Jesus: Our Eternal Bread of Life
Summary
In today's message, we explored the profound declaration of Jesus as the "Bread of Life," a statement that holds deep spiritual significance. This declaration is one of the seven "I am" statements found in the Gospel of John, each revealing a unique aspect of Jesus' identity and mission. The context of this statement follows the miraculous feeding of the 5,000, where Jesus multiplied a boy's five loaves and two fishes to feed a multitude. This miracle serves as a backdrop to Jesus' teaching that He is the true sustenance for our souls, the spiritual nourishment that transcends physical needs.
The Israelites' experience with manna in the wilderness is a powerful illustration of God's provision. Manna was their daily bread, a tangible reminder of their dependence on God. Yet, Jesus points out that this manna was merely a shadow of the true bread from heaven—Himself. Unlike the manna that sustained the Israelites temporarily, Jesus offers eternal sustenance. He invites us to feed on Him, to find our identity, worth, and life in Him. This invitation is not limited to a select few but is extended to all, breaking cultural and societal barriers.
The challenge we face is recognizing what we are feeding our souls. In a world filled with distractions and false promises of fulfillment, we must ask ourselves, "What are we feeding on?" Success, wealth, and social validation may offer temporary satisfaction but leave us spiritually empty. Jesus, the Bread of Life, offers a nourishment that satisfies our deepest longings and sustains us through life's wilderness moments.
Moreover, the Bread of Life is not just for personal consumption. As we feed on Jesus, we are called to share this bread with others, extending the invitation to those we might consider "the other side." The inclusivity of Jesus' offer challenges us to break down barriers and share His love with all people, regardless of their background or circumstances.
Key Takeaways:
- Jesus as the Bread of Life: Jesus' declaration as the Bread of Life signifies His role as the ultimate spiritual sustenance. Just as physical bread nourishes the body, Jesus nourishes our souls, offering eternal life and fulfillment that transcends earthly needs. [58:32]
- Dependence on God: The Israelites' reliance on manna in the wilderness teaches us about trusting in God's provision. In our own wilderness experiences, we are reminded to keep our eyes fixed on God, trusting Him to meet our needs and provide our "manna," whatever form it may take. [57:14]
- Feeding on the Right Things: We must evaluate what we are feeding our souls. Success, wealth, and social validation may seem fulfilling but ultimately leave us empty. Feeding on Jesus, the Bread of Life, provides true nourishment and sustains us through life's challenges. [01:01:10]
- Inclusivity of the Bread of Life: Jesus' offer of the Bread of Life is for everyone, breaking down cultural and societal barriers. We are called to extend this invitation to all, recognizing that Jesus' love and sustenance are available to every person, regardless of their background. [01:06:39]
- Daily Nourishment: The Bread of Life is not just for Sundays. We are invited to feed on Jesus daily, through prayer, scripture, and communion with Him. This daily nourishment sustains us and equips us to share His love and grace with others. [01:09:46]
Youtube Chapters:
[00:00] - Welcome
[00:53] - Introduction to "I Am the Bread of Life"
[01:55] - The Significance of Manna
[02:57] - Jesus as the True Bread from Heaven
[03:58] - Spiritual Nourishment and Eternal Life
[05:01] - The Challenge of What We Feed On
[06:03] - Inclusivity of Jesus' Offer
[07:05] - Feeding on Jesus Daily
[08:26] - Sharing the Bread of Life
[09:46] - Invitation to Believe and Feed on Jesus
[11:39] - Jesus as the Feeder
[12:52] - Invitation to Partake in the Bread of Life
[13:45] - Questions for Reflection
[15:55] - Closing Prayer
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
- John 6:32-35
- Exodus 16:4-5
- Isaiah 55:1-3
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Observation Questions:
1. What miracle did Jesus perform before declaring Himself as the "Bread of Life," and how does this miracle relate to His statement? [53:27]
2. How does Jesus compare the manna provided to the Israelites in the wilderness to Himself as the Bread of Life? [58:32]
3. What does Jesus promise to those who come to Him and believe in Him, according to John 6:35? [59:22]
4. How does the sermon describe the inclusivity of Jesus' offer of the Bread of Life? [01:06:39]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. In what ways does the sermon suggest that Jesus, as the Bread of Life, offers more than just physical sustenance? [58:32]
2. How does the concept of daily manna in the wilderness relate to our daily spiritual nourishment from Jesus? [57:14]
3. What societal and cultural barriers does the sermon suggest Jesus breaks through His offer of the Bread of Life? [01:06:39]
4. How does the sermon challenge us to evaluate what we are feeding our souls, and what are some examples given? [01:01:10]
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on your current "wilderness" experiences. How can you trust in God's provision as the Israelites did with manna? [57:14]
2. What are some distractions or false promises of fulfillment in your life that might be preventing you from feeding on Jesus, the Bread of Life? [01:01:10]
3. How can you incorporate feeding on Jesus daily into your routine, beyond just Sundays? Consider specific practices like prayer, scripture reading, or communion. [01:09:46]
4. Identify someone in your life who might be considered "the other side." How can you extend the invitation of Jesus' love and sustenance to them? [01:06:39]
5. What steps can you take to ensure that you are sharing the Bread of Life with others, not just consuming it for yourself? [01:11:39]
6. How can you remind yourself of your identity and worth in Christ, especially when faced with societal pressures to find value in success or wealth? [01:03:45]
7. Reflect on the inclusivity of Jesus' offer. How can you challenge any cultural or personal biases you might have about who the Bread of Life is for? [01:06:39]
Devotional
Day 1: Jesus as Our Eternal Nourishment
Jesus' declaration as the "Bread of Life" signifies His role as the ultimate spiritual sustenance. Just as physical bread nourishes the body, Jesus nourishes our souls, offering eternal life and fulfillment that transcends earthly needs. This profound truth invites us to look beyond the temporary satisfactions of this world and to seek the eternal nourishment that only Jesus can provide. In a world filled with distractions and false promises of fulfillment, we must ask ourselves, "What are we feeding on?" Success, wealth, and social validation may offer temporary satisfaction but leave us spiritually empty. Jesus, the Bread of Life, offers a nourishment that satisfies our deepest longings and sustains us through life's wilderness moments. [58:32]
John 6:35 (ESV): "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.'"
