Introduction:

1. Last week we looked at Jesus as the well of the water of life.

2. This week we see Him as the bread of life, another vivid portrait of the life-giving and life-sustaining nature of our Lord and our God.

Discussion:

I. The Need for Nourishment (6:22-27, 49-51)

A. After Jesus fed the 5,000, the crowds followed Him to Capernaum.

B. Jesus redirected them to heavenly things, as they were merely chasing the physical benefits He could provide (6:26-27).

C. Life demands nourishment (6:26-27; Genesis 1:29-30; 1 Corinthians 3:1-2; Hebrews 5:12-14; 1 Peter 2:2).

D. Eternal life demands eternal nourishment (6:49-51).

II. The Sole Source of Nourishment (6:27-40, 50-51)

A. Jesus promised food that would endure (6:27-34)

B. He alone is the bread of life, everlasting life (6:35-40, 50-51).

III. Approaching the Source (6:41-45, 52, 60)

A. The Jews were incensed by His claims (6:41-42, 52, 60)

B. Those who learn of God are drawn to Christ (6:44-45).

IV. Assimilating the Bread (6:29, 37-40, 47-51, 54-58, 63-64)

A. Just as we consume and assimilate food, so must we consume and assimilate Christ through faith in His words (6:29, 47, 63-64).

B. The result is we abide in Him and He in us (6:56-57).

C. Our souls live eternally though our bodies die, making this assimilation non-negotiable (6:37-40, 47-51, 54-58).

1. This word portrait reinforces our total dependence on Him.

2. Like physical food, the bread of life must be eaten to benefit.

3. How is our appetite, and what are we feeding our souls?

4. We must feast on the bread of life and live eternally.