Temperature: When I get sick, do I realize what is making my temperature notify me that something is wrong. Do I need to repent before God, forgive another, or stop doing or “eating” what is dragging me down and making me ill? What can I do to draw me closer to God?
“Our Daily Bread”
To fulfill the purposes for which God has made me, I need:
· Spiritual Understanding and Knowledge
· Spiritual Stability and Wisdom
· Spiritual Endurance and Maturity
· Spiritual Life to Others
o The Lord is my Salvation…my “Sun” and “Shield” (Ps. 20:5; 84:11)
God created “bread” – food to fulfill the physical cravings of the human body.
· All nutritious food can be generically referred to as “Bread”.
“Let us ‘break bread’ together.”
Genesis 3:19 –
19 By the sweat of your face you shall eat bread [food/3899 לֶחֶם [lechem], “bread” 237 times, “food” 21 times[2]], till you return to the ground, for out of it you were taken; for you are dust, and to dust you shall return.”
Psalm 37:25
25 I have been young, and now am old, yet I have not seen the righteous forsaken or his children begging for bread.
Psalm 78:25
25 Man ate of the bread of the angels; he sent them food in abundance.
Matthew 6:11
11 Give us this day our daily bread…
Everyone experiences substantial craving for spiritual food and resource.
Remembering that Satan is the god of this world – there are many forms of spiritual worship in the world today. From baseball and basketball stars having their “lucky charms,” to children mimicking super heroes (who are portrayed many blockbuster movies), to spiritistic major religions in every country of the world, in every generation – even atheists worshipping themselves, there is a great spiritual hunger in the heart of every person who has ever lived.
· God has put “eternity” in everyone’s heart. (Ecc. 3:11)
The profound creation around everyone (including our own person) cries out for knowledge of how everything came to exist!
Romans 1:20
20 For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities—His eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that people are without excuse.
God gave us His Son, Jesus, to fulfill the spiritual cravings of our spiritual being.
· Nothing can fulfill that except a Supernatural Bread…a “Bread from Heaven”
What can I believe that is actually true?
How can I avoid living the life of a fool and suffering the consequences?
If I don’t believe in God who am I? (read: Ps. 14:1)
Observable Realities Order and Purpose
How can I protect myself from believing that which is a cover-up and lie?
How can I grasp that which is spiritually fulfilling now and is also eternal?
I can:
· Accept information that is valid and truthful. [Based on God’s Word]
· Observe and believe reality for what it is, not for what some philosophies tell me reality is.
o The profoundness of my personal creation:
My human body, soul, and spirit;
The astounding creation all around us;
The fantastic Universe.
· Observe those who are swallowed up in lifestyles that are destructive.
o Are there those in “the Church” who live damaging and deceitful lifestyles? Certainly. Don’t follow them.
· Realize that pursuing the same goals and lifestyles of fools will have the same outcomes.
· Understand the reality of guilt and sin is and how it must be dealt with.
· Determine to discover the spiritual truth that has meaning and purpose now, with eternal benefit forever.
· If I fall down in my pursuit of Godly reality, I will get up and continue to pursue my Creator’s truth, by God’s Grace and Power.
This passage on “Jesus Christ the Bread of Life” follows Jesus feeding the 5,000 with five loaves and two fish.
When we speak of “Bread” the word can include at least three avenues of meaning.
· Literal “Bread” can be kneaded from various types of flour into food to satisfy our hunger, and to provide energy, sustenance and growth for our physical body.
· “Bread” can be a spiritual term to explain spiritual sustenance given by God to our spirit and souls, through God’s Word, the Bible; the Holy Spirit, and sound spiritual teaching.
What are the ingredients of “Bread”?
A Basic Bread Recipe includes relatively few ingredients. What are the two main ingredients in Bread?
· Flour (wheat, rye, corn, bean, cassava…)
· Water
What can be other ingredients in a Basic Bread Recipe?
· Salt
· Yeast
· Oil
· etc.
If we were to apply those same ingredients to Spiritual Bread what would they be?
· Flour – God’s Word
· Water – God’s Holy Spirit’s Presence
What are the other ingredients in a Basic Bread Recipe?
· Salt – Our presence in the world
· Yeast – Our witness in the world
· Oil – The Holy Spirit’s Work
Two types of physical “Bread” used in the Bible:
· Bread with yeast: “Bread”
· Bread without yeast: “Unleavened Bread” - Matzah
God involves His Children in the process of Bread-making, as He did in His Provision of His Own Dear Son
Kneading & Baking
In making Bread, what part does the stretching, pulling and pounding called “kneading” do to the ingrediencies of bread?
· Kneading works moisture and strength into the flour and other ingredients adding a delightful texture. If bread dough is not kneaded enough, it will not be able to hold the tiny pockets of gas (CO2) created by the leavening agent (such as yeast or baking powder), and will collapse, leaving a heavy and dense loaf.[3]
· Spiritual and Practical Kneading in Life: Life’s ups and downs, pulling and shoving, pressures and pain, temptations and turmoil, testing and triumph.
