Jesus declared, “I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never go hungry, and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty.” John 6:35
Why is it that when we say, “This is the last potato chip I’m going to eat,” five minutes later we’re looking for more? Michael Moss answers that question in his book Salt Sugar Fat. He describes how America’s largest snack producers know how to “help” people crave junk food. In fact, one popular company spent $30 million a year and hired “crave consultants” to determine the bliss point for consumers so it could exploit our food cravings.
Unlike that company, Jesus helps us to long for real food—spiritual food—that brings satisfaction to our souls. He said, “I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never go hungry, and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty” (John 6:35). By making this claim, He communicated two important things: First, the bread of which He spoke is a person, not a commodity (v. 32). Second, when people put their trust in Jesus for forgiveness of sin, they enter into a right relationship with Him and find fulfillment for every craving of their soul. This Bread is everlasting, spiritual food that leads to satisfaction and life.
When we place our trust in Jesus, the true Bread from heaven, we’ll crave Him, and He’ll strengthen and transform our lives.
Jesus the Bread of Life
25 When they found him on the other side of the lake,
they asked him, “Rabbi,p when did you get here?”
26 Jesus answered, “VerytrulyItellyou, youarelookingforme,q
notbecauseyousawthesignsrIperformedbutbecauseyouatetheloavesandhadyourfill.
27 Donotworkforfoodthatspoils, butforfoodthatenduresstoeternallife,t
whichtheSonofManuwillgiveyou. ForonhimGodtheFatherhasplacedhissealvofapproval.”
28 Then they asked him, “What must we do to do the works God requires?”
29 Jesus answered, “TheworkofGodisthis: tobelievewintheonehehassent.”x
30 So they asked him, “What signy then will you give that we
may see it and believe you?z What will you do?
31 Our ancestors ate the mannaa in the wilderness; as it is written:
‘He gave them bread from heaven to eat.’c”b
32 Jesus said to them, “VerytrulyItellyou, itisnotMoseswhohasgivenyouthebreadfromheaven,
butitismyFatherwhogivesyouthetruebreadfromheaven.
33 ForthebreadofGodisthebreadthatcomesdownfromheavencandgiveslifetotheworld.”
34 “Sir,” they said, “always give us this bread.”d
35 Then Jesus declared, “Iamethebreadoflife.f
Whoevercomestomewillnevergohungry, andwhoeverbelievesg
inmewillneverbethirsty.h
INSIGHT
- Why do you think we crave things we know can never satisfy the deepest cravings of our souls?
- What are some practical practices that will help you crave Jesus more?
The gospel of John includes seven “I am” statements of Jesus. Each of these statements reveals something about Him that helps us understand Him better and is supported by something He’s done. The first of these statements—“I am the bread of life”—comes after Jesus had just fed the five thousand (6:35). The remaining statements are found in chapters 8–15: “I am the light of the world” (8:12); “I am the gate [or door]” (10:7); “I am the good shepherd” (v. 11); “I am the resurrection and the life” (11:25); “I am the way and the truth and the life” (14:6); “I am the true vine” (15:1).
PRAYER
Jesus, Bread of Life, may I crave You and find all I need in Your perfect provision. In Your name, I pray. Amen!!
Read: John 6:25-35 (NIV) | Bible in a Year: 1 Chronicles 4-6; John 6:1-21