Reflection: What are the things you are currently seeking for fulfillment? How can you begin to shift your focus towards finding nourishment in Jesus today?
Day 2: Trusting in God's Provision
The Israelites' reliance on manna in the wilderness teaches us about trusting in God's provision. Manna was their daily bread, a tangible reminder of their dependence on God. Yet, Jesus points out that this manna was merely a shadow of the true bread from heaven—Himself. Unlike the manna that sustained the Israelites temporarily, Jesus offers eternal sustenance. In our own wilderness experiences, we are reminded to keep our eyes fixed on God, trusting Him to meet our needs and provide our "manna," whatever form it may take. This trust in God's provision is a daily practice, requiring us to surrender our anxieties and rely on His faithfulness. [57:14]
Exodus 16:4 (ESV): "Then the Lord said to Moses, 'Behold, I am about to rain bread from heaven for you, and the people shall go out and gather a day's portion every day, that I may test them, whether they will walk in my law or not.'"
Reflection: In what areas of your life do you struggle to trust God's provision? How can you practice surrendering these areas to Him today?
Day 3: Feeding on the Right Things
We must evaluate what we are feeding our souls. Success, wealth, and social validation may seem fulfilling but ultimately leave us empty. Feeding on Jesus, the Bread of Life, provides true nourishment and sustains us through life's challenges. This requires intentionality in our spiritual practices, such as prayer, scripture reading, and communion with God. By prioritizing these practices, we align our hearts with His purposes and find the strength to navigate life's difficulties. The challenge we face is recognizing what we are feeding our souls and making conscious choices to seek the nourishment that truly satisfies. [01:01:10]
Isaiah 55:2 (ESV): "Why do you spend your money for that which is not bread, and your labor for that which does not satisfy? Listen diligently to me, and eat what is good, and delight yourselves in rich food."
Reflection: What are some specific ways you can incorporate spiritual nourishment into your daily routine? How can you ensure that you are feeding on the right things?
Day 4: Embracing the Inclusivity of Jesus' Offer
Jesus' offer of the Bread of Life is for everyone, breaking down cultural and societal barriers. We are called to extend this invitation to all, recognizing that Jesus' love and sustenance are available to every person, regardless of their background. This inclusivity challenges us to break down our own barriers and prejudices, reaching out to those we might consider "the other side." As we feed on Jesus, we are called to share this bread with others, extending the invitation to those around us. This is a call to action, urging us to embody the love and grace of Jesus in our interactions with others. [01:06:39]
Galatians 3:28 (ESV): "There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is no male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus."
Reflection: Who in your life might you be hesitant to share Jesus' love with? How can you take a step towards breaking down those barriers today?
Day 5: Daily Nourishment in Christ
The Bread of Life is not just for Sundays. We are invited to feed on Jesus daily, through prayer, scripture, and communion with Him. This daily nourishment sustains us and equips us to share His love and grace with others. By making time for these spiritual practices, we cultivate a deeper relationship with Jesus and find the strength to face each day with hope and purpose. This daily commitment to feeding on Jesus transforms our lives, enabling us to live out our faith in tangible ways. [01:09:46]
Psalm 1:2-3 (ESV): "But his delight is in the law of the Lord, and on his law he meditates day and night. He is like a tree planted by streams of water that yields its fruit in its season, and its leaf does not wither. In all that he does, he prospers."
Reflection: How can you create a daily routine that prioritizes spiritual nourishment? What specific steps can you take to ensure that you are feeding on Jesus every day?
