So what does Jesus mean when He says, “I am The Bread of Life?” Well, simply put, He means that we are not satisfied spiritually unless we know Jesus; we are not spiritually satisfied unless we have Jesus in our lives. Or to be more blunt, we cannot survive spiritually without Jesus.
Jesus fed more than 5,000 people with only five loaves and two fishes—a divine act. He declared Himself the “bread of life”—a divine teaching. Knowing that Jesus Christ is the Bread of Life—the way by which all can receive eternal life—we have an important responsibility.
Bread was held in high esteem by several ancient civilisations. In Christianity, it became one of the most important symbols. It was a divine gift, a symbol of generosity and sharing. Everyday gestures and words have evoked the sacred nature of bread.
The crowd here in this chapter of John were more desirous to pursue physical food, miracle-watching as a form of “entertainment, ” and perhaps, the ability to do miracles themselves, than to seek God Himself. When Jesus fed multitudes with a few loaves and fishes, it was out of compassion because they hungered but also to teach that He is the Bread of Life. The crowds did not understand that lesson. Do you?
And we pray:
Many are called, O Lord, but few chosen. Many hear Your Word with the physical ear but have no functioning spiritual ears. Many can see the words of Scripture on a printed page but are blind to spiritual truth. Open our minds and hearts more and more, we pray, to perceive and embrace Your truths. Amen.