The apostle John records seven “I am” statements of Jesus, each giving us a curious comparison of Jesus to a common concept. In each declaration, Jesus elevates the idea to a heavenly significance, making the ordinary extraordinary.
The Supplier of Needs
In John 6, Jesus feeds thousands of people with five loaves of bread and two fishes yet collected twelve baskets of leftovers. Besides the resurrection, it is the only miracle recorded by all four biographers of Christ. The sign shows Jesus to be the supplier of their needs. The sharing of the meal brings them into fellowship with him. It also connects them back to their roots with the manna from heaven (vv. 31-33) and the Passover (v. 4).
Look Deeper
The next day, the people seek Jesus again. They hope to receive another meal. Jesus encourages them to look deeper into the things they saw and heard, to work for the food that doesn’t perish. Perturbed that Jesus doesn’t provide an instant meal, they challenge him for a sign like Moses gave (ignoring the sign from the day before). Jesus tells them the manna their ancestors received in the wilderness wasn’t from Moses, but from the Father, who gives true bread—a meal for the soul, not just the stomach. When they ask for the true bread, Jesus said, “I am the bread of life; whoever comes to me shall not hunger, and whoever believes in me shall never thirst” (v. 35).
Elevating the Common to the Spiritual
Jesus takes the common idea of bread and elevates it to something spiritual. By feasting on Jesus as spiritual bread, we accept his power of life and declare our dependence on him for daily bread as the ancients did when they ate the manna. We receive the life and freedom resulting from the Passover and enter into fellowship with him and the Father. We feast upon his teaching and grow by its sustenance.
“I am the bread of life” is Jesus’ invitation for everyone to feast on his teaching and receive the blessing of life.
Preaching Minister