The Bread of Heaven: More than Manna

Introduction

Let's start this morning's message with a question. How many of you have ever truly experienced starvation? Please refrain from raising your hand; I only ask this to encourage reflection.

One of the shows I enjoy watching periodically is “Alone.” It is a reality show where contestants are dropped off in remote areas of the world, typically in Northern Canada or Alaska. They must survive alone for as long as possible with only a backpack of equipment they have chosen to bring. If you've seen the show, you know that most contestants do relatively well in the first few weeks. However, as winter arrives and food becomes scarce, many begin to suffer from starvation. Soon, they face severe physical challenges due to the lack of food and essential nutrients. Essentially, their bodies start to feed on themselves. Metabolism slows down, the body loses its ability to regulate temperature, the kidney's function is impaired, and the immune system weakens.

Fortunately, each contestant has a lifeline: a satellite phone they can use to call for help if they are in real danger. However, many people throughout history, and even today, do not have such lifelines. Starvation is a harsh reality, and for those without proper food, death can become inevitable.‌

As we continue our study of John 6, I am reminded that

Many people today are spiritually starving, even though they may not lack physical food.

Here in America, we are truly blessed, as most of our population enjoys an abundance of food. However, the true tragedy of America lies not in physical starvation but in spiritual emptiness. In fact, I firmly believe, based on God’s Word, that the greatest calamity of all time is the absence of spiritual life.

In today’s passage, Christ presents Himself as the true bread from Heaven. Last Sunday, we learned that He, as the Bread of Heaven, is unparalleled. Jesus Christ is the only source of complete spiritual satisfaction. We also discussed that belief (or faith) in Christ is essential for anyone who desires a profound transformation in their life. Today, as we continue to examine this conversation between Christ and the Jews, we will discover that He, as the true bread from Heaven, offers something greater than the manna from the Old Testament. Unlike that manna, which was temporary, He provides eternal spiritual sustenance to all who believe in Him.‌

Let’s read our text and then see what God wants us to know and understand today.

John 6:41–51 KJV 1900

41 The Jews then murmured at him, because he said, I am the bread which came down from heaven. 42 And they said, Is not this Jesus, the son of Joseph, whose father and mother we know? how is it then that he saith, I came down from heaven? 43 Jesus therefore answered and said unto them, Murmur not among yourselves. 44 No man can come to me, except the Father which hath sent me draw him: and I will raise him up at the last day. 45 It is written in the prophets, And they shall be all taught of God. Every man therefore that hath heard, and hath learned of the Father, cometh unto me. 46 Not that any man hath seen the Father, save he which is of God, he hath seen the Father. 47 Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me hath everlasting life. 48 I am that bread of life. 49 Your fathers did eat manna in the wilderness, and are dead. 50 This is the bread which cometh down from heaven, that a man may eat thereof, and not die. 51 I am the living bread which came down from heaven: if any man eat of this bread, he shall live for ever: and the bread that I will give is my flesh, which I will give for the life of the world.

Here is the first thing we need to know and understand. Remember it all centers around this one point.

Christ is the true bread of heaven.

First, as the true bread of Heaven, He is...

A Unique Source of Nourishment

Note verse 48 through 51 once again.

John 6:48–51 KJV 1900

48 I am that bread of life. 49 Your fathers did eat manna in the wilderness, and are dead. 50 This is the bread which cometh down from heaven, that a man may eat thereof, and not die. 51 I am the living bread which came down from heaven: if any man eat of this bread, he shall live for ever: and the bread that I will give is my flesh, which I will give for the life of the world.

Manna was a unique substance, unlike anything found on Earth. In fact, since the days of Israel's wanderings in the wilderness, manna has ceased to exist. You will not find manna today. God provided manna as supernatural food for the Israelites during their journey from Egypt to Canaan—a trek that lasted 40 years through a rugged wilderness. This journey was extended due to their disobedience.

What did manna look like?‌ 

Exodus 16:31 KJV 1900

31 And the house of Israel called the name thereof Manna: and it was like coriander seed, white; and the taste of it was like wafers made with honey.