Quotes
1. "I am the bread of life is one of the seven I am statements of Jesus in John's gospel. It comes after the feeding of the 5,000 where Jesus takes the boy's five loaves of bread and two fishes and performs a miracle. The sheer number of times that Jesus emphatically referred to himself as I am is in itself an echo of God's personal name as he said, I am the bread of life. He disposed it to Moses at a burning bush where he said, go tell the Israelites that I am is the one who sent you. The Israelites, as we know, a bit of Old Testament history, have been enslaved for over 400 years in Egypt. And God uses Moses to rescue them from the hands of Pharaoh and from the Egyptians. And like how God uses Moses, God is able to use you to accomplish his purposes." [00:54:36] (57 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "And you've got your own manna that you're asking God for. And I believe that as you go through your wilderness, that as you keep your eyes fixed on God, as you trust in him, as you depend on him, as you rely on him, whatever the manna is that you are looking for, I believe God is able to meet you there. I believe he's able to meet you, whatever your manna looks like. Whether that's a job. Whether that's a career. Whether that's an opportunity you're looking for. Whether you're breaking through. Whether you're walking through. I just want you to be reassured that God is able to meet you in your wilderness and provide for all your needs according to his riches in Christ Jesus." [00:57:23] (34 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "There's a bread that comes down from heaven that we can feed on. Because our design was not just to be fed physically, but we're designed in a way that our soul needs to be fed. And that soul food can only be fed by the bread of life. It's a bread that feeds our soul. It's a bread that sustains us. It's a bread that nourishes us. It's a bread that gives us life. It's a bread that. It's a bread that gives us eternal life, both now and in the life to come. It's a bread that we can feed on. We can feed on the love and the mercy and the grace of God. It's a bread that gives us identity and gives us our value. It's a bread that gives us our self-worth. A bread that enables us to, that we can feed on. But a bread that also gives us enough that we can give it away as well." [00:59:22] (44 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "When you read John, John identifies himself as the disciple that Jesus loved. He captures this. Who's the disciple that's reclining on Jesus in the Last Supper? It's John. John. Who's the disciple that writes, see what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God, and that is who we are? It's John. Because he captures something that if I feed on Jesus, I know that I am loved. If I feed on Jesus, I know that I'm in a good place. Feeding on Jesus is a food that feeds me. John captures this. I wonder how we would identify ourselves today." [01:00:23] (42 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "The second thing I love about this passage is that the bread is for all. And that's really exciting. I get excited about this because the bread of life that comes from heaven is for anyone. If you look at John 6 verse 50, it says, but here, the bread that comes down from heaven which anyone may eat and not die. Anyone may eat and not die. You see the bread that their ancestors ate was for specific people at a specific time in a specific situation. But the bread that comes down from heaven is for anyone. That anyone may eat this bread and not die. I love the inclusivity of the bread of life." [01:05:11] (57 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
6. "And these disciples, given their cultural upbringing, they're wondering, what is going on here? Why are you talking to a woman? One, she's buried five times. One, she's a different race. But I just love how Jesus is intentional about breaking the barriers to recognize people to see that this bread that comes from heaven, this light of the world that comes from heaven is for everyone. And that's so important. And we need to continue to hear that message. We need to continue to hear that message over and over again, because we need to challenge our cultural norms, our upbringing norms, which says that it's for these people, but it's not for those on the other side. And we need to continue to reach those on the other side and says, this bread of life is for you. As much it is for me, it is for you too. This Jesus is for you as much it is for me." [01:06:39] (46 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
7. "The bread of life is for the gays. It's for the straights. It's for those from LGBT communities, those that are married, those that are single, those from a different political party, those who support the other team, those who are single, those who are widows, those who are rich, those who are poor, those from all races, from all nations. The bread of life is for all people, that we can all come and we can all eat of this bread of life." [01:08:24] (27 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
8. "The bread that Jesus wants to feed you, it's available Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday. It's available all week, that you can eat of this bread of life. You don't have to wait until Sunday to hear the word to be fed, that you can feed of Jesus throughout the week. And that's good news. That we can feed on Jesus as we spend time with him, reading the word. We can spend time reading books and encountering something that enables us to feed on the love of Christ." [01:09:54] (33 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
9. "We can eat on Jesus as we take communion and remember his body that was broken for us and his blood that was poured out for us. We can eat on Jesus in our workplace. We can eat on Jesus on the train. On the train, I often spend some of the time going into London, but just reading. Spend probably half the journey just reading and eating on Jesus. Because that sustains me and that sustains us. We can eat on Jesus as we make him the center of everything that we do. In our marriages, in our homes, in our families, in our workplaces. As we make him the center of it all, we can eat on him. And the promise is life. The promise is life." [01:11:13] (41 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
10. "The only thing about it is that the food can be there, but he won't force you to eat it. And God's way is never to force us to eat it. It's an invitation to eat the bread of life. It's an invitation to nourish. It's an invitation to feed yourself and to feed yourself and to draw on his love and to draw on his goodness, to draw on his grace, to draw on his mercy. It's an invitation to build your life through feeding on him. But God won't force himself on you. He'll invite you to partake in him." [01:12:51] (42 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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