JESUS THE BREAD OF LIFE
By Rev. Samuel Arimoro
Main Text: John 6:35
Key Verse:
“And Jesus said unto them, I am the bread of life: he that cometh to me shall never hunger; and he that believeth on me shall never thirst.” – John 6:35
Supporting Texts: Isaiah 55:1-3; Matthew 4:4; John 4:13-14; Psalm 107:9; Revelation 2:17
INTRODUCTION:
Throughout Scripture, bread represents sustenance, strength, and daily provision. In the wilderness, God fed the Israelites with manna, a miraculous bread that came from heaven, yet that manna could not give eternal life. In John 6, Jesus introduces Himself as the Bread of Life, the true sustenance that satisfies man’s deepest spiritual hunger. He came not merely to feed the body but to nourish the soul with divine life that never perishes.
Every human heart is born with an inner longing that no material possession, relationship, or worldly pursuit can satisfy. People try to fill that emptiness with pleasure, success, or religion, but the hunger remains until one encounters Christ, the living Bread. Only Jesus can fill the spiritual vacuum and bring contentment to a restless soul.
When we feed on Christ through faith, His life becomes our sustenance, His Word becomes our nourishment, and His presence becomes our satisfaction. The Bread of Life not only satisfies spiritual hunger but also empowers believers to live victoriously and joyfully in a world filled with emptiness and distractions.
1. JESUS IS THE TRUE BREAD FROM HEAVEN
Jesus declared Himself as the Bread that came down from Heaven, distinguishing Himself from the physical manna that the Israelites ate in the wilderness.
a) The manna was temporary, but Jesus gives eternal satisfaction (John 6:49-51). The manna sustained life for a moment, but Jesus gives eternal life to all who partake of Him by faith.
b) Jesus came to satisfy the hunger of the soul (Isaiah 55:2). Physical food feeds the body, but only the Bread of Life nourishes the human spirit with peace, joy, and purpose.
c) Feeding on Christ means believing and abiding in Him (John 6:56-57). To eat of this Bread is to live in daily dependence on His Word, His grace, and His Spirit.
d) The Bread of Life brings divine strength (Psalm 105:40). Just as physical bread strengthens the body, so Jesus strengthens the believer to overcome trials and fulfil destiny.
Biblical Example:
The Israelites were fed with manna in the wilderness, but that manna pointed forward to Christ, the perfect and living Bread who satisfies forever (Exodus 16:14-15).
2. JESUS SATISFIES THE HUNGER OF THE SOUL
Every man and woman has an inner hunger for meaning, peace, and connection with God. Only Jesus, the Bread of Life, can fill that void.
a) Worldly pursuits cannot satisfy spiritual hunger (Ecclesiastes 2:10-11). Many chase wealth, pleasure, and fame, but find themselves empty until they turn to Jesus.
b) Those who come to Jesus shall never hunger (John 6:35). When a person truly encounters Christ, the longing of the heart finds rest and fulfilment.
c) His Word feeds the inner man daily (Matthew 4:4). The Scriptures are the living bread by which the believer grows, matures, and remains spiritually nourished.
d) Fellowship with Jesus keeps us spiritually full (Psalm 63:5). Communion with Him through prayer and worship fills our souls with divine joy and satisfaction.
Biblical Example:
The Samaritan woman at the well came seeking water, but after encountering Jesus, she found the living water that quenched her thirst forever (John 4:7-14).
3. JESUS THE BREAD OF LIFE BRINGS ABUNDANT LIFE
The life that Jesus gives is not limited to survival, it overflows with peace, joy, and divine purpose.
a) The Bread of Life sustains us through every trial (Philippians 4:13). His presence within us provides strength to endure hardship and to live above fear and defeat.
b) The life of Jesus within us produces spiritual fruit (John 15:5)
As we abide in Him, His nourishment enables us to bear fruit that glorifies God.
c) Feeding on Christ produces divine contentment (1 Timothy 6:6). We no longer crave worldly pleasures because our hearts are satisfied in Him.
d) The Bread of Life restores brokenness (Psalm 107:9). He fills the hungry soul and heals every form of spiritual and emotional emptiness.
Biblical Example:
After Jesus fed the five thousand, He demonstrated that those who trust in Him shall never lack. He multiplied little to abundance, proving that in Him there is endless supply (John 6:1-13).
4. JESUS IS OUR DAILY BREAD AND ETERNAL SATISFACTION
Jesus is not only the Bread of yesterday or tomorrow; He is our daily Bread, sustaining us moment by moment.
a) Daily dependence on Christ ensures spiritual vitality (Exodus 16:21). Just as the Israelites gathered manna daily, we must feed on Christ daily to remain strong.
b) Neglecting spiritual feeding leads to weakness (Hebrews 5:12-14). A believer who does not feed on the Word becomes spiritually malnourished and easily discouraged.
c) Jesus satisfies now and eternally (John 6:58). Those who partake of Him here on earth will enjoy eternal fellowship with Him in glory.
d) Feeding on Christ builds intimacy with God (Psalm 34:8). The more we taste His goodness, the deeper our relationship with Him becomes.
Biblical Example:
Mary, who sat at Jesus’ feet listening to His Word, chose the good part, feeding on the Bread of Life, which could never be taken away from her (Luke 10:39-42).
CONCLUSION:
Jesus is the only Bread that truly satisfies the hunger of the human heart. Every attempt to fill life’s emptiness apart from Him leads to frustration. The world offers many substitutes — pleasures, possessions, and philosophies — but none can give the peace, strength, and eternal life that only Jesus provides.
Let us therefore come to Him daily, feeding on His Word, walking in His presence, and trusting in His sufficiency. As we do, we will experience the abundant life that flows from Heaven’s Bread and find lasting fulfilment in every area of life.
PRAYER POINTS:
1. Lord Jesus, fill me with a deep hunger for Your presence and Your Word.
2. Father, deliver me from every distraction that keeps me from feeding on Christ daily.
3. Lord, satisfy my soul with Your truth and keep me from spiritual emptiness.
4. O Lord, make me a living testimony of the satisfaction that comes from knowing You.
5. Father, strengthen me by Your Bread of Life to overcome every temptation and trial.
6. Lord Jesus, feed me continually with the nourishment of Your Word.
7. Every area of spiritual starvation in my life, receive divine restoration now.
8. O Lord, help me to depend on You daily as my source of sustenance and strength.
9. Lord, cause my life to overflow with the fruits of divine nourishment.
10. Father, fill me till I want no more, and make me a source of blessing to others.