Manna was essentially an unleavened wafer that was white and tasted like honey. While it wasn't extraordinary, it fulfilled its purpose. Along with the manna, God also provided meat for the Israelites. Each morning, they would find manna on the ground, ready for collection. In the evening, God would send flocks of quail for meat. This divine provision meant that the God of Heaven took care of His people by providing both bread and meat from Heaven. This had a significant impact on Israel; those wandering in the wilderness no longer suffered from hunger. Later generations of Jews recognized that their existence was due to God’s provision of food to their forefathers during their time in the wilderness. As a result, manna has been honored in the minds of all Jews as the "bread of heaven." However, it's important to note that, like any physical food, manna was temporary. It provided sustenance, but only for a limited time. Eating manna one day meant that the Israelites would be hungry again the next morning. While manna offered temporary satisfaction and fulfillment, it did not grant eternal life. As Christ pointed out, those who ate it eventually died.‌

Here is the key contrast to consider: Christ is presenting Himself as the true bread from Heaven. For the Jews, the true bread of Heaven was manna. However, Christ is telling them that manna is not the true bread; He is the true bread that has descended from Heaven. As such, He represents a unique source of nourishment.

How is He unique?

John 6:50–51 KJV 1900

50 This is the bread which cometh down from heaven, that a man may eat thereof, and not die. 51 I am the living bread which came down from heaven: if any man eat of this bread, he shall live for ever: and the bread that I will give is my flesh, which I will give for the life of the world.

Unlike manna, whoever consumes the Bread of Heaven, which is Jesus Christ, will not die. This statement stands in contrast to verse 49, where it is noted that the Israelites ate manna and ultimately died. They experienced a natural, physical death. However, those who partake of the bread that came down from Heaven, Jesus Christ, will not experience death in the same way. What exactly is Christ referring to here? Is He speaking of eternal physical life, or is it something entirely different? The answer is a bit complex, as it encompasses both physical and spiritual life. Let me explain.

Scripture teaches that there are two births and two deaths. The first birth is our physical entry into this world. Christ alluded to this in John 3 when He spoke to Nicodemus.‌

John 3:5–6 KJV 1900

5 Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God. 6 That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit.

What is born of the flesh is flesh; this refers to physical birth. However, God desires that all people experience a second birth, which is spiritual. Christ states, "...that which is born of the Spirit is spirit." Therefore, only those who are born of water (physically) and of the Spirit (spiritually) can enter God's kingdom.

There are two types of death. The first is physical death, which everyone experiences since all are born of the flesh. Scripture refers to this as the first death. Unless the rapture occurs, everyone present will face this first death.

The second death, however, is circumstantial. It depends on Christ, the Bread of Heaven. If I acknowledge, during my time in physical life, that Christ came to save me from condemnation (which means being destined to live eternally without God due to my sinful nature), I will experience a spiritual birth. As a result, I will also receive eternal life. In other words, while I may die physically, I will never die spiritually, for I am promised to live with God forever instead of living eternally separated from Him. Conversely, those who fail to recognize that Christ came to save them from condemnation and die physically without receiving Him will experience what Scripture calls the second death.‌

Revelation 20:12–15 KJV 1900

12 And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books were opened: and another book was opened, which is the book of life: and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works. 13 And the sea gave up the dead which were in it; and death and hell delivered up the dead which were in them: and they were judged every man according to their works. 14 And death and hell were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death. 15 And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire.

The second death is final. If you do not accept Christ as the true bread of Heaven and as your personal Savior before you die, you will experience both the first and the second death.

This is the urgency of Christ’s message. He came as the true bread of Heaven, offering Himself to all who believe in Him.

In return, He will grant them eternal life, ensuring that they do not have to experience the second death.‌

Now note this.

Christ offers...

A Unique Opportunity for Eternal Life

Unlike manna, the true bread of heaven is eternal life. However, verse 51 highlights something crucial.

