Jesus is God, the bread of life. Our brothers and sisters in the Lord Jesus Christ, Jesus described himself with seven I am statements. The I am statements prove his deity. It's an important doctrine that we get, we must get, because it's under severe attacks from false religions and even within some so-called Christian circles. I am is the same root of Yahweh, which means I am, or I exist, or I am the existing one. And many people know the expression. It's ego, Amy. It's I am. That's in the Greek. Now, this was how Jesus revealed himself to Moses at the burning bush. And this was the pivotal time in human history when God reestablished His covenant relationship. His people had been in slavery for a long time. But now He comes back and renews that covenant with them and with Moses, representing the nation. This name itself invokes confidence in who God is. That's why we say these I Am statements really speak about the deity of Jesus Christ. Because it reveals the ability of God to rescue Israel from hell on earth and hell wherever hell is. that place of eternal torment. Look at how this is described for us first in Exodus chapter 3, verses 13 and 14. We say together, Then Moses said to God, indeed, when I come to the children of Israel and say to them, the God of your fathers has sent me to you, and they say to me, what is his name? What shall I say to them? And God said to Moses, I am who I am. And he said, thus you shall say to the children of Israel, I am has sent me to you. Now this theme of God being the great I am and ultimately applied to Jesus is found throughout the scriptures. God is the great I am. So when Jesus used it concerning himself and he's saying, I am the I am. He was asserting his divine position. In other words, he was teaching that he was God. And you'll see the importance of that shortly. Look at a few cases before we get to the theme for today. Isaiah 41 verse 4 says, together, Who has performed and done it, calling the generations from the beginning? I, the Lord, am the first, and with the last, I am He. Isaiah 43, verse 10, together. "'You are my witnesses,' says the Lord, "'and my servant whom I have chosen, "'that you may know and believe me, "'and understand that I am he. "'Before me there was no God formed, "'nor shall there be after me.'" So he is the one who always existed. You had a beginning. You would say, 60 years ago, I was not. Now I am. But God says, I am, I'm existing. And that's what Jesus himself said. Look at John chapter eight, verse 58. Together, Jesus said to them, most assuredly I say to you, before Abraham was, I am. So why did Jesus use this in seven ways? Well, seven is a number of completion, isn't it? A number that's used for God, showing his deity. And now here's the point. You see, only God could save. Man can't save. Your good works can't save. Another man can't save you. Animal sacrifice can't save you. He's showing his deity. He's saying, I am the one who could save you. And for that claim, the Jews tried to kill him. And indeed, they did kill him. Because he claimed to be the I am. Now today we will start with the first I. I am the bread of life. And our headings are two and simple. How is Jesus the bread of life? And second, what are the implications of the bread of life for your life? Our goals are that you will learn to feast on the Lord. Second, that you will learn to share of His goodness so that the world can be saved. So how is Jesus the bread of life? Jesus, the bread of life, did not make this doctrine up out of thin air. He was simply reiterating what had been taught in the Old Testament. And you can see Jesus in many ways as that bread of life. You see Jesus as the bread of life in the showbread in the temple. There were 2 stacks, you heard this earlier, of 6 pita style bread representing Jesus' provision for all His people. And why 12? Because there were 12 tribes and He's showing, I will provide for the whole nation. Look in Leviticus 21 to see that. You see Jesus as the Lamb of God, representing all kinds of things that would nourish you. That's what bread means, right? When you pray, give us this day our daily bread, you're praying for all things necessary for your body. We would say something similar. We will say, in the old language, you will say, we'll break bread at six. Well, maybe there's no bread, there's just rice, but breaking of bread was symbolic of the things that were necessary and nutritious for you. So the Passover lamb was sacrificed and that was eaten, and that's a picture of the bread of life nourishing the people, nourishing them with the message that the true Passover lamb is coming. Now what happens if that meat wasn't eaten? This is where you see the limitations of the pictures in the Old Testament. It had to be burned or go bad, but not Jesus. The true Passover lamb continues. You also see Jesus in the sacrifices, the animal sacrifices and the grain offerings, picturing that he would meet the needs of his people, bring the forgiveness of sins and nourish them. He would save them. He would sanctify them. except that those sacrifices had to be made every day, whereas Jesus is the one-time-for-all-time sacrifice. So He's there in this beautiful picture form. You also see Jesus providing manna for the children of Israel to eat in the desert so that they could live. And Jesus, in our text, explained that that bread was only temporary and for the body. What happens if they left the manna for the next day? It became worms. Not Jesus. He continues to be the bread of life. That's why there is a jar of the manna that was kept in the Ark of the Covenant. And it didn't go bad because that was directly representing Jesus Christ and the food that man needs will continue to be provided for him. And more than that, what happens the day after they ate the manna? They were hungry again. But Jesus, he became the true bread that satisfied the souls of the whole world, not just the children of Israel. Yeah, they ate and became hungry, but when you eat of Jesus, you're satisfied forever. That's why anyone who's a true believer, who've tasted of the Lord, will never ever lose their salvation. A true believer has been strengthened in the inmost. So we see Jesus pictured for us in all these different ways. But more we also see Jesus in the Old Testament, but in the New Testament we see Jesus was born in Bethlehem. What does Bethlehem mean? Bethlehem means house of bread. This was purposely done because Jesus' mother, Ruth, a pagan, a Moabite, the worst of the worst, came to Bethlehem when? When they heard that there was bread in Bethlehem. When there was food, she came back with Naomi, her mother-in-law, so they could eat and live. And that's where Jesus was born, because there's a picture of him being the bread of life. Just like those who wanted to eat had to go to Bethlehem for food, so those who want to spiritually eat would have to go to Jesus, the bread of life, born