The declaration “I am the bread of life” may seem straightforward at first glance, but its profound implications take us to the very heart of Jesus’ identity and His mission to reveal the Father. To truly grasp the significance of this statement, let’s delve into the background, starting with an extraordinary encounter in the book of Exodus.
Exodus: The Revelation of God’s Name
In Exodus chapter three, God calls upon Moses to lead His people to freedom from slavery in Egypt. During their dialogue, Moses poses a crucial question: “When I go to the Israelites and say to them, ‘The God of your fathers has sent me to you,’ they will ask me, ‘What is his name?’ What shall I say to them?” In response, God reveals His name, saying, “I am who I am.”
This name, expressed as “Yahweh” in Hebrew, is God’s self-designation. He is declaring, “I am who I am.” This profound statement becomes the foundation of the name “Yahweh” and is the name He tells Moses to use when addressing the Israelites: “I am has sent me to you.”
The I AM Statements: A Claim to Divinity
The claim “I am the bread of life” is not just a simple declaration but a profound assertion of divinity. In fact, every “I am” statement we encounter in the Bible begins with a claim to be God, a divine proclamation. The second part of each statement reveals God’s nature and character to us.
Consider John chapter eight, verse 58, where Jesus, after saying, “I am the light of the world,” continues His dialogue with skeptical individuals. He boldly declares, “Before Abraham was, I am.” The reaction is swift and intense – they pick up stones to stone Him, recognizing that He is claiming to be God.
Mediatorial Phrases: Access to the Father
Each “I am” statement often serves as a mediatorial phrase, signifying Jesus’ role as the bridge between humanity and God, granting us access to the Father. When He says, “I am the light of the world,” He indicates that He enables us to see and perceive the Father. Similarly, “I am the door” signifies that He is the gateway to the Father, and “I am the good shepherd” signifies His guidance and leadership toward the Father.
“I am the true vine” underscores His role as the connector between us and the Father. In essence, Jesus stands in a unique position between humanity and the Creator, offering a revelation of the Father and providing access to Him.
The Bread of Life: A Source of Satisfaction
When Jesus proclaims, “I am the bread of life,” He is declaring His ability to reveal the Father to us. In doing so, He makes it clear that He is God incarnate. He also serves as a mediator, facilitating our connection to the Father.
Because He offers both revelation and access to the Father, Jesus becomes the ultimate source of satisfaction. “All who come to me will never go hungry, and all who believe in me will never be thirsty again,” He assures, highlighting that true satisfaction is found in knowing and accessing the Father.
The content of this article is drawn from a segment of the sermon titled “I AM THE BREAD OF LIFE,” delivered by Jacob Blouse on October 8, 2023, at the Wilmington Church of Christ.
Watch the full message below: