15 - Bread of Life
Scripture Passages: John 6:25-58, Exodus 16
Devotional
Have you ever been so hungry that all you could think about was food? Whether it’s your stomach growling in a meeting or counting down to dinner, hunger grabs your attention. It’s a built-in alarm reminding us to refuel.
But what about a different kind of hunger—the hunger in your soul? Have you ever longed for something deeper, something lasting? Jesus addresses this need in John 6:35, declaring, “I am the bread of life: he that cometh to me shall never hunger; and he that believeth on me shall never thirst.” This statement came after an extraordinary miracle. Jesus had just fed over 5,000 people with five loaves and two fish. The crowd followed Him the next day, hoping for more food. But Jesus wanted to offer them something far greater than another meal.
A Deeper Hunger
We all know what physical hunger feels like, but spiritual hunger is just as real. Many try to fill this void with temporary solutions—success, relationships, possessions, or even religion. But like a meal that satisfies only briefly, these things can’t fulfill the deepest needs of the soul. Jesus reminded the crowd of the manna God provided in the wilderness, saying, “Your fathers did eat manna in the wilderness, and are dead” (John 6:49). Even miraculous bread couldn’t provide eternal satisfaction. Jesus explained that the true bread—the bread that gives life—had come down from heaven. And He boldly declared that He Himself was that bread.
True Satisfaction in Jesus
When Jesus said, “I am the bread of life,” He wasn’t just making a metaphorical statement. He was revealing a profound truth about who He is and what He offers. Bread is essential for physical life, and Jesus is essential for spiritual life. Only He can satisfy the deep hunger in our souls. Through faith in Him, we receive eternal life—a relationship with God that begins now and lasts forever. As Jesus said, “He that believeth on me hath everlasting life” (John 6:47). This isn’t just about future hope; it’s about present fulfillment. When we come to Jesus, we find the peace, joy, and purpose our hearts long for.
How to Receive the Bread of Life
Bread only nourishes if you eat it. You can sit at a table full of food, but unless you take a bite, you’ll stay hungry. The same is true with Jesus. It’s not enough to know about Him or admire His teachings—you must believe in Him personally and completely. Believing in Jesus means placing your trust in Him as your Saviour. It’s acknowledging your need, repenting of your sin, and resting in His finished work on the cross. Jesus promises, “He that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out” (John 6:37).
Rekindling Your Hunger
Even as believers, it’s possible to lose our spiritual hunger. We can become so accustomed to the blessings of knowing Christ that we forget the joy of seeking Him daily. Like the crowd in Mark 8, who came to Jesus with a need and were satisfied, we must recognize that only He can fulfill our hearts. When we neglect God’s Word, prayer, or worship, we risk becoming restless and filling our lives with things that don’t satisfy. But Jesus, in His compassion, never leaves us hungry when we come to Him. He invites us to return to Him, to rekindle our hunger for His presence, and to experience the peace and joy that come from being filled by Him.
A Question for Reflection
Are you finding yourself restless, noticing that something is missing? What are you tempted to seek fulfillment in—your job, a relationship, or your own self-confidence? These things may offer temporary satisfaction, but they can’t fill the emptiness of a hungry soul. Jesus invites you to come and be filled. He is the Bread of Life, offering eternal satisfaction to all who believe. Bring your restlessness and distractions to Him today, and let Him satisfy your soul.
Prayer:
Lord, You are the Bread of Life who satisfies the deepest hunger of our souls. Thank You for offering eternal satisfaction and peace through faith in You. Forgive us when we try to fill our hearts with things that cannot satisfy. Help us to come to You daily, trusting in Your Word and seeking Your presence. Rekindle our hunger for You. Amen.