“And Jesus said unto them, I am the bread of life: he that cometh to me shall never hunger; and he that believeth on me shall never thirst.” John 6:35 (KJV)

A POWERFUL MESSAGE FOR US

Friends, seekers of eternal truths, we gather today to contemplate a truth as vital to our spiritual lives as the very air we breathe: Jesus Christ, our Savior, is the Bread of Life. In a world often starved for genuine meaning and parched with superficial desires, this declaration from the Master himself offers a feast of eternal satisfaction. We are called to be stewards of this life-giving truth, sharing it with a world desperately in need of its nourishment. Let us therefore delve into the profound depths of this scripture and the rich insights provided through the Spirit of Prophecy, that we may more effectively minister to the souls entrusted to our care. “The Word of God is to be our spiritual food.” (The Faith I Live By, page 14). Just as our physical bodies require sustenance to thrive, so too do our spirits hunger for the nourishment that only Christ can provide.

The setting for Jesus’ powerful declaration, “I am the bread of life,” is found in the sixth chapter of John’s Gospel, a pivotal moment following the miraculous feeding of the five thousand. The crowds, initially drawn by the spectacle of physical provision, followed Jesus seeking more of the same. However, the Lord, with divine wisdom, sought to elevate their understanding beyond the temporal to the eternal. He redirected their focus from perishable food to the imperishable Bread that comes down from heaven. This wasn’t merely a casual metaphor; it was a profound statement of His very being and purpose. The phrase “I am” carries immense significance, echoing God’s self-identification to Moses at the burning bush: “I AM THAT I AM” (Exodus 3:14 KJV). By using these same words, Jesus was unequivocally claiming His divine nature, asserting that He is the self-existent One, the source of all life. And just as bread was the fundamental staple of life in that culture, representing sustenance and nourishment in its most basic form, Jesus declared Himself to be the essential sustenance for the spiritual life of humanity. As noted by early writers, “We can see now what Jesus meant when He said, ‘I am the bread of life’ (John 6:35).” (Adventist Review, The Bread of Life). This wasn’t about a temporary filling of the stomach; it was about the eternal satisfaction of the soul’s deepest longings.

But what is this deeper longing that Jesus addresses when He speaks of never hungering or thirsting? It is a hunger and thirst that transcends the physical realm, a profound yearning for something more, somll be filled” (Matthew 5:6 KJV). This righteousness, as Sr. White clarifies, is not merely outward conformity but an inward transformation, a “holiness, likeness to God, and ‘God is love.’ 1 John 4:16. It is conformity to the law of God, for ‘all Thy commandments are righteousness’ (Psalm 119:172), and ‘love is the fulfilling of the law’ (Romans 13:10). Righteousness is love, and love is the light and the life of God. The righteousness of God is embodied in Christ. We receive righteousness by receiving Him.” (Thoughts From the Mount of Blessing, page 18) This deep-seated desire within us, this ache for divine approval and spiritual wholeness, is what Jesus promises to satisfy. The prophet Isaiah extends a gracious invitation: “Ho, every one that thirsteth, come ye to the waters, and he that hath no money; come ye, buy, and eat; yea, come, buy wine and milk without money and without price” (Isaiah 55:1 KJV). This divine call underscores the contrast between the fleeting satisfactions offered by the world, which often come at a great cost, and the freely available, eternally fulfilling provision found in Christ.

How then do we partake of this Bread of Life? It is not through arduous effort or human merit, but through the simple yet profound act of faith. Sr. White states unequivocally, “We eat Christ’s flesh… when by faith we lay hold upon Him as our Saviour.” (The SDA Bible Commentary, vol. 5, page 1135) This isn’t a literal consumption but a spiritual appropriation, an acceptance of Christ in His fullness as the one who can meet our deepest needs. Jesus Himself stands at the door of our hearts, saying, “Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me” (Revelation 3:20 KJV). This intimate invitation reveals that receiving Christ is as simple as hearing His call and opening our hearts to Him. Furthermore, Sr. White emphasizes, “Not by painful struggles or wearisome toil, not by gift or sacrifice, is righteousness obtained; but it is freely given to every soul who hungers and thirsts to receive it.” (Thoughts From the Mount of Blessing, page 18) Our efforts, though important in demonstrating our faith, do not earn us this righteousness. It is a gift, freely bestowed upon those who recognize their spiritual hunger and thirst and turn to Christ to be filled.

Just as our physical bodies require daily nourishment, so too does our spiritual life depend on consistent feeding. The Lord humbled the children of Israel in the wilderness, allowing them to hunger before providing manna, “that he might make thee know that man doth not live by bread only, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of the LORD doth man live” (Deuteronomy 8:3 KJV). This divine lesson underscores the vital truth that our spiritual sustenance comes from God’s Word, of which Jesus is the ultimate embodiment. Sr. White draws a clear parallel: “As we need food to sustain our physical strength, so do we need Christ, the Bread from heaven, to sustain spiritual life and impart strength to work the works of God.” (Thoughts From the Mount of Blessing, page 19) Jesus Himself declared, “It is the spirit that quickeneth; the flesh profiteth nothing: the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life” (John 6:63 KJV). Therefore, consistent engagement with the Scriptures, guided by the Holy Spirit, is crucial for our spiritual vitality. As Sr. White beautifully states, “The words of God are the wellsprings of life. As you seek unto those living springs you will, through the Holy Spirit, be brought into communion with Christ. Familiar truths will present themselves to your mind in a new aspect, texts of Scripture will burst upon you with a new meaning as a flash of light, you will see the relation of other truths to the work of redemption, and you will know that Christ is leading you, a divine Teacher is at your side.” (Thoughts From the Mount of Blessing, page 20) This daily intake of the Word nourishes our souls, strengthens our faith, and deepens our understanding of God’s will.

