Jesus, the bread of life
Jesus calling himself the bread of life is one of the most profound, yet relatable teachings found in the Bible. But what does it really mean? What is bread?
Bread is something we all know. It's a staple in many diets around the world. Whether it is flatbread, a loaf of sliced bread, or something freshly baked, bread is often a simple, everyday food. It fills you up, sustains your energy, and keeps you going. It's not a luxury food, but one that almost everyone depends on.
Jesus said, I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me shall not hunger, and whoever believes in me shall never thirst. John 6 verse 35.
Bread is daily nourishment. Think about how you need food every day. You can't just eat once and expect to be full forever. The bread you eat today will nourish you today, but tomorrow you'll need more. In the same way, Jesus is saying that we need him every day to keep our spirits alive.
Just like food gives your body the strength to face the day, Jesus gives your soul the strength to keep going to face life's challenges. Give us this day our daily bread. Matthew 6 verse 11.
Spiritual hunger. We all have needs deeper than physical hunger. You can feel empty inside even after a big meal. That emptiness, that hunger for meaning, purpose, and fulfillment, is spiritual hunger.
It's that ache for something more in life that no amount of food, success,
or attainment can satisfy. Jesus is saying, I'm the only one who can fill that hole. Think of your favorite meal. It tastes amazing while you're eating it, but a few hours later, you're hungry again.
Now, imagine something that satisfies you forever. Jesus is saying he is that eternal satisfaction for your soul. Bread and community. Bread is often shared. A loaf is broken into pieces and shared among family, friends, or even strangers.
Jesus, by calling himself the bread of life, is inviting us to share in something greater. When we come together in faith, we grow together, nourish each other, and strengthen our bonds.
The bread that we break, is it not a participation in the body of Christ? First book of Corinthians chapter 10 verse 16. Jesus gave himself. Jesus didn't just talk about bread. In a deeper sense, he offered himself as the bread, his life, his teachings, and ultimately, his death.
When he says he is the bread of life, he means he gave everything so that we could have eternal life. Just as bread is broken and eaten,Jesus' body was broken for us on the cross. Jesus being the bread of life means he is essential to our spiritual survival, just like food is essential for our physical survival.
He fills the deep hunger in our hearts, offers us daily strength, and gives us eternal life. Just as we depend on bread for nourishment, we can depend on him to meet our deepest needs.
Stay Blessed.