Bread of Life

A few years ago, some families I know lost their possessions in an apartment complex fire. They were far from home, alone, and in need. Because most of the kids in the complex knew and trusted me, I became a point person in the effort to ascertain the needs and distribute donated goods. It wasn’t long before I became known more for being the “lady with the stuff” than the homework helper and after school playmate. It was an awkward time. So I can relate, in a very small way, to Jesus’s frustration after he fed the 5,000.

Just imagine the impact of feeding 5,000 men and the accompanying women and children with 5 loaves and 2 fish. The account of Jesus feeding the 5,000 occurs in all four gospels. In John, it’s found in John 6:1-14. Afterward, many started following Jesus not for his teaching but for what they could get from him.

26 Jesus answered them and said, “Truly, truly, I say to you, you seek Me, not because you saw signs, but because you ate some of the loaves and were filled.

27 Do not work for the food that perishes, but for the food that lasts for eternal life, which the Son of Man will give you, for on Him the Father, God, has set His seal. – John 6:26-27

And just what is the food that lasts for eternal life?

Jesus said to them, “I am the bread of life; the one who comes to Me will not be hungry, and the one who believes in Me will never be thirsty. – John 6:35

Why does Jesus refer to Himself as the Bread of Life?

Bread made up the bulk of the Israeli diet. Protein, the building block of life, is considered the most important macronutrient. But carbohydrates are fuel. They’re what we need in the greatest amount. Just as we need a steady diet of carbohydrates, we need a steady diet of Jesus, the Word of God.

How do you feed on Jesus?

This year long study is inspired by Ann Spangler’s Praying the Names of God for 52 Weeks.