The Bread of Life

Did you know that 1777 was the first time wheat was first planted (as a hobby crop) in the United States?

Here is an interesting fact. Did you know that 1928 Was the year pre-sliced bread was invented in Chillicothe, Missouri, after being worked on for 16 years?

Did you know that 3,975 feet was the longest loaf of bread in the world? It was made at a bakers' party in Portugal in 2005. When sliced, it fed over 15,000 people.

Last week we studied the fives loaves and the two fish, and we talked about the time Jesus gave literal, physical bread to the people around him. Today, Jesus follows up this amazing feeding with a teaching about the true Bread of Life.

was made at a bakers' party in Portugal in 2005. When sliced, it fed over 15,000 people.

I have to tell you, I think this is one of the most influential moments in Jesus’ ministry when you read this story as a Pastor. Here’s why. So much of ministry is driven by numbers- how BIG is your church? I heard a speaker at a conference at few years ago say that pastors should introduce themselves by name and then the number of average attendees at their church- Jon Prater- 120. Many times we are tempted to judge the health of a congregation by number of people, not be impact or outreach. I will confess to you that I have heard a few conversations about how the church should talk less about sin and judgement because those themes will only cause a drop in membership. In fact, some churches will go to any imaginable lengths to get people in the door and keep them coming back. But watch what Jesus does....

English Standard Version Chapter 6

When they found him on the other side of the sea, they said to him, “Rabbi, when did you come here?” 26 Jesus answered them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, you are seeking me, not because you saw signs, but because you ate your fill of the loaves.

Now, some people would say that Jesus should be happy, look how many people are following him! Look at all the lives he is speaking to. True, their motives are not totally pure, but hey at least they are coming! This is a moment when I would be tempted to say the right things, do the right things, sell the right points, in order to keep the crowd following…But listen to what Jesus does!

Jesus does the exact opposite of what I would do- he says something so crazy that it drives the crowd away!

Jesus tells them that he is the Bread of life, and that the only way to have fellowship with God is to eat of the flesh and drink of the blood of Jesus- the crowd thinks he is talking cannibalism, but we know he is talking communion.

So, with this in mind I would like to ask you 3 questions today as a way of checking our hearts.

1- What are you following Jesus? Jesus is pretty critical towards some in the crowd in verse 26, isn’t he?

Mark Batterson said in his book: “All In” – “Most people in most churches think they are following Jesus, but I’m not so sure. They may think they are following Jesus, but the reality is this: they have invited Jesus to follow them.”Too many times I want Jesus to follow me, to serve my purposes, to do my will. But, I want you to join me in saying: “God, I want you to revive my life. I want to follow you. Help me to get out of the way. Navigate my life into following your will.”

The people that day were not following Jesus for Jesus, they were following Jesus for bread. Not because of who he was, but what he could do. I wonder, how about us? Why are we following Jesus? For who he is, or for what he can do? Yesterday at DC Nate Rittenhouse reminded us yesterday your salvation is not about you, but about God. I wonder, do we follow Jesus only because we believe it will bring us honor, an easier life, or eternity in heaven? Only for what we will get- or do we follow Jesus because of WHO HE IS?

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Too many times I want Jesus to follow me, to serve my purposes, to do my will. But, I want you to join me in saying: “God, I want you to revive my life. I want to follow you. Help me to get out of the way. Navigate my life into following your will.”

Too many times I want Jesus to follow me, to serve my purposes, to do my will. But, I want you to join me in saying: “God, I want you to revive my life. I want to follow you. Help me to get out of the way. Navigate my life into following your will.”

2- Is Jesus your Bread, or your cake? Here’s what I mean by that. Bread, especially as Jesus’ listeners would have understood it was a cornerstone of the diet. Bread provided nourishment and sustenance- cake not so much. Most of us would not make cake the cornerstone of our diet. No, cake is more of a treat, a dessert that we tack on to the end of a meal.

So, is Jesus your bread, or your cake? Is he the central part of what you do and who you are? Do you build your life around him? Or do you just tack him on to the end of the things you plan, and do, and strive to be?

3-What Kind of food are you seeking? In verse 27 Jesus implores the people to seek nonperishable food.