The Bread of Life Part 1
Opening Prayer
What Are You Hungry For?
After Jesus miraculously fed 5,000 people, the crowds came looking for Him again. But their hearts were set on another free meal, not on the true spiritual bread Jesus wanted to give.
"I tell you the truth, you want to be with me because I fed you, not because you understood the miraculous signs."
How easy it is to chase after Jesus just for what we want, instead of who He is! But Jesus lovingly redirects our focus:
"But don't be so concerned about perishable things like food. Spend your energy seeking the eternal life that the Son of Man can give you. For God the Father has given me the seal of his approval."
Do vs. Done: The Gospel Difference
The people responded the way we often do:
"We want to perform God's works, too. What should we do?"
Instead of receiving God's gift, we want a checklist for earning His favor. But Jesus says the only "work" is faith:
"This is the only work God wants from you: Believe in the one he has sent."
Religion says, "Do." Jesus says, "Done." The way to eternal life is not through our performance, but through faith in Christ alone.
Seeking Signs, Missing the Savior
The crowd still wanted proof-another miracle, another meal. Their eyes were fixed on their stomachs, not their souls.
"After all, our ancestors ate manna while they journeyed through the wilderness! The Scriptures say, 'Moses gave them bread from heaven to eat.'"
Jesus gently corrects them, pointing to the true source:
"I tell you the truth, Moses didn't give you bread from heaven. My Father did. And now he offers you the true bread from heaven. The true bread of God is the one who comes down from heaven and gives life to the world."
I AM the Bread of Life
"I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never be hungry again. Whoever believes in me will never be thirsty."
This is the first of Jesus' seven "I AM" statements in John-a claim to divinity and an invitation to receive Him as the source of true, lasting life.
As David Guzik says: "To eat and drink of Jesus means to internalize Him-to trust, believe, and receive Him fully. It means to live in dependence on Him the way we depend on food and water."
Open Invitation & Secure Salvation
"However, those the Father has given me will come to me, and I will never reject them."
Jesus will never turn away anyone who comes to Him-no matter your past, doubts, or struggles.
"And this is the will of God, that I should not lose even one of all those he has given me, but that I should raise them up at the last day. For it is my Father's will that all who see his Son and believe in him should have eternal life. I will raise them up at the last day."
If you have received Jesus as your Bread of Life, your salvation is eternally secure. He will hold you fast and raise you up on the last day.
Reflection and Application
- Are you seeking Jesus for what He can give-or for who He truly is?
- Do you believe the gospel is about faith in Christ's finished work, not your own effort?
- Have you received Jesus as your Bread of Life-your source of forgiveness and eternal satisfaction?
- Who needs to hear this invitation from you today?
Lord Jesus, I receive You as my Bread of Life. I trust Your work, not my own. Satisfy my deepest hunger and help me walk in the security of Your promise. Amen.
Key Verse for Today
"I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never be hungry again. Whoever believes in me will never be thirsty."