John 6:51 KJV 1900

51 I am the living bread which came down from heaven: if any man eat of this bread, he shall live for ever: and the bread that I will give is my flesh, which I will give for the life of the world.

Christ says, “If any man eats of this bread, he shall live forever.”

The concept of “eating” is unique and deserves our attention.

Let’s use a loaf of bread as an illustration. Eating is necessary if I want to truly enjoy the bread set before me. For example, this loaf of bread in front of me looks amazing, and to be honest, I am hungry right now. I can look at it, admire it, analyze it, hold it, and discuss all its wonderful qualities, noting how delightful it looks and how wonderful it smells, but it remains useless as nourishment unless I actually eat it. Isn’t it equally true when it comes to Christ?

We can look at Him (Christ), admire Him, and analyze the possibilities He offers, but until we receive Him into our hearts and lives, nothing changes.

Eating is a response to a felt need. I mentioned that I am hungry, and I imagine many of you are feeling hungry as well. You may even be experiencing a little rumble in your stomach as a reminder that it craves food. Hunger is an unmistakable and acute need. When you feel hungry, do you question or reason about it? No, you gladly and promptly reach for food and eat it. Isn’t this also true regarding our spiritual condition? Deep within each of us is a consciousness that tells us we are lost and in need of something far more satisfying than what this world offers. When we come face to face with Christ, His Spirit awakens our awareness that without Him, we will never feel complete. We learn that without Him, we will perish eternally. You might question, reason, or ignore your spiritual condition at that moment. But why? Why not gladly and promptly receive Christ and enjoy the spiritual satisfaction He provides?

Eating is also an act of appropriation. The bread is right in front of me, and I am hungry. It is baked and ready; all I need to do is pick it up, break off a piece, and put it in my mouth. When I do this, the bread that was previously outside me now becomes a part of me. I assimilate it, and it supplies me with nutrients and energy. The same principle applies to Christ. I can present Christ to you in all His attractiveness, showcasing His wonderful personality and perfect life. His unselfishness and tenderness can move you to tears as you envision Him dying on the cruel cross at Calvary. However, it is not until you appropriate Him by receiving Him as your Savior that you truly experience His salvation. He who was on the outside will now dwell within you. In that moment, He becomes the unique Bread of Life, nurturing your spiritual health and strength daily.

Lastly, eating is a personal act. No one can eat for me, though at times I might wish they could. If I am to be nourished, I must eat for myself. Standing by and watching others eat will not meet my needs. Isn’t that equally true with Christ? No one can receive Christ for you, and no one can believe on your behalf. You must personally accept Christ as yours; otherwise, it means nothing.

John 6:51 KJV 1900

51 I am the living bread which came down from heaven: if any man eat of this bread, he shall live for ever: and the bread that I will give is my flesh, which I will give for the life of the world.

Right now, in this moment, you have a unique opportunity. If any man (you) will eat of the bread of Heaven (receive Christ as your personal savior), you will live forever.

Romans 6:23 KJV 1900

23 For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Note this last thing and we are done.

Christ said, “...the bread that I will give is my flesh, which I will give for the life of the world.”

Romans 5:8 KJV 1900

8 But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.

Conclusion

Here is the concluding thought: There came a day when Christ willingly laid down His life for all of humanity. He sacrificed Himself for our sins and died for us, demonstrating His immense love. The day men crucified Him on the cross was the moment God committed the greatest act of love ever known to mankind. He offered Himself as the only source of spiritual health, happiness, exuberance, energy, and vitality. Nothing in this world compares to Christ.

He (Christ) is the only source of complete spiritual satisfaction and fulfillment.

The question is, will you take Him? Will you invite Him into your life? Will you accept His offer as the true bread of heaven? If you do, He who is outside will dwell within you. He will daily provide you with spiritual health and strength. However, you must accept what is offered. Only you can receive Him for yourself. You need to call out to Him today, acknowledge your sin, and accept Him as your personal Savior.

Will you truly believe that He is God, that He died, was buried, and rose again from the dead on the third day?

If you do, He will rescue you from condemnation, and you will experience a complete spiritual transformation.