The Bread of Life

Lesson Scripture: John 6:43-51, 61-65

Introduction

Something to eat and drink is essential to life for every living person. Those who become very busy with the duties or pleasures of the day may temporarily forget about eating, but invariably one will eventually feel hungry. Those who wish to remain spiritually alive and strong in the Lord must feed the inner man as well. Jesus said several times, "I am the bread of life." Living in a spiritually famished world, we must be aware of our soul's need to be sustained by that Bread, which is "every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God" (Matt. 4:4).

Key Verse

And as they did eat, Jesus took bread, and blessed, and brake it, and gave to them, and said, Take, eat: this is my body (Mark 14:22).

Lesson Scripture

Studying the Lesson

Though Jesus chose only twelve apostles, He had many disciples and thousands of followers. The background scripture recounts the miracle of the loaves and fishes where more than 5000 people were present. People watched Jesus, listened to His words, and stood in awe of Him. Included were those who followed and watched not as supporters, but rather to criticize and find fault.

Crowds flocked to Jesus and surged around Him until He sometimes searched for a place to be alone. Still they found Him, and when they did, He took the opportunity and spoke to them again.

Jesus spoke many things to this diverse crowd, trying to teach them about spiritual life. He told them of His relationship to the heavenly Father and that man could only come to salvation though His Father's drawing. He gave them opportunities to accept His truth and reproved those who followed Him for natural advantage. He knew His popularity would fade and that soon nearly everyone would desert Him. Rather than denying themselves to suffer with Him, they would turn against Him.

Practical Truths for Today

Jesus used natural bread to teach a spiritual truth. He referred to the manna sent by divine providence to feed the Israelites in the wilderness. This manna kept mortals alive on this earth but could not give eternal life. Though this miracle was held in high esteem by the Jews, Jesus told them that their fathers had all died in the wilderness. He told them that to gain eternal life they would need the living Bread of His flesh that came down from heaven. We still need this Bread, which cannot be seen with our eyes or tasted with our mouth, but we receive it humbly by faith and discern it in our heart.

Many people in Jesus' day, though professing to await the promised Messiah, were set in their own ways, and they refused to open their hearts to accept Jesus. He is the only way to peace with God and the only source of true happiness. However, then and now, many people reject Him.

Though the Israelite nation had the kneading troughs they had brought along from Egypt, in the wilderness they had nothing to put in them. Had God not sent the manna, they would have perished from hunger. The hearts of people in the world are likewise empty, being filled with bread that does not satisfy. They are dying of spiritual starvation. The moral decay of society is because of unbelief, and, consequently, there is a dearth of spiritual bread.

Jesus told the people, "He that believeth on me hath everlasting life" (John 6:47). The beginning of one's faith is to believe that there is a God and that Jesus is real. We must accept as truth that Jesus truly did come to this earth to live among us for a season, gave His life, rose again, and ascended to heaven, and will one day in the future return to gather us home. Some in the world give assent to this but fail to surrender their will and repent of their sins; therefore, it has little effect in their lives. The prophet Isaiah clearly tells the purpose of Jesus coming to earth and the cost of our salvation. "But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed" (Isa. 53:5). This was truly Jesus, the sinless One, dying for the sinners, the worthy Lamb of God sacrificed for the unworthy, wandering sheep.

The suffering of Christ on Calvary made atonement for man's sin that was sufficient to the uttermost for all people. It is the only way to pay the impossible debt man had incurred to a holy and perfect God who cannot overlook sin. Those who meet the conditions of justification will find forgiveness of their debt of sin. Isaiah also foretold this when he said, "He [God] shall see of the travail of his soul, and shall be satisfied: by his knowledge shall my righteous servant justify many; for he shall bear their iniquities" (Isa. 53:11).

To believe in Jesus is also to believe in the Bible. The beloved apostle John makes it plain that Jesus and the words Jesus spoke are inseparable. "And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth" (John 1:14). Jesus told the Jews, "If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed" and "The truth shall make you free" (John 8:31-32). Satan and his spirits are attacking this truth by insisting that some of the Bible is not inspired—Christians are at liberty to choose what to believe from God's Word. This deception must be recognized and rejected by all believers lest it claim some unwary soul. We should never be ashamed of the lowly ways of the church, such as a lower level of education, plain ways of dressing, nonparticipation in public sports, and not voting at the polls. This humble walk of life is a result of believing that the whole Bible is inspired and applicable to modern day Christians.

One of the baptismal vows of those entering the church asks, 'Are you now resolved to forsake the world with all its lusts, deny yourself, take up your cross and follow the Lord Jesus Christ, being obedient unto Him and His church as long as you live?" In order "that I may daily perform my vows" (Ps. 61:8), I will need to sing, pray, and read the Bible. Truly, the Word of God as the Bread of life is the source of sufficient strength to live victoriously every day.

As young people and old, we must encourage each other to not neglect reading God's Word. Search it daily for direction in everyday matters. The book of Psalms has many answers to our emotional needs, and the book of Proverbs instructs us well as to proper relationships with others. The Gospels tell what Christ said and did for us, and the writings of Paul, Peter, and James instruct us how to live within the grace of God. John specifically writes to us as beloved children, encouraging us to love, the greatest virtue of all. John also gave us a glimpse, though indistinct, of our future home.

A common confession heard during revival time is the neglect of a personal daily devotional time. Although the basic reason we neglect time alone with God lies in an improper attitude toward God and His Word, some practical instructions may be helpful. It is better for Christians to read a small portion of Scripture and meditate on it for inspiration than to read many verses without pondering their real meaning. Remember that the Israelites needed to gather the manna fresh every morning. If they gathered a few days' or a week's supply and stored it, "it bred worms, and stank" (Exod. 16:20).

Some people are more able to remember what they have read if they jot down a few impressions of the passage. Should a particular verse be difficult to understand, we can take it to God and pray Him to enlighten us. Perhaps someone may think it unusual to pray while reading the Bible; however, the Lord lovingly looks on the person who with a yearning heart prays for understanding. He takes pleasure in blessing him. As an example; Psalm 23:1 speaks of the relationship between God and His child. While reading these words, it would be appropriate to simply ask God to be my Shepherd today and promise Him that I will follow Him as the sheep follow their shepherd, and that I will not want anything but His will for me.

When seeking inspiration from God, close the door to distractions. Leave the phone out of reach and find a place alone. In Matthew 6, Jesus instructs those who pray that they shall do it in secret and promises that God will reward them openly. It is a privilege we should not take for granted. An old saying states, "Seven days without prayer makes one weak?'

Singing gospel songs is enjoyable spiritual nourishment for those who love God. Singing in a group of believers ministers heavenly manna to both the singers and the listeners as well. God gives meaningful portions of the Bread of life to Christians through the gift of song. Whether in good times or times of poverty and persecution, may we never neglect our daily portion of the Bread of life.

Questions

1. Today we are in many ways sufficient of ourselves. In what way does our affluence weaken our dependence on the true Bread of heaven? How can we guard against this?
2. How can we whet the appetite in those around us for the Bread of life?
3. Young Christians, what are ways you can encourage each other to make your daily devotions more than a ritual?
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Source: COGICM Daily Bible Readings (Daily Bible Readings, PO Box 124, Glenn, CA 95943).