By Stephen Altrogge
https://theblazingcenter.com/2019/02/jesus-i-am-statements.html
[RW Comment: Here is the first of the seven truths regarding Jesus’ “I Am” statements. I’ll be combining the next few over the coming weeks. I really enjoy studying the theology behind these statements because they show us who Jesus is and what he came to do. They show us his nature and his heart towards his people. We will be covering this topic with our teens on the coming Wednesday nights.]
When someone says, “I am…,” it reveals something about their identity. About the core of their being. About what is most important to them and about them.
For example, when I say, “I am a Christian,” I’m making a big, bold statement that my identity in Christ is what’s most important to me.
So when Jesus says, “I am…,” we should pay close attention. He’s pulling back the curtain on his glorious character. He’s telling us something profoundly important – something we don’t want to miss.
With that in mind, let’s spend some time savoring Jesus’, “I am,” statements.
I Am The Bread of Life
I am the bread of life; whoever comes to me shall not hunger, and whoever believes in me shall never thirst (John 6:35).
The original hearers of this, “I am,” statement of Jesus would have had two things in mind:
1. They had just seen Jesus miraculously feed a massive, teeming, ravenous crowd using nothing but a few loaves and fishes.
2. God had miraculously provided bread in the desert for the people of Israel.
You could say that had bread on the brain. But here’s the thing:
Both the feeding of the crowd and the manna in the wilderness were intended to point to a greater reality. Jesus tells them not to long for physical bread, even if that bread is provided by God himself. Rather, they are to long for and live for the bread that comes down from heaven and gives life to the world.
What is this bread of life? It’s Jesus himself.
Just like physical bread satisfies our deepest hunger cravings, so Jesus satisfies the longings of our hearts. He is the one who “fills us”, our deepest joy and most satisfying pleasure.
Without Jesus, even the most sumptuous pleasures of the world are empty and unsatisfying. With Jesus, we can be content even in the midst of poverty.
Charles Spurgeon said:[1]
I have heard of some good old woman in a cottage, who had nothing but a piece of bread and a little water. Lifting up her hands, she said as a blessing, “What! All this, and Christ too?”
The old woman in the cottage truly understood what it meant that Christ is the bread of life. He satisfied her even though she had nothing but a piece of bread and a little water.
Let us pray:
Thank you, Jesus, for filling us with your love, grace and forgiveness. Let us rest in You today, and each time we feel hunger pains, let us be reminded of your great sacrifice on the Cross. We know Lord, you take care of our every need. Thank you for being the ‘bread of life’! Through your grace and mercy alone – Amen!
[1] https://theblazingcenter.com/2018/10/charles-spurgeon-quotes.html