Jesus Is Our Bread of Life

By Samantha Rodriguez

“Jesus said to them, ‘Very truly I tell you, it is not Moses who has given you the bread from heaven, but it is my Father who gives you the true bread from heaven. For the bread of God is the bread that comes down from heaven and gives life to the world.’ ‘Sir,’ they said, ‘always give us this bread.’ Then 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 6:32–35 (NIV)

Have you ever considered how babies need to be fed all the time? Not only are newborns drinking milk or formula 6-10 times a day, but they also can’t feed themselves! Children are dependent on their caregivers for nourishment.

Isn’t it incredible to think about Jesus, the Son of God, as a baby? The God of all creation, who was seated in heaven on His throne, became a human baby who couldn’t even feed Himself! This was the whole point, though. He came in this way because we needed to be fed.

In John 6, Jesus is talking to the crowds about the manna from heaven that fed their ancestors. He reminds them that it wasn’t Moses’ power that made this happen—it was God. And now, His Father God was giving them the true bread of heaven. This bread would give life to the world, and when they ask for some, Jesus replies with, “I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never go hungry, and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty.”

What does all of this mean? Well, it means that we aren’t capable of nourishing ourselves spiritually. We can’t save ourselves from the sin and darkness that has a grip on our hearts. The only way to be set free from this curse is through the promised Savior, the One God told Adam and Eve about who would crush the head of the serpent (Genesis 3:15). This is Jesus! He’s the promised One who came to conquer sin, death, and evil for good. That’s why He calls Himself, “The bread of life,” because we only get to walk in newness of life after we trust in Him.

Consider what happens when a baby continues to be fed as they should. They grow stronger! The same is true for us. When we feast on God’s Word, spend time with Him each day, talk with Him in prayer, and worship Him in community, we’ll also grow stronger in our faith. Jesus made it very clear that He’s the way and the truth and the life, and no one comes to the Father except through Him (John 14:6).

Ask yourself today what’s feeding you? Are you trusting in Jesus and going to Him for all your needs? How can you let Him be your source of life, nourishment, and joy?

Put It To Practice: Sabbath

The Sabbath is all about intentional rest. God established the Sabbath after finishing His work of creation, and He commanded us to keep the Sabbath holy as a set apart experience of resting in Him. Everyone rests differently! Whatever it may look like for you, practice the Sabbath this weekend by doing something that brings you joy and honors God.

For the Family

Today’s Main Idea: Jesus is the bread of life! My life is found in Him.

Ask Together:

1. How does Jesus give us what we need to grow strong in our faith, just like food helps our bodies grow?
2. What’s one way you can “feed” your heart with God’s truth this week?

Prayer

Jesus, thank You for being the bread of life! You’re the only One who can give us true and eternal life. Thank You that life in You and with You makes every ordinary moment wonderful, every struggle worthwhile, and every day purposeful. Help me to keep making You my source of nourishment and not the things of this world. Amen.