Sustained by the Bread of Life John 6:35
Introduction:
Today we gather to delve into the transformative truth found in the words of our Lord Jesus Christ. In John 6:35, Jesus declares, "I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never be hungry again. Whoever believes in me will never be thirsty." Let us explore this profound statement and its implications for our lives.
Point 1: Jesus, the Satisfier of Spiritual Hunger
John 6:35 (NLT) Jesus said, "I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never be hungry again. Whoever believes in me will never be thirsty."
Jesus identifies Himself as the "bread of life," signifying His role in satisfying the deepest hunger and thirst of the human soul. Just as physical bread sustains our bodies, Jesus sustains our spirits, providing eternal nourishment and satisfaction.
Charles Spurgeon beautifully elaborates on this truth, stating, "Christ is the bread of life, and He is to be eaten by faith, in the sense of His being made spiritually our own."
Isaiah 55:1 (NLT) - "Is anyone thirsty? Come and drink—even if you have no money! Come, take your choice of wine or milk—it’s all free!"
In this verse, the prophet Isaiah extends a gracious invitation from the Lord to all who are spiritually thirsty. Regardless of one's circumstances or resources, God offers the opportunity to come and drink freely from His abundant provision. The imagery of wine and milk represents the richness and nourishment found in God's spiritual blessings.
This verse reminds us that God's invitation is open to all, irrespective of their status or background. It emphasises the inclusivity of God's offer of salvation and the richness of His grace, which is freely available to everyone who responds in faith.
Point 2: The Invitation to Come and Believe
John 6:35 (NLT) Jesus said, "I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never be hungry again. Whoever believes in me will never be thirsty."
Jesus extends a universal invitation to all who are hungry and thirsty for spiritual sustenance. He calls us to come to Him and believe in Him as the source of true satisfaction. This invitation is inclusive, welcoming everyone into the abundant life He offers.
Quotation: A.W. Tozer emphasises the significance of responding to this invitation, saying, "To have found God and still to pursue Him is the soul’s paradox of love."
Revelation 22:17 (NLT) - "The Spirit and the bride say, 'Come.' Let anyone who hears this say, 'Come.' Let anyone who is thirsty come. Let anyone who desires drink freely from the water of life."
This verse echoes the invitation found in Isaiah 55:1, emphasizing the universal call to partake of the water of life offered by Jesus Christ. The Spirit and the bride, representing the church, extend a collective invitation to all who are thirsty to come and receive the life-giving water freely.
Revelation 22:17 underscores the urgency and importance of responding to God's invitation without hesitation. It highlights the role of believers in extending this invitation to others and emphasizes the accessibility of God's grace to anyone who seeks it.
Point 3: Eternal Nourishment through Faith
John 6:35 (NLT) Jesus said, "I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never be hungry again. Whoever believes in me will never be thirsty."
Through faith in Jesus, we partake of the spiritual sustenance He offers, leading to eternal life and satisfaction. This faith nourishes our souls, providing strength, hope, and fulfillment beyond temporary desires and needs.
C.S. Lewis eloquently captures the transformative power of faith in Christ, stating, "I believe in Christianity as I believe that the sun has risen: not only because I see it, but because by it I see everything else."
John 4:14 (NLT) - "But those who drink the water I give will never be thirsty again. It becomes a fresh, bubbling spring within them, giving them eternal life."
Jesus speaks these words to the Samaritan woman at the well, offering her living water that satisfies not just physical thirst but also spiritual longing. The water Jesus provides represents the eternal life and spiritual nourishment found in Him alone, which quenches the deepest longings of the human soul.
John 4:14 teaches us that true satisfaction and fulfillment are found in Jesus Christ. It encourages us to look to Him as the source of eternal life and to drink deeply from the well of His grace. This verse challenges us to move beyond temporary satisfaction to experience the lasting joy and abundance that come from a relationship with Christ.
Conclusion:
In summary, these verses collectively communicate God's invitation to all humanity to partake of His abundant provision and experience true satisfaction and eternal life through faith in Jesus Christ.
Dear friends, as we reflect on Jesus' declaration, let us heed His invitation to come and believe, finding true sustenance and satisfaction in Him alone. May we continually partake of the bread of life, growing in faith and experiencing the abundant life Jesus promised. Let us share this transformative truth with others, inviting them to taste and see that the Lord is good. In doing so, may our lives be a testament to the sustaining power of Christ's love and provision.
In the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen.
