Pastor’s message for the month of May
“God the Son: The Bread of Life” (John 6: 28-35)
What is your favorite food? Why?
Sushi. Tacos. Hot Dogs. For me, this is the greatest of all food in existence. For you, it might be something different. We all have our “favorites.” One thing is for sure, however. We all like to eat. For good reason too! Food is tasty. Food sustains us. One such food most people enjoy eating is bread. Bread is tasty, and it can sustain our life for a very long time.
In this Scripture passage, Jesus declares Himself as the Bread of Life. This is in response to the question that the people pose in verse 30. They ask Him to show them a sign. They reference the story of God giving the Israelites Manna from Heaven as sign that Moses was a Prophet, or anointed one. If Jesus was claiming to be a Prophet and the anointed Messiah from God, then what sign would He perform in order to prove it? Instead of focusing on this question, however, Jesus changes the direction of the conversation. He does not talk about the status of Moses (or Himself) being a Prophet, but rather focuses on the “bread” that Moses brought the people. This bread provided them life. It sustained them in the wilderness. Furthermore, it was not Moses who gave them this “bread.” It was God who did this. It is only after establishing all of these premises that Jesus then states: “I am the Bread of Life.” By doing so, He is making a rather unique comparison. Instead of comparing Himself to Moses, He draws the people’s attention by comparing Himself to the bread that came down from Heaven whilst the people of Israel were wandering the desert. In this way, He is declaring Himself as the Being that brings fullness and sustenance to a person’s life. This is why He states that all who come to Him will never be “hungry” or “thirsty.” In Christ, life finds fulfillment.
In this life, we all seek fulfillment and satisfaction. We all seek contentment and wholeness. This is the reason why many people work so hard to become wealthy. Others seek to advance in their careers. Others obtain degrees in higher education. Some also want big families. We also go through “desert” periods in our lives. Times when life is tough, filled with struggle and sadness. In such times, we typically find ourselves using various coping mechanisms to journey through and past the desert. All of this can be good. However, the reality is that, no matter how good they may be, it will never bring us true or complete fullness, satisfaction, contentment, or wholeness. Only Jesus can provide that. In both good times and desert times, Jesus is the Bread of Life, who sustains our souls. So, wherever you are in life, look to Jesus. In prayer, worship, and relationship, go to Jesus. Find fullness in Him.
Dear Jesus, You are the Bread of Life. May I find fullness and wholeness in You and You alone.
Amen.
