Jesus' statement, "I am the bread of life" is meant to stir within us a sense of urgency as we consider Him as the bread of life. We need Him in a way that nothing else can possibly satisfy. We need Him in such a way that no success, no victory over bad behavior, no achievement in school or work, no purchase, vacation, or even numerous vacations that we anticipate will finally satisfy our souls. No bank balance or experience can fulfill what we deeply long for.  None of those will satisfy. 

When Jesus declares, "I am the bread of life," He is presenting a non-negotiable necessity. We need Him, for He is greater than all these.  By calling Himself the bread of life, Jesus is also saying, "You can have Me." What we need can actually be provided.  We can have that need met. Security, Safety, Acceptance, Belonging, Peace--real peace, and Strength. He says we can have all of these.

If you are not a follower of Jesus, here's a pertinent question: How long do you think you can make it without food? There is a limit. Just as there is a limit in the physical realm, so too in the spiritual realm—they are inseparable because as the spirit goes, so goes the body. We all recognize there's a limit. Do you see your need as Jesus lays it out?  The most desperate place a human being can ever find themselves—the saddest, most desperate place—is not knowing their need. Pray that the Lord would reveal this to you and lead you to His satisfaction.

What if you are a Christian and have heard Jesus proclaim, "I am the bread of life?"   What can we do but savor him?

It is easy to become complacent, to find ourselves distracted and to desire the bread that doesn't fulfill at the expense of the bread that does.

"Taste and see that Yahweh is good." Who is he? The Lord Jesus Christ, the bread of life.

(from the message by Rev. Sam McDonald, Feb. 16, 2025)