The Process of becoming “Eatable”: Heat and Fire
Trials and Suffering in the life of the believer. (James 1:2; 12-14; 2 Tim. 3:12; 1 Peter 4:12-13; 2 Peter 2:4-10)
The Miracle involving Hunger, 5,000 followers and 5 Loaves and 2 Fish
John 6:9
9 “Here is a boy with five small barley loaves and two small fish, but how far will they go among so many?”
Miracle Seekers and Food Followers
Jesus refers to himself as the “bread of life” (John 6:35), the “true bread from heaven” (v. 32) which is the spiritual food (cf. Matt. 4:4 par. Luke 4:4; quoting Deut. 8:3) that provides eternal sustenance (John 6:48–51). This symbolism becomes a vital part of the Last Supper observance (Matt. 26:26 par. Mark 14:22; Luke 22:19; cf. v. 15).[4]
The Kingdom of Heaven and Leaven
Matthew 13:33
33 He told them another parable. “The kingdom of heaven is like leaven that a woman took and hid in three measures of flour, till it was all leavened.”
Jesus’ Discussion about Bread
John 6:31–51
Manna in the Desert
31 Our forefathers ate the manna in the desert; as it is written: ‘He gave them bread from heaven to eat.’”
Jesus’ Father, not Moses gave the Manna
32 Jesus said to them, “I tell you the truth, it is not Moses who has given you the bread from heaven,
Jesus’ Father is the One who is Now Giving the True Bread from Heaven
but it is my Father who gives you the true bread from heaven.
This Bread Gives Life to the World
33 For the bread of God is he who comes down from heaven and gives life to the world.” 34 “Sir,” they said, “from now on give us this bread.”
Jesus’ Declaration that He is the Bread of Life
35 Then Jesus declared, “I am the bread of life. He who comes to Me will never go hungry, and he who believes in Me will never be thirsty.
Unbelief is Visible
36 But as I told you, you have seen Me and still you do not believe.
The Choosing and those Coming
37 All that the Father gives Me will come to Me, and whoever comes to Me I will never drive away. 38 For I have come down from heaven not to do My will but to do the will of Him who sent Me.
No Loss for those Given by the Father
39 And this is the will of Him who sent Me, that I shall lose none of all that He has given Me, but raise them up at the last day.
Those who look to the Son in Belief will have Eternal Life
40 For my Father’s will is that everyone who looks to the Son and believes in Him shall have eternal life, and I will raise him up at the last day.”
The Naysayers and Grumblers – “We know this Person.”
41 At this the Jews began to grumble about him because he said, “I am the bread that came down from heaven.” 42They said, “Is this not Jesus, the son of Joseph, whose father and mother we know? How can he now say, ‘I came down from heaven’?”
Jesus’ Response – only those Drawn will Come
43 “Stop grumbling among yourselves,” Jesus answered. 44 “No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws him, and I will raise him up at the last day. 45 It is written in the Prophets: ‘They will all be taught by God.’ Everyone who listens to the Father and learns from him comes to me. 46 No one has seen the Father except the one who is from God; only he has seen the Father.
John 6:47 I tell you the truth, he who believes has everlasting life.
Jesus is the Bread of Life
48 I am the bread of life. 49 Your forefathers ate the manna in the desert, yet they died. 50 But here is the bread that comes down from heaven, which a man may eat and not die. 51 I am the living bread that came down from heaven. If anyone eats of this bread, he will live forever. This bread is my flesh, which I will give for the life of the world.”
The Last Supper
Matthew 26:26–27
26 While they were eating, Jesus took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to his disciples, saying, “Take and eat; this is my body.” 27 Then he took the cup, gave thanks and offered it to them, saying, “Drink from it, all of you.
The End-result of lack of healthy metabolism is death.
Physically and Spiritually
The End-result of partaking, by faith, of Christ, the Bread of Life, is Eternal Life!
John 6:47 I tell you the truth, he who believes has everlasting life.
Jesus is the Bread of Life
48 I am the bread of life. 49 Your forefathers ate the manna in the desert, yet they died. 50 But here is the bread that comes down from heaven, which a man may eat and not die. 51 I am the living bread that came down from heaven. If anyone eats of this bread, he will live forever. This bread is my flesh, which I will give for the life of the world.”
John 3:16–18
16 For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. 17 For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved. 18 “He who believes in Him is not condemned; but he who does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.
[1] Saliva: 99.5% water plus electrolytes, mucus, white blood cells, epithelial cells (from which DNA can be extracted), enzymes (such as amylase and lipase), antimicrobial agents such as secretory IgA, and lysozymes. Saliva also performs a lubricating function, wetting food and permitting the initiation of swallowing, and protecting the oral mucosa from drying out. - Wikipedia
[2] Strong, J. (1995). Enhanced Strong’s Lexicon. Woodside Bible Fellowship.
[3] Wikipedia
[4] Myers, A. C. (1987). In The Eerdmans Bible dictionary (p. 171). Grand Rapids, MI: Eerdmans.