Introduction:
One of the most controversial figures in history is Jesus of
Nazareth. You could ask 100 people who they think Jesus was and you could get 100 different answers. So, who is Jesus?
Throughout the Bible, God has revealed Himself to mankind by many different names to reveal more information about who He is and His character. In Exodus 3:14, Moses is about to undertake a history-changing assignment from God. This assignment would have him standing before one of the most powerful men on the planet and declaring that he should let his slaves go free. It is no wonder, in this moment, that God revealed Himself to Moses in a very powerful name.
When asked who He was, Jesus shocked His listeners in John 8:58. It is no wonder that His enemies desired to stone Him! Jesus
revealed Himself by the name “I AM the…” eight times in Scripture. 7x in John and 1x in Revelation.
The first “I AM” that we will look at is “I AM the Bread of Life.” What does this statement mean? How does it apply to us today?
1. Jesus is the source of life.
A. John 1:3
1. All plant and animal life
2. All human life (Gen. 1:26-31)
3. “In Him was Life (John 1:4)
B. The high regard for life in the Bible (Gen. 9:6; Psalm 139:13-16; Jer. 1:5)
C. Today, our culture has departed from that view of life.
D. Life is from the Lord and should be sacred.
2. Jesus is the Sustainer of life (Col. 1:17)
A. Bread (food) is vital to sustaining life.
1. No one is strong enough to live long without food.
2. When food runs out life soon ends.
B. God provides food for life
1. Israel was given manna in the desert.
2. Elijah was sustained:
A. By Ravens at the brook
B. By the widow during the famine
C. By the angles in his discouragement
3. Jesus gives and sustains eternal life.
A. He was born in Bethlehem (the place of Bread) Micah 5:2
B. Even Communion bread symbolises His broken body (1 Cor. 11:24)
4. How to receive this bread of life
A. You must realise your need (Romans 3:23)
B. You must realise your sin has a price (Romans 6:23)
C. You must realise Christ paid your price (Romans 5:8)
D. You must accept God’s gift of salvation (Romans 10:9-13)
3. Jesus gives satisfaction in life (Col. 2:10)
A. Shall never hunger
B. Christ satisfies all our inner desires.
C. He satisfies our inner thirst.
D. True satisfaction is found only in Jesus.
Conclusion:
Who is Jesus? He is the Bread of Life that will sustain and satisfy your soul
Adapted from Preach for a Year #4 by Roger Campbell
