Bread of Life
Griffith Baptist Church – 3/1/09
A.M. Service
Text: John 6:30-35 (30-51)
Key verse: John 6:33 - For the bread of God is he which cometh down from heaven, and giveth life unto the world.
Premise: Jesus is the Bread of Life that satisfies our deepest needs and cares for us. Are we truly satisfied or is the direction we take leaving us wanting again and again?
The Introduction
As World War II was drawing to a close, the Allied armies gathered up many hungry orphans. They were placed in camps where they were well-fed. Despite excellent care, they slept poorly. They seemed nervous and afraid. Finally, a psychologist came up with the solution. Each child was given a piece of bread to hold after he was put to bed. This particular piece of bread was just to be held—not eaten. The piece of bread produced wonderful results. The children went to bed knowing instinctively they would have food to eat the next day. That guarantee gave the children a restful and contented sleep. SOURCE: THE BREAD OF COMFORT In his book entitled God’s Psychiatry, Charles Allen Quinton Morrow in "I am the Bread of Life" on www.sermoncentral.com
Bread seems to be the staple of our diet
Bread is actually a useful tool
• Try holding a hotdog in your hands and plopping chili, cheese and onions on top without a bun
• Try holding a hamburger in your hands without a bun, period
• Try making toast!
Bread comes in all shapes and sized and even flavors
It is one of the most common elements of eating in all cultures.
No wonder Jesus could illustrate such a wonderful spiritual truth using such a common item.
Here in this section of Scripture we have 5 truths concerning our Bread of Life:
Body
1. It Is Supernatural – (33) - For the bread of God is he which cometh down from heaven
A. This was not an earthly provision, it was a heavenly provision
i. Supernatural - of or relating to an order of existence beyond the visible observable universe esp : of or relating to God; departing from what is usual or normal esp. so as to appear to transcend the laws of nature
ii. There are many instances of the supernatural that one cannot explain away.
a. The parting of the Red Sea
b. The raising of Lazarus from the dead
c. The feeding of the 5000
d. The creation of the world and man from nothing
e. Salvation
f. The Holy Spirit’s indwelling
g. A mother’s love
B. Jesus Christ, the Bread of Life, is supernatural in every respect:
i. His Pre-existence
a. Eternal - John 1:1-2, 14 - 1In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2The same was in the beginning with God. 14And 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.
b. Jesus testified of Himself - John 8:58 - Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Before Abraham was, I am.
c. Jesus, active in creation - Colossians 1:16-17 - 16For by him were all things created, . . .
ii. His birth
a. Prophesied some 730 years of location before Christ’s birth – Micah 5:2
b. Prophesied some 700 years before concerning the virgin birth – Is. 7:14
iii. His life
a. His miracles
b. His own prophesies
c. His ability to see into the soul of every person
iv. His death
a. Foretold 700 years before his birth – Isaiah 53:1
b. Fulfilled in the gospels and Phil. 2:5-11
v. His resurrection
a. Fulfilled in the gospels
b. Historically and Biblically factual
c. Necessary for salvation – 1 Cor. 15
2. It Is Special – (33) - For the bread of God is he and (35) - I am the bread of life
A. Jesus Christ came personally
i. He didn’t try to get out of it
ii. He didn’t send someone else to do His work
iii. There is no substitute
iv. He did it because of love – John 3:16
B. We have bread from heaven that is personal
i. There is nothing like the personal touch of Christ
ii. 1 John 1:1-4 - 1That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked upon, and our hands have handled, of the Word of life; 2(For the life was manifested, and we have seen it, and bear witness, and show unto you that eternal life, which was with the Father, and was manifested unto us;) 3That which we have seen and heard declare we unto you, that ye also may have fellowship with us: and truly our fellowship is with the Father, and with his Son Jesus Christ. 4And these things write we unto you, that your joy may be full.
iii. Personal fellowship - close mutual association
iv. Salvation is personal
v. He is a personal intercessor – Heb. 7:25
3. It Is Satisfying – (35) - he that cometh to me shall never hunger
A. The world longs for satisfaction
i. People try to find contentment and happiness in so many things:
a. Materialism (possessions, money, etc.)
b. Hedonism (pleasure seeking)
c. Religion - A Jewish lady named Mrs. Rosenberg who many years ago was stranded late one night at a fashionable resort - one that did not admit Jews. The desk clerk looked down at his book and said, "Sorry, no room. The hotel is full." The Jewish lady said, "But your sign says that you have vacancies." The desk clerk stammered and then said curtly, "You know that we do not admit Jews. Now if you will try the other side of town..." Mrs. Rosenberg stiffened noticeable and said, "I’ll have you know I converted to your religion." The desk clerk said, "Oh, yeah, let me give you a little test. How was Jesus born?" Mrs. Rosenberg replied, "He was born to a virgin named Mary in a little town called Bethlehem." "Very good," replied the hotel clerk. "Tell me more." Mrs. Rosenberg replied, "He was born in a manger." "That’s right," said the hotel clerk. "And why was he born in a manger?" Mrs. Rosenberg said loudly, "Because a jerk like you in the hotel wouldn’t give a Jewish lady a room for the night!"
