Jesus: The Bread of Life (John 6:1-35)
This sermon delves into Jesus' profound declaration, "I am the bread of life," found in the Gospel of John. It explores how this statement addresses humanity's deepest spiritual hunger, offering not just sustenance, but a rich, enduring quality of life.
Jesus declares Himself the 'Bread of Life,' explaining that He offers a profound quality of eternal life, or 'Zoe,' which begins now. This life is not earned but received through belief in Him, who became vulnerable to bring it.
Overview
The sermon introduces John's Gospel, highlighting that the miracles Jesus performed were not merely acts of power but 'signs' meant to symbolize His identity and mission. The miraculous feeding of the 5000 in John 6 is presented as such a sign, which Jesus later explains to reveal a deeper truth about Himself.
First, the sermon explores the general meaning of 'bread' in ancient times and for the Israelites. Bread signified life itself, as seen in the daily provision of manna in the wilderness and the showbread in the Tabernacle, which symbolized God's friendship and covenant with His people.
Next, the sermon delves into what the 'bread of life' specifically means, distinguishing between 'bios' (physical existence) and 'zoe' (a rich quality of life). Jesus' 'bread' offers this 'eternal zoe'—a deeply satisfying, joyful, and meaningful life that begins now and endures forever, satisfying a spiritual hunger that worldly pursuits cannot.
Finally, the sermon addresses how Jesus is able to give this life. It highlights His divine nature, signified by His emphatic 'I Am' statements, which connect Him to God's self-revelation to Moses. This infinite God became 'breakable' and vulnerable, dying on the cross for humanity's sins, thus making the 'bread of life' accessible as a free gift.
Key points
- John's Gospel presents Jesus' miracles as 'signs' that reveal His identity and purpose.
- The feeding of the 5000 is a symbolic miracle leading to Jesus' declaration, 'I am the bread of life.'
- In ancient Israel, 'bread' represented daily sustenance (like manna) and covenant friendship with God (like the showbread).
- The 'bread of life' signifies 'eternal life' (zoe), a profound quality of life that provides deep satisfaction and meaning, distinct from mere physical existence (bios).
- This eternal life begins immediately for believers and continues forever, addressing a spiritual hunger that no worldly success or achievement can truly fulfill.
- Jesus' divine nature, expressed in His 'I AM' statements, confirms Him as the source of all being.
- Jesus gives the 'bread of life' by becoming 'breakable' through His death on the cross, offering it as a free gift received by faith.
In Tim Keller's words
“Most people, if they really learned how to look into their own hearts, would know that they do want and want acutely something that cannot be had in this world.”
“Before Abraham was, I am.”
“I am God become breakable. I am God become vulnerable. I am divine power become accessible to you.”
Outline
- I. The Miracle of the Feeding of the 5000 (John 6:1-15)
- II. Jesus' Explanation of the Miracle: "I Am the Bread of Life" (John 6:22-35)
- A. What Does Bread Mean in General?
- 1. Life Itself
- 2. Historical References for Israelites
- a. Mana in the Wilderness
- b. Showbread in the Tabernacle
- B. What Is This Bread of Life in Particular?
- 1. It is Eternal Life (Zoe), a Quality of Life
- 2. It Starts Now and Endures Forever
- 3. It is Jesus Himself, Not an Abstract Thing
- C. How Is Jesus Able to Give This Bread?
- 1. His Infinite Greatness: The "I AM" Statement
- a. Emphatic Use of "I AM" in Greek
- b. Reference to God's Name to Moses (Exodus 3)
- c. Claiming to be the Source of All Being
- 2. His Willingness to Be Broken: The Cross
- a. All food must die to give life
- b. Jesus died for our sins
- III. Practical Applications
- A. Make Jesus Your Daily Life and Strength (Gather Mana Every Day)
- B. Feed on Him Especially in the "Wilderness" (Hard Times)
- C. Receive Eternal Life as a Gift by Believing in Him as Savior and Surrendering as Lord
Scripture references
1 After these things Jesus went over the sea of Galilee, which is the sea of Tiberias.
2 And a great multitude followed him, because they saw his miracles which he did on them that were diseased.
3 And Jesus went up into a mountain, and there he sat with his disciples.
4 And the passover, a feast of the Jews, was nigh.
1 Jesus went unto the mount of Olives.
2 And early in the morning he came again into the temple, and all the people came unto him; and he sat down, and taught them.
1 Now Moses kept the flock of Jethro his father in law, the priest of Midian: and he led the flock to the backside of the desert, and came to the mountain of God, even to Horeb.
2 And the angel of the Lord appeared unto him in a flame of fire out of the midst of a bush: and he looked, and, behold, the bush burned with fire, and the bush was not consumed.
1 And they took their journey from Elim, and all the congregation of the children of Israel came unto the wilderness of Sin, which is between Elim and Sinai, on the fifteenth day of the second month after their departing out of the land of Egypt.
2 And the whole congregation of the children of Israel murmured against Moses and Aaron in the wilderness:
Insights
Life's deepest longings reveal a hunger that nothing in this world can truly satisfy.
Mere existence finds its true meaning and vibrancy when it is infused with spiritual life.
True satisfaction emerges not from what we achieve, but from whom we continually receive.
Questions & answers
What does Jesus mean by "I am the bread of life" in this sermon?
Jesus means He is the ultimate source of spiritual sustenance, offering a deep quality of life that satisfies the soul's deepest hunger, far beyond physical food.
How does the sermon explain the difference between "bios" and "zoe"?
"Bios" refers to mere physical existence, while "zoe" signifies a rich, fulfilling quality of life, full of energy, joy, and meaning, which Jesus offers.
Why does the sermon refer to C.S. Lewis's quote about longing?
It illustrates that deep human longings cannot be fully satisfied by worldly achievements, even the best ones, pointing to a spiritual hunger only Jesus can fill.
What is the significance of Jesus saying "I am" in John's Gospel?
The sermon explains that Jesus' emphatic "I am" statements, particularly "Before Abraham was, I am," declare his eternal, divine nature as the beginningless source of all being.
How can Jesus give the "bread of life" if God is so great and humans are flawed?
Jesus, as the "great I Am," became "breakable" and vulnerable by dying on the cross for human sins, making God's life accessible as a free gift.
What are the practical implications of Jesus being the "bread of life"?
Practically, it means believers should feed on Jesus daily for spiritual strength and life, especially during difficult times, by trusting him as savior and surrendering as Lord.
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