Jesus is the Bread of Life

 

The Gospel of John is an amazing book to read and study. The book contains conversations, metaphors, and much more. There’s much to pay attention to as you work through this gospel. I’ve been reading and studying John and have spent much time in the sixth chapter.

The week before, we talked about Jesus’ walking on the water. This week, we’ll discuss what Jesus meant by calling himself the Bread of Heaven. The passages we’ll review this week are found in John 6:22-71.

The Location

At this point in the Gospel of John, we’re at a pivotal moment in Jesus’ ministry. The disciples are challenged by Christ’s teachings, and so are we (the readers). John 6:22-71 unveils a deep discourse, a treasure trove of wisdom that leaves His followers grappling with His teachings. The setting is in the city of Capernaum, where Jesus had made his ministry headquarters (see Matthew 4:13 and Mark 2:1).

He was teaching at a synagogue in this city (John 6:59). 

The Timing of the Story

Just as the location is important, so is the story's timing. Jesus was teaching in the synagogue on the Sabbath. The narrative starts on the day after He fed the five thousand. Christ had gone up into the mountains to pray and rest while the disciples had taken a boat to Capernaum (they were caught in the windstorm).

The people who had been present for the miracle feeding of the multitude were looking for Jesus and the disciples the next day. Some had taken boats over to Capernaum and asked where He and his disciples were.

Eventually, the crowd finds Jesus and asks Him when He traveled over the sea. The scriptures say Jesus didn’t answer that question, and instead, He replied, “Verily, verily, I say unto, you, ye seek me not because ye saw the miracles, but because ye did eat of the loaves and were filled.” (John 6:26 KJV). That’s a strong rebuke. Jesus was telling the crowd exactly why they were seeking Him out.  

Christ also told the people they should not work for meat that decays. Instead, they should work for meat that leads to eternal life.

At this point, the people were somewhat confused. They ask Jesus what they must do to do the works of God. Jesus responds by saying that the work of God is to believe in the One whom God has sent (Christ). It’s here that Jesus declares himself to be the bread of life.

By this time, the crowd was not very friendly. They asked Jesus what sign He would give so they could believe in Him. They also mentioned that their ancestors had eaten manna in the desert—the food given by Moses.

Jesus corrected the people by telling them that Moses did not provide the manna but that God had provided their food and everything needed to live. Jesus also said, “For the bread of God is He who comes down from heaven, and giveth life to the world.” (John 33 NKJV). When He had said these words, the people asked Jesus to give them this bread.

And Jesus said to them, “I am the bread of life. He who comes to Me shall never hunger, and he who believes in Me shall never thirst.”

John 6:36 NKJV

All of this took place in the synagogue in Capernaum on the Sabbath.

There is so much packed into these verses that it’s hard to write everything here. But in the next section, we’ll take a look at the main topics of John 6:22-71.

Metaphorical Language

Metaphorical language is not always easy to understand. So, what is metaphorical language? This language is a literary device used to compare two apparently unrelated things. It’s often used to convey abstract concepts, emotions, or ideas vividly and imaginatively.

When using metaphorical language, one thing is described as if it were another thing. The key is that this description does not use “like” or “as,” like in a simile. Metaphors are commonly used in poetry, literature, rhetoric, and everyday language to evoke imagery, create deeper meaning, and enhance understanding. Metaphors can help writers and speakers express complex ideas in an impactful, concise manner.

When Jesus called Himself the “bread of life,” he was using metaphorical language to convey several deep spiritual truths about His identity and role in providing salvation:

1. Sustenance for Spiritual Hunger

Bread was a staple food in the ancient Near East. It was essential for sustaining physical life. When Jesus called Himself the “bread of life,” He emphasized that He is essential for sustaining spiritual life. Just as bread nourishes the physical body, Jesus nourishes the soul. He satisfies the deepest hunger and thirst a human heart experiences. Christ brings meaning, purpose, and relationship with God. These make the “bread” that our souls need to live and flourish.

2. Source of Eternal Life

Jesus telling the crowd that whoever comes to Him will never go hungry and whoever believes in Him will never be thirsty points to the promise of eternal life. The people (and us) can only gain this promise by having faith in Christ. He is the source of life that extends beyond the physical realm into eternity. Through belief in Jesus and participation in His sacrificial death and resurrection, they (and we) can receive the gift of eternal life with God.

3. Union with Christ

Jesus’ statement that anyone who eats His flesh and drinks His blood will have eternal life was hard for the crowd and His disciples to understand. Christ was using metaphorical language. He did not literally mean that the people should eat His flesh and drink His blood. Jesus was referring to the crucifixion. In His crucifixion, Jesus was giving himself (flesh and blood) to die so that we might have eternal life.

Some commentators I read also say this was a foreshadowing of the Eucharist or communion. Most commentators say the first interpretation (about the crucifixion) is what Jesus was referring to. I believe it can be either one or both.

The essential message is that we take part in Jesus’ sacrifice and resurrection, we receive the gift of forgiveness and eternal life with God.

4. The One Way to Salvation

Jesus’ claim to be the bread of life emphasizes His uniqueness as the sole means of salvation. Just as physical hunger can only be satisfied with bread, spiritual hunger can only be satisfied by coming to Jesus and believing in Him. He is the only mediator between us and God. Christ brings reconciliation and forgiveness of sins through His death on the cross, the resurrection, and ascending to heaven.

For there is one God and one Mediator between God and men, the Man Christ Jesus, who gave Himself a ransom for all, to be testified in due time…

I Timothy 2:5-6 NKJV

5. Jesus Suffers Desertion

After Jesus’ teaching about being the bread of heaven, eating and drinking His flesh, He experienced the desertion of some followers and disciples. These teachings were difficult for people to understand. They thought Christ was speaking literally when He was speaking metaphorically. These sayings were so challenging that some could not accept them. Instead, they chose to leave Jesus.

Later, Jesus turns to the twelve disciples and asks if they will also leave Him. Peter speaks up for the twelve with a statement of faith, saying they believe Jesus is the Messiah, the Holy One of God.

But Simon Peter answered Him, “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life. Also we have come to believe and know that You are the Christ, the Son of living God.”

John 6:68-69 NKJV

Concluding Thoughts

Overall, these verses in John 6 offer profound insights into the nature of faith, salvation, discipleship, and the challenges that come with following Jesus. They call us to a deep commitment, faith, and understanding of Jesus as the bread of life and the source of eternal salvation.

These verses not only call us to a deeper commitment to God but also challenge us to grapple with the depth of Christ’s teachings, confront our doubts and beliefs, and reaffirm our commitment to follow Him faithfully.

If you’ve not done so yet, why not take some time to drawcloser to God? If you have a prayer request, be sure to comment below or leave a note on our Facebook page—I and others will be praying.

Here’s a beautiful song by John Michael Talbot called “I am the Bread of Life.” The song is soothing as it speaks of Christ as the Bread of Life. Follow this link to YouTube, where you can hear this song for free!

You can also check out our Bible study and reflection questions for this week's post. Head over to our Gumroad shop! 

 God bless,

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