This week’s study begins a series of lessons that reflect on various ways in which Jesus described Himself: Bread, Light, Open Gate, Shepherd, Way—Truth—Life. True Vine. Our Lord reaches out to us in so many ways!

These studies begin with the image and truth of bread.

I remember my sixth grade Sunday School class from decades ago. We were discussing this text from John 6:35: “Jesus said to them, ‘I am the bread of life.’” One of my classmates said, “Bread? I think I’d rather have chocolate cake.” We roared with laughter and agreement. Miss Dellinger smiled and then asked, “If that is all you had to eat, which one would be better for you?” Our giggles turned into understanding.  

The crowds who went looking for Jesus have stomachs that were full. This is after that remarkable miracle of feeding the five thousand and Jesus must have sensed that the crowd was now looking for chocolate cake (John 6:26). He reminds them that through belief in Him we can connect with heaven and have eternal life (John 6:35-40).  

I got to wondering: What are the slices of chocolate cake that we sometimes choose instead of the Bread of Life? Might the cake be financial success? Praise and recognition from others? Comfort and ease? These are not the things that Jesus promises. In John 4:34, Jesus says, “My food is to do the will of him who sent me…” And that is the Bread that He offers to us.

Many congregations have Holy Communion on the first Sunday of each month. Then, they use physical bread to convey the gift of spiritual bread. At the Table, we recall Jesus’ upper room experience with the disciples when He took the Bread and the Cup and said it was His body and His blood (Luke 22:19-20). And thus, we are fed.

Jesus Christ is our nourishment for life.  

Jesus Christ is the Bread of Life.