
I grew up on white bread. I do not remember anything else, such as the “whole grain,” wheat,” or other kinds of breads as we have today. It was the staple of life. For us, nothing else would do. Sunbeam was the choice for our house; Wonder Bread was unacceptable.

Faye Hodges would make an after-school snack of white bread (no crust), peanut butter and apples. At our house, when the bread became stale or the ends had accumulated without small “green spots,” we would have bread pudding as a treat on meatloaf night.
Yet now…
Go to Subway and you are required to make a decision between breads; many different breads. The first thing you encounter is the list: Italian, Flatbread, Monterey Cheddar, Italian Herb and Cheese, 9-Grain Wheat Bread, and Honey Oat. Italian Herb and Cheese and 9-Grain Bread are my favorites. Choosing the bread type is just the first of the steps…but it is the most important.
Jesus said, “I am the bread of life…” (John 6:35)
The masses had enjoyed a meal of fish and bread and where looking for Jesus. It is best to say they were looking for more food. People are more focused on the material and the spiritual. It is the way we are, because at the heart of the matter we are selfish and self-centered. I, me, mine are our favorite words.
Therefore, the masses have come to Jesus:
“When they found Him on the other side of the sea, they said to Him, ‘Rabbi, when did You get here?’ Jesus answered, ‘I assure you: You are looking for Me, not because you saw the signs, but because you ate the loaves and were filled. Don’t work for the food that perishes but for the food that lasts for eternal life, which the Son of Man will give you, because God the Father has set His seal of approval on Him.’” (John 6:25-27 HCSB)
The phrase, “You are looking for Me, not because you saw the signs, but because you ate the loaves and were filled” reveals His understanding of the heart. He is fully aware the crowds followed Him because they are motivated by superficial desires for food and did not comprehend the person and mission of Jesus. They look for things which perish, fade, or are by a vapor; but Jesus has come to give something that will last for eternity.
“Then they said, ‘Sir, give us this bread always!’” (John 6:34 HCSB)
How blind they were! Spiritually, blind as bats. They were thinking of some physical bread, like the manna Moses provided in the desert wandering. They failed, yet again to see Jesus providing a spiritual solution to their desperate need.

Jesus said:
“’I am the bread of life,’ Jesus told them. ‘No one who comes to Me will ever be hungry, and no one who believes in Me will ever be thirsty again.’” (John 6:35 HCSB)
What a wonderful statement Jesus makes; one which applies to the crowds. While they were anticipating something similar to the manna, Jesus was revealing something far mor powerful for them. Manna was to be sustenance for the physical body; the Bread Jesus gives would be sustenance for the spiritual body. He presents Himself as the spiritual food of endless supply.
They had asked of Him, “What can we do to perform the works of God?” (John 6:28)
Jesus responded with, “This is the work of God—that you believe in the One He has sent.” (John 6:29)
What a wonderful statement Jesus makes; one which applies to us. Believe in Jesus Christ, confess your sin to Him, and confess Him as Lord and Savior and you too will receive by faith this unfailing spiritual satisfaction. It will be the best meal of your life.
Until next time…


Dr. Jeff Fuller is pastor of Rockford Baptist Church. You may reach him through the church office at 256-377-4900 or by email at rbccoosa@gmail.com.