I Am The Living Bread!

“Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.”

(Matthew 4: 4, ESV) 

This morning the Lord made His presence known in the Men’s Morning Meeting at St. Thomas’. The Lord gave Art, Derek, and myself bread, but then again the Lord has been faithful in making his presence known each week in our small group. I just found this morning unique in that He gave each of us a different aspect to the same truth being conveyed in this particular study Art was leading us in. Each one of us was given a different point on this morning’s theme text, John 6:51. These three aspects are as follows: Art was given the truth about “Giving Out” the Bread we feed on; Derek was given the truth about “Living Out” the Bread we feed on; and I was given the truth about “Taking In” the Bread we feed on.  

The truth of this order would be as follows:

1. “Taking In” conveys the truth that just like we would eat natural bread, so are we to feed on the Bread of God’s Word. Bread is no good to us if we do not digest it, so it is with God’s Word. Let us not be just tasters of God’s Word, but rather let us be eaters of the Bread of God’s Word. “Your words were found, and I ate them, and your words became to me a joy and the delight of my heart” (Jer. 15:16, ESV).
2. “Living Out” tells us the truth that just like natural bread sustains us and gives us the physical strength to live from day to day, so the Bread of God’s Word sustains us spiritually, giving us the necessary strength to “live out” the truth of God’s Word in our daily lives. “But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves” (James 1:22).
3. “Giving Out” implies the truth that a part of “living out” the Bread of God’s Word is to share it with others. This can be done in two ways: first, in ministering and teaching God’s Word to fellow Christians; secondly, in proclaiming the Gospel to needy souls who do not know Christ. (See Matt. 28:19-20; Mark 16:15-16). 

Here are four aspects to consider about the term “Bread” in John 6:32, 33, 35, 51:

1. THE TRUE BREAD FROM HEAVEN: This truth is interesting in this verse for a couple reasons. First, “the true bread” is distinguished in this text apart from “the bread from heaven.” The bread from heaven that Moses prayed for the children of Israel in the wilderness was angel’s food (see Ex. 16:4-17; Psalm 78:25). It was called “manna,” yet it could not satisfy. The term “manna” means “what is it?” Second, “the true bread” here identifies metaphorically the sacrifice of the Lord Jesus Christ. Three truths can be seen in regards to bread here: (1.) The "bread" prepared by the hands of men speaks of the flesh (1 Cor. 1:29; Eph. 2:8-9); (2.) The "manna" that rained down from heaven to the children of Israel speaks of the law that was to be given; (3.) Jesus "the true bread" speaks of salvation by grace. All three types of bread gives sustenance, but it is only the "true bread" that can eternally satisfy.
2. THE BREAD OF GOD: Now this truth speaks of the divine aspect and origin of this Bread. This bread is neither angel’s food nor is it the natural bread from man. It is Bread, the Bread of God that imparts divine life. Manna and the natural bread made by the hands of man will perish. It only feeds the natural, earth bound life that is subject to the laws of this present life. It nourishes the flesh, but does nothing for the spirit. The natural man does not receive the things that be of God (see 1 Cor. 2:14). Now the spiritual man born of God receives all things that is of God (see 2 Cor. 5:17).
3. THE BREAD OF LIFE: The Lord Jesus in this text begins with these words “I am,” making the truth about the metaphor Bread personal. And this Bread imparts life. Not natural life, but rather spiritual life. An abundant life that is both satisfying and eternal. Jesus’ promise to whoever comes to him he/she will never hunger or thirst (6:35). “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied” (Matt. 5:6).
4. THE LIVING BREAD:  The Lord Jesus Christ again makes it personal with these same words “I am.” Jesus says in John 14:6, “I am…the life.” Jesus identifies Himself as equal with God in John 6:32-33, 51 when He says He originated from heaven, which offended the Jews. “This pronouncement exactly reiterates verses 33, 35, 47-48. bread…is my flesh. Jesus refers here prophetically to his impending sacrifice upon the cross (cf. 2 Cor. 5:21; 1 Pet. 2:24). Jesus voluntarily laid down his life for evil, sinful mankind (John 10:18; 1 John 2:2)."[1] This truth is echoed again when Jesus fortold his death to His disciples in the upper room (see Matt. 26:26-29; Mark 14:22-25; Luke 22:17-20; 1 Cor. 11:23-26). 

In ancient times in the Middle East bread was an important part and source of food for the Jew and Arab. Bread indeed is a source of nourishment, but it is no good unless it is broken and eaten. This truth can be seen when Jesus fed the 5,000 with only five barley loaves and two fishes. (see John 6:1-15). The truth here is that only the Lord Jesus can satisfy our need. Just as He provides for our need for physical sustenance, so does He meet our spiritual need for daily sustenance from His Word (see Matt. 4:4; Deut. 8:3). Just as Jesus became broken bread for us, we must become broken bread for others. We must understand that bread never broken can never feed others. This same truth applies to a believer’s life. If we willfully remain unbroken bread, then God cannot bless and multiply our brokenness to feed others. So if the bread of our lives remains intact, it cannot make the necessary contact that imparts the impact that nourishes others. (Matt. 6:11).

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[1] John MacArthur, The MacArthur Study Bible: ESV, (Crossway, Wheaton, Illinois, 2010), pg. 1551.