The act of partaking of the Bread of Life is not merely a passive reception; it is a transformative experience that should shape our character and influence our actions. Sr. White observes, “As we discern the perfection of our Saviour’s character we shall desire to reflect His likeness.” (Thoughts From the Mount of Blessing, page 19) This intimate connection with Christ cultivates within us a desire to emulate His perfect example, leading to a gradual but sure transformation of our hearts and minds. Jesus promised, “But whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst; but the water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of water springing up into everlasting life” (John 4:14 KJV). This living water, like the Bread of Life, speaks of the continuous and ever-flowing sustenance that Christ provides. Furthermore, Sr. White notes, “The heart that has once tasted the love of Christ, cries out continually for a deeper draft, and as you impart you will receive in richer and more abundant measure.” (Thoughts From the Mount of Blessing, page 21) As we are filled with Christ’s love, we are naturally led to share that love with others, and in the very act of giving, we find ourselves receiving even more abundantly.

Consider for a moment how these profound concepts illuminate the boundless love of our Heavenly Father. Sr. White declares, “God has poured out His love unstintedly, as the showers that refresh the earth.” (Thoughts From the Mount of Blessing, page 21) Just as rain falls freely and abundantly, nourishing the ground and bringing forth life, so too does God’s love flow without measure towards humanity. The prophet Isaiah proclaimed, “Drop down, ye heavens, from above, and let the skies pour down righteousness: let the earth open, and let them bring forth salvation, and let righteousness spring up together; I the LORD have created it” (Isaiah 45:8 KJV). This powerful imagery connects God’s love with the provision of righteousness and salvation, demonstrating His active role in our redemption.“We need not seek to quench our thirst at shallow streams; for the great fountain is just above us, of whose abundant waters we may freely drink, if we will rise a little higher in the pathway of faith.” (Thoughts From the Mount of Blessing, page 19) God’s love is not a scarce resource, difficult to obtain; it is a vast, overflowing fountain readily accessible to all who will approach Him in faith.

In light of this incredible gift of the Bread of Life, what then are our responsibilities toward God? Sr. White provides a clear answer: “As the body is continually receiving the nourishment that sustains life and vigor, so the soul must be constantly communing with Christ, submitting to Him and depending wholly upon Him.” (Thoughts From the Mount of Blessing, page 19) Our relationship with God is not meant to be a one-time event but an ongoing, vital connection. The Apostle Paul urged, “I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service” (Romans 12:1 KJV). This complete surrender of ourselves – our time, talents, and affections – is our fitting response to God’s immeasurable love. As Sr. White so aptly questioned, “Our life is not our own, never was, and never can be. The question of importance to us is, Is our life interwoven with that of Jesus?” (The Youth’s Instructor, September 13, 1894, page 32)^. Our lives should reflect our deep gratitude and dependence on the One who sustains us spiritually.

Furthermore, having tasted the Bread of Life ourselves, we have a profound responsibility toward our neighbors. Sr. White encourages us, “When brought into association with them you will communicate some fresh thought in regard to the character or the work of Christ. You will have some fresh revelation of His pitying love to impart to those who love Him and to those who love Him not.” (Thoughts From the Mount of Blessing, page 20) Just as we have been nourished, we are called to share this nourishment with those around us. Jesus taught, “Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom. For with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again” (Luke 6:38 KJV). As we freely share the love and truth we have received from Christ, we will find ourselves blessed in return. Earlyr pioneers urged, “Go to your neighbors one by one, and come close to them till their hearts are warmed by your unselfish interest and love. Sympathize with them, pray for them, watch for opportunities to do them good, and as you can, gather a few together and open the Word of God to their darkened minds.” (The Review and Herald, January 1, 1895). Our responsibility extends to all those around us, regardless of their background or beliefs, reflecting the inclusive love of Christ.

In our personal journey of faith, let us continually ask ourselves what it truly means to hunger and thirst for Christ. Sr. White reminds us, “If you have a sense of need in your soul, if you hunger and thirst after righteousness, this is an evidence that Christ has wrought upon your heart, in order that He may be sought unto to do for you, through the endowment of the Holy Spirit, those things which it is impossible for you to do for yourself.” (Thoughts From the Mount of Blessing, page 19) This very feeling of spiritual longing is a testament to Christ’s drawing power, an invitation to come to Him for fulfillment. May we consistently feed on the Word, allowing it to transform us from the inside out. And may we embrace the joyous responsibility of sharing this life-giving Bread with a world that so desperately needs its sustenance.

The message of Jesus as the Bread of Life is a cornerstone of our faith. Through faith, we partake of this heavenly nourishment, finding satisfaction for our deepest spiritual hunger and thirst. The Word of God, illuminated by the Holy Spirit, is our daily bread, strengthening us for service. As we are transformed by this divine sustenance, we are called to extend the table, sharing the love and truth of Christ with our neighbors. Let us remember the powerful promise: “To Jesus, who emptied Himself for the salvation of lost humanity, the Holy Spirit was given without measure. So it will be given to every follower of Christ when the whole heart is surrendered for His indwelling. Our Lord Himself has given the command, ‘Be filled with the Spirit’ (Ephesians 5:18), and this command is also a promise of its fulfillment.” (Thoughts From the Mount of Blessing, page 21) May we all be filled with the Spirit, empowered to share the amazing, incredible Bread of Life with a world in need.