What Did Jesus Mean When He Said He Was the Bread of Life?

When they found him on the other side of the sea, they said to him, “Rabbi, when did you come here?”

Jesus answered them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, you are seeking me, not because you saw signs, but because you ate your fill of the loaves.  Do not work for the food that perishes, but for the food that endures to eternal life, which the Son of Man will give to you. For on him God the Father has set his seal.”

Then they said to him, “What must we do, to be doing the works of God?” 

Jesus answered them, “This is the work of God, that you believe in him whom he has sent.”

So they said to him, “Then what sign do you do, that we may see and believe you? What work do you perform? Our fathers ate the manna in the wilderness; as it is written, ‘He gave them bread from heaven to eat.’ ”  

Jesus then said to them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, it was not Moses who gave you the bread from heaven, but my Father gives you the true bread from heaven. For the bread of God is he who comes down from heaven and gives life to the world.”

They said to him, “Sir, give us this bread always.”

Jesus said to them, “I am the bread of life; whoever comes to me shall not hunger, and whoever believes in me shall never thirst.

John 6:25-35

Jesus gave us this directive: to work for the food that endures to eternal life. Then he made the point that he is the bread of life. There are three essential elements to this.

Three Elements of the Bread of Life

Believe in Jesus

This is the starting point for everything good. To believe in him is to accept his word and base your life on it. It is not mental assent but an investment of your life in him. Seven important elements of believing in him are:

            The incarnation. Jesus was with God in the beginning and he became a man, starting at the very point of conception and birth.

            His teaching. Every disciple must embrace all that Jesus taught. He came here to reveal the kingdom of God. When he taught, he was opening to us God’s plan for our lives. His teaching will transform your life!

            His example. Jesus showed us how we are to live. He carried out the Father’s will every day, saying and doing as he was led. Compassion, mercy and grace marked all his actions.

            The crucifixion. Jesus’ death reveals the horrific consequences of sin and the depth of the Father’s love for each of us.

            The resurrection. Jesus really did rise from the dead. He conquered death for all who believe in him giving us eternal hope!

            Ascension. Jesus began a new phase of ministry with his ascension. He now intercedes for us.

            Spirit baptism. Jesus promised the Holy Spirit to his disciples. He went away that he might send the Spirit. He continues to minister to and through our lives by the Spirit he gave.

Feast on him

This became a difficult teaching for many who followed but we must understand the symbolism involved. There are four ways we can feast.

In relationship. We must do all we can to get close to him. Worship and devotion help us build our relationship. When we contemplate who he is and what he has done for us, we love him even more. That love motivates our conversations with him and allows us to know him.

In understanding. We must study his words, ask him questions. He taught with parables that were sometimes difficult to understand. When he was with his disciples, he explained everything. He continues to explain things to his disciples, you and me, through his Spirit.

In work. When we do the work of the Kingdom, we experience his power working through our lives – we actually partake of him.

In the body of Christ. Being in fellowship with him and each other nourishes our spiritual lives.

Never hunger or thirst

Here is what he gives: eternal life. This life, that continues to grow and mature fully satisfies our spiritual hunger and thirst (while giving us an appetite for even more). Here are three elements to eternal life.

A life of purpose. God gives us direction and significance every single day. We have a reason to get up every morning. We participate in a history changing movement that has been unstoppable for over 2000 years!

A life of quality. We receive incredible blessings from God (that are ever increasing). Just as sample of what we get from him are peace, joy, love, strength (in our weakness) and even faith. These are supplied from his infinite warehouse!  

A life of quantity. This life of purpose and quality will never end! What we experience here on earth of all he has for us is only a deposit of what we will receive in heaven. This life will only get better and will one day be perfect!

The invitation remains the same. Partake of the bread of life. It’s for you today – right now.

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Photo by Wesual Click on Unsplash