d. These cannot satisfy because the effects are momentary and need something stronger the next time in order to satisfy again.
ii. People try to find causes to belong to to satisfy:
a. Ending poverty – worthy but Jesus said Mark 14:7 - For ye have the poor with you always, and whensoever ye will ye may do them good: but me ye have not always.
b. Ending war – but Jesus said Matthew 24:6 - And ye shall hear of wars and rumours of wars: see that ye be not troubled: for all these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet.
c. Some are worthy and indeed beneficial to those it can reach, but it will not bring soul satisfaction
d. Worthy causes cannot satisfy because one cannot totally eradicate every problem in the world, thus leaving many frustrated and unfulfilled
iii. You cannot be satisfied eternally with temporary things because everything apart from God will fade away
B. Jesus said we would never hunger (lack of):
i. We will never lack for salvation – He gave us everlasting life
ii. We will never lack for His presence – Hebrews 13:5 – Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.
iii. We will never lack for God’s goodness and supply – Psalms 34:10 - The young lions do lack, and suffer hunger: but they that seek the LORD shall not want any good thing.
iv. We will never lack His love – Jeremiah 31:3 – The LORD hath appeared of old unto me, saying, Yea, I have loved thee with an everlasting love: therefore with lovingkindness have I drawn thee.
v. We will never lack His promises – Isaiah 25:1 - O LORD, thou art my God; I will exalt thee, I will praise thy name; for thou hast done wonderful things; thy counsels of old are faithfulness and truth. (counsels = telling someone what they should do based on a plan or scheme)
4. It Is Steady – (35) - he that cometh to me shall never hunger;
A. Israel had manna, but it didn’t last
i. The people followed Him around for their temporal physical need (6:6:22-29)
ii. Moses and the people of Israel were given daily manna for only daily needs
B. This is how most Christians are today:
i. The attitude is “what can I get out of Jesus today?” not “what can I give Jesus today?”
ii. We are in the “me” generation.
iii. The reason some Christians aren’t satisfied is that most look for the handout
iv. They follow Jesus for the wrong reason:
a. Some tithe – to get back more instead of giving because they love God
b. Some attend church – for the recognition or the gossip not to worship
c. Some serve – to be seen and have status not to lift up others
d. NOTE: There is nothing wrong with any of these, it is the attitude not the performance – Philippians 2:3-5 - 3Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves. 4Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others. 5Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus:
C. With Jesus, we never have to be concerned with our spiritual hunger being unfulfilled:
i. He is available – he that cometh to me
ii. He is reliable – shall never hunger
5. It Is Supreme – (32) - but my Father giveth you the true bread from heaven.
A. This bread is the very best becomes it comes from the very best:
i. The Father excels in giving the very best there is
ii. A GOOD CUP OF COFFEE This little grandmother was surprised by her 7 year old grandson one morning. He had made her coffee. She drank what was the worst cup of coffee in her life. When she got to the bottom there were three of those little green army men in the cup. She said, "Honey, what are the army men doing in my coffee?" Her grandson said, "Grandma, it says on TV, ’The best part of waking up is soldiers in your cup!’" SOURCE: Pastor John A. Railton, http://www.timberlandbiblechurch.org/ Sermons/grandparent.htm
iii. Example, to the Israelites – Exodus 3:8 - And I am come down to deliver them out of the hand of the Egyptians, and to bring them up out of that land unto a good land and a large, unto a land flowing with milk and honey;
B. God has given us the very best:
i. Jesus Christ – 1 Peter 1:19 - But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot:
ii. Eternal Life – just the word “eternal” ought to tell you something about the best.
iii. His Word – Psalms 19:7-11 - 7The law of the LORD is perfect, converting the soul: the testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple. 8The statutes of the LORD are right, rejoicing the heart: the commandment of the LORD is pure, enlightening the eyes. 9The fear of the LORD is clean, enduring for ever: the judgments of the LORD are true and righteous altogether. 10More to be desired are they than gold, yea, than much fine gold: sweeter also than honey and the honeycomb. 11Moreover by them is thy servant warned: and in keeping of them there is great reward.
iv. The Holy Spirit – John 14:16-17 - 16And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever; 17Even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him: but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you.
v. Wisdom – James 1:5 – If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him. and James 3:17 - But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be entreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy.
Conclusion:
Have you accepted the Bread of Life?
For Christians: are relying on the Daily Bread for everything or on yourself?
Are you trusting in His satisfying provision or living day to day on your own strength?
