Jesus is the only Bread we need

Bible Passage: Jn 6:22–58

Introduction

In this chapter of the Bible, we see Jesus doing some incredible things.

First he feeds the 5000 people that came to hear him teach. After this they want to take him by force,to make Him their king.

I try to put myself in these people shoes. Living under the rule of the romans. Growing up hearing promises from the religeous leaders of this Messiah, that would come and save the nation from oppression. That would cause their people to rule over nations.

Then comes this man. Performing amazing miracles and doing things that no one else has done. Except maybe from the stories told of the prophets of old. Of course they want to make him king.

After Jesus escapes this mob of people, He then shows His divinity to the disciples by walking on the water. He proves beyond a doubt that He is more than a man. He is God in the flesh. But at the same time. The disciples could hardly comprehend the depth of who Christ was. And the general public, definitly could not understand.

King James Version (Chapter 6)

22The day following, when the people which stood on the other side of the sea saw that there was none other boat there, save that one whereinto his disciples were entered, and that Jesus went not with his disciples into the boat, but that his disciples were gone away alone; 23 (Howbeit there came other boats from Tiberias nigh unto the place where they did eat bread, after that the Lord had given thanks:) 24 When the people therefore saw that Jesus was not there, neither his disciples, they also took shipping, and came to Capernaum, seeking for Jesus. 25 And when they had found him on the other side of the sea, they said unto him, Rabbi, when camest thou hither? 26 Jesus answered them and said, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Ye seek me, not because ye saw the miracles, but because ye did eat of the loaves, and were filled.

The people wanted to be near Jesus. Not because he was God. Not to forgive their sins. But Jesus says, it was so they could be filled. Jesus gave them food. They wanted their physical needs met. They did not want to suffer or go hungry. They wanted the easy way to fill their stomachs.

Most of the people in the world today are the same. They want to take the easiest road to get their physical needs taken care of. People don’t want to have to work hard, and suffer to earn things. But rather they will go the easy way to a free meal.

We can look at politics for an example. It is the politician that gives the most free things to the people, that will gain them the most votes. So they will do anything possible to give money, or services away. No matter the consequenses in the future. So they get what they want today.

John 6:27  Labour not for the meat which perisheth, but for that meat which endureth unto everlasting life, which the Son of man shall give unto you: for him hath God the Father sealed.

Jesus says that our focus should not be on the things that will parish. But on the things that we can take to everlasting life.

Matthew 6: 19 Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: 20 But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal: 21 For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.

What are you working for here on earth?

It is easy for us to think of what is around us. Our needs thats we are faced with every day. But Jesus wants us to have eyes looking at what is everlasting. Everything we work for here on earth will add up to nothing in the end. There will be no bank account that you can transfer to heaven. The nicest house will one day fall over and be ruined. Your nice clothes will rot away. That new car will rust.

The only things that can last forever are the spirtual. The souls of your neighbours, and family. Obedience to the Lord which creates all things. This is what will last forever.

King James Version (Chapter 6)

John6:28  Then said they unto him, What shall we do, that we might work the works of God? 29 Jesus answered and said unto them, This is the work of God, that ye believe on him whom he hath sent.

Just as these people asked “what must we do?”

We have a planet full of people that are trying to figure out “what must I do?” “How can I have a full life?, purpose; or even more importantly; Eternal Life?”

There is only one WORK which will get you eternal life. It’s not by coming to church, or by doing lots of good things. But in John 6:29 it says that the work of God that we need to do, is to BELIEVE in Jesus.

Believe what he has done for you is enough. That you yourself can not do enough, but only what Christ has done on that cross, through His love, His grace, His way.

King James Version (Chapter 6)

John 6:30  They said therefore unto him, What sign shewest thou then, that we may see, and believe thee? what dost thou work? 31 Our fathers did eat manna in the desert; as it is written, He gave them bread from heaven to eat.

These people did not want to put their trust in Christ. They wanted a sign. They wanted their immediate needs met again. Just like when Jesus fed the 5000. They want it again. Rather than focusing on the spiritual, they are focused on the physical. They want full stomaches and they want Jesus to do it in a miraculous way. They want Jesus to feed the whole nation of Israel, like God did when they were wandering in the desert.

King James Version (Chapter 6)

John 6:32  Then Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Moses gave you not that bread from heaven; but my Father giveth you the true bread from heaven. 33 For the bread of God is he which cometh down from heaven, and giveth life unto the world. 34 Then said they unto him, Lord, evermore give us this bread. 35 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. 36 But I said unto you, That ye also have seen me, and believe not.

1. Seek Sustenance, Not Signs

Jn 6:22-29

You could explore how people often seek Jesus for temporary gains rather than eternal sustenance. The crowd looks for Jesus after the miracle of the loaves, but He challenges them to seek the eternal food He offers. This suggests the importance of evaluating our motivations for following Christ. Jesus invites us to believe in Him as the work God requires, highlighting a shift from temporal to eternal perspectives. Reflect on our own focus and encourage seeking Christ with genuine faith for spiritual nourishment.

2. Trust the True Bread

Jn 6:30-40

Perhaps you can emphasize the tendency of humans to demand signs despite having received God's gifts. The people's request for a sign echoes their misunderstanding, but Jesus clarifies His role as the true Bread. In believing in Him, we receive eternal life. This passage encourages reliance on Christ rather than worldly assurances. Encourage listeners to trust in the sufficiency of Christ’s offering, which surpasses all earthly provisions.

3. Overcome Objections with Faith

Jn 6:41-51

Maybe you could illustrate the theme of resistance to Christ’s claims by examining the crowd's grumbling. Despite the miraculous provision, they doubt Jesus’ words. This suggests that recognizing Jesus as the Bread of Life requires overcoming doubts and embracing a divine perspective. Encourage believers to embrace Jesus as the life-giving bread, understanding that faith in Him surpasses human logic and offers eternal sustenance.

4. Partake in Profound Communion

Jn 6:52-58

You might explore the deep spiritual truth of Jesus’ invitation to partake in His flesh and blood. The challenging metaphor emphasizes intimate communion with Christ. Perhaps discuss the implications of this intimate relationship with Jesus, which far exceeds ritualistic devotion. Encourage a deeper commitment to Christ that transforms and nourishes spiritually, emphasizing the relationship over mere tradition.