Christ the Bread of Life, Our Sustainer

John 6:1-71

A Handout

Paul J. Bucknell
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Key question: If Jesus was taken from your life, what difference would it make? In what ways?

Introduction: Jesus’ Seven “I am ...” Statements

John introduces Christ throughout John in such a way that our faith might continue to increase and have an impact on our lives by having His life overflow into our own.

He gives us all we need.One way John reveals Christ’s influence on our lives is through Jesus’ seven ‘I am’ statements, starting here in John 6. Jesus is the true life giver, “I am the bread of life” (John 6:35, 48, 51).

The theme of bread interweaves the extremely long chapter of John 6, including many various situations and conversations. Jesus is the Bread of Life which brings sustenance unto eternity.

John 6:1-15 Jesus feeds the 5,000

5 “Jesus therefore lifting up His eyes, and seeing that a great multitude was coming to Him, said to Philip, “Where are we to buy bread, that these may eat?” 6 And this He was saying to test him; for He Himself knew what He was intending to do” (John 6:5-6).

Jesus feeds an enormous crowd with a little boy’s lunch. John 6:14 shows that this is a sign, that is, a miracle that reveals some significant aspect of Jesus’ true identify.

• Why did Jesus ask Philip where they were to find sufficient bread (6:5-6)?

• What conclusion did the people make from this sign (6:14-15)?

• What practical implications would this mean for them if they really believed this?

John 6:16-40 Walking on Water

26 “Jesus answered them and said, “Truly, truly, I say to you, you seek Me, not because you saw signs, but because you ate of the loaves, and were filled. 27 “Do not work for the food which perishes, but for the food which endures to eternal life, which the Son of Man shall give to you, for on Him the Father, even God, has set His seal” (John 6:26-27).

After Jesus walks on water, the crowd continues to seek Jesus. In these verses Jesus tries to turn their focus not to food which only lasts a short time to that which sustains them for eternity.

• Why do the people seek Jesus (6:26)? Is this true for today?

• What does Jesus say to the people facing this problem (6:27)?

32 “Jesus therefore said to them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, it is not Moses who has given you the bread out of heaven, but it is My Father who gives you the true bread out of heaven. 33 “For the bread of God is that which comes down out of heaven, and gives life to the world.” 34 They said therefore to Him, “Lord, evermore give us this bread.” 35 Jesus said to them, “I am the bread of life; he who comes to Me shall not hunger, and he who believes in Me shall never thirst” (John 6:32-35).

Jesus takes up the topic of manna (bread in different form) that they brought up. He continues to show them that it is not the manna, though coming from heaven, that makes such a great difference, but Jesus as the true manna sent from Heaven that they might have eternal life.

• What are your life goals for this year? For your life?

• Do you find you have a similar problem of primarily focusing on temporary goals as if they are the most important to your life?

John 6:41-59 I am the Bread of Life

51 “I am the living bread that came down out of heaven; if anyone eats of this bread, he shall live forever; and the bread also which I shall give for the life of the world is My flesh” (John 6:51).

Jesus further expands His claim to be the Bread of Life in this section.

• What added meaning does the word ‘living’ have in “I am the living bread...” (6:51)?

• How does one ‘eat this bread?’ What does Jesus mean by this?

In the following verses (6:52-59) we discover that many of Jesus’ disciples did not understand Jesus’ deeper meaning.

John 6:60-71 We have believed!

66 “As a result of this many of His disciples withdrew, and were not walking with Him anymore. 67 Jesus said therefore to the twelve, “You do not want to go away also, do you?” 68 Simon Peter answered Him, “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have words of eternal life” (John 6:66-68).

Sometimes we think that if Jesus did it, people would respond better. This is not necessarily true. We are surprised to see what happens here. The heart of unbelief penetrates deep in the soul and only new life can change this.

• What are the two responses of the people to Jesus’ teaching (6:61-64; 67-69)?

• Did Jesus fear offending the disciples (6:66)? Why or why not (6:65)?

Conclusion

John shows how He is able to provide for man’s spiritual needs by first displaying how He can provide for their physical needs. He feeds the 5000. Jesus never wanted to be thought of someone who can simply make life a bit better on earth. Jesus is the ‘bread’ that God sent to earth so that man might gain eternal life. Man only needs to appropriate Christ by believing in Him so that they can live abundant lives through the ages.

Biblical Foundations for Freedom ( BFF )

Rev. Paul J. Bucknell