I AM THE BREAD

Jesus replied, “I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never be hungry again. Whoever believes in me will never be thirsty.”  John 6:35 NLT

     Bread is called a “staple” or “staff of life” due to the goodness of the grains used to make it.  Jesus likened Himself to bread in that while bread nourishes the body, Christ nourishes the soul.  Christ is the mediator between God and man.  “Our bodies could better live without food than our souls without Christ.”  (Matthew Henry) Without Christ we have no life.  We are only empty shells void of any substance or meaning. 

      The phrase “never be thirsty” comes from John 4:13-14 where Jesus refers to Himself as life giving water.  The woman at the well was told if she drank of the well water she would thirst again; however, if she drank of Him she would never thirst again. 

     I am the living bread that came down from heaven. Anyone who eats this bread will live forever; and this bread, which I will offer so the world may live, is my flesh.” John 6:51

     If Christ were to be taken literally, His words would condone cannibalism and the use of blood, which was strictly forbidden by Mosaic Law*.  His reference to eating and drinking was meant to illustrate the closeness the union between Christ and believers was to be.  It is why we practice Communion in our church services.  It is a means to draw close to our Lord and remember all He has done to free us from our sin. 

     Jesus Christ wishes us to have a close, intimate relationship with Him.  Our priorities become so easily twisted as our daily responsibilities mount. This is not meant to condemn or chide anyone, but rather invite one and all to reconsider what is truly important in their life and move towards it.  Nothing in this life can do for us what Christ willingly did.  Take the time to meditate on His goodness and all He means to you this day.  Until next time, walk with the King and be a blessing!

* Genesis 9:4; Leviticus 7:26, 27; 17:10–14; Deuteronomy 12:23, 24.

RESOURCES:  Matthew Henry’s Commentary of the Old and New Testament.