in Bethlehem. But Jesus also identified himself as the bread from heaven, not just as the bread from Bethlehem, but as the bread from heaven showing His infinite value. He's the source of life and the nourisher of life and the sustainer of life. He said, this is the true bread that came from heaven. So you look at the background of the passage that we just read. The Jews wanted a sign so they would believe referring to signs like the manna in the wilderness. So Jesus declared that he was the food, not just for the body, but food for the soul. He cured spiritual hunger. You want a sign? Trust in me and you will be satisfied in your soul forever. This is a much bigger deal, isn't it? Look at John 6. Let's read from 30 through 33 again together. Therefore they said to him, what sign will you perform then that we may see it and believe? What work will you do? Our fathers ate the manna in the desert. As it is written, he gave them bread from heaven to eat. Then Jesus said to them, Moses, surely I say to you, Moses did not give you the bread from heaven, but my father gives you the true bread from heaven. For the bread of God is he who comes down from heaven and gives life to the world. It takes God to give life. And he uses picture of the bread of life to show how life would be sustained. And in fact, we see Jesus was frustrated. Remember when they fed the 5,000? It's estimated that there would be at least 12,000 people there. An interesting number too, the 5,000 men, probably estimate to be 12. And you know that they picked up how many basketfuls of scraps? 12. showing that there's some symbolism there, just like it was in the Old Testament. And his disciples somehow did not get that message. And Jesus, in some ways, looked frustrated. And he showed them that there were more important things than physical food. You can read about this in Psalm 78, that follows the journey of Israel from Egypt to Canaan. But look at Deuteronomy chapter 8, verse 3, together. So he humbled you, allowed you to hunger, and fed you with manna, which you did not know, nor did your fathers know, that he might make you know that man shall not live by bread alone, but man lives by every word that proceeds from the mouth of the Lord." Interesting. That God had them go without food so they will learn that He provides for their souls, not just their bodies, but their souls. They will learn dependence upon God. It's interesting how the Lord spoke. And one of the more beautiful pictures of this is how Jesus gave bread to His disciples and reminded them that they needed to eat the bread which represented Him. Matthew 26, verse 26. You've heard this many, many times, I'm sure, but let's read it together. And as they were eating, Jesus took bread, blessed and broke it, and gave it to the disciples and said, take it, this is my body. Remember, the Apostle Paul continued, which is broken for you, this do in remembrance of me. Not only that, but He wanted them to continue eating that bread as a picture of being nourished by Him. And that's the passage now from 1 Corinthians. This is what we did last week as you continue to be nourished. 1 Corinthians 11, 25 and 26 together. In the same manner, he also took the cup after supper, saying, This cup is the new covenant in my blood. This do as often as you drink it in remembrance of me. For as often as you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord's death till he comes. And that's the substance of this. It's believing. It's receiving. It's like eating of Christ. And that's the language to show the link between the thing signified and the sign itself. One more thing. The bread of life is also called the water of life, which gives life to the soul. Remember, bread refers to anything that's needed for the body. Bread is a generic word. So in this case, water is bread. We pray that in the Lord's Prayer when we say, give us this day our daily bread. Are we only praying for water? Most of us will pray for pork chops and other delicious things, too, and water, and juice, and milk. They're all included. And similarly, the Lord used water as a symbol of that which will nourish our souls. He had this discussion with the Samaritan woman at the well. John chapter 4, verse 13 and 14 say, together, Jesus answered and said to her, whoever drinks of this water will thirst again, but whoever drinks of the water that I shall give him will never thirst, but the water that I shall give him will become in him a fountain of water, springing up into everlasting life. You see the purpose of this type of water? He asked the woman for water, And you know, later on, it wouldn't take long in that desert heat to want to have another glass of water in a few hours. But he said, I'll give you water that'll make you satisfied forever. In fact, it'll give you eternal life. Not only will it quench the thirsting of your soul now, it will give you satisfaction forever. So we see how Jesus is the bread of life, pictured in the Old Testament, described in the New Testament, displayed in detail in the life of Jesus, especially in something like the Lord's Supper. So what are the implications then of this bread of life for your life? First of all, you're invited to eat of the bread of life for salvation. Come and buy and eat bread, the bread of life, without any money in your pocket. Why? Because Jesus paid the full price, and it could not be purchased with money. That famous passage of our salvation, or that call to eat of Christ and gain salvation, Isaiah 55, 1 and 2, together, Oh, everyone who thirsts, come to the waters. And you who have no money, come buy and eat. Come buy wine and milk without money and without price. Why do you spend money for what is not bread and your wages for what does not satisfy? Listen carefully to me and eat what is good and let your soul delight itself in abundance. Men try all kinds of things as a means of satisfying the soul. All the pleasures of this world, sports and travel, sexuality. Think if they have a family that they'll have true satisfaction. Do charity, give money to the poor and they think they will feel good. That's spending money for that which does not satisfy. Some of those things are good things to do, helping the poor and all, but they don't satisfy the soul. Only Christ does. So if you come and ask for spiritual bread, if you come and ask for spiritual water, you come and ask for spiritual honey, if you come and ask for wine, you will never be hungry for salvation again. And note the next, the words of our text. He who comes to me." Interesting how the Lord describes that there. You got bread, but you come to God for that bread. And this is echoing the same words of the gospel of Isaiah. And it's proper to call that Isaiah 55, especially the gospel call, come, come to Christ, eat and live. Because if you eat the food of Christ, if you eat Christ, that means you believe what he has done in your heart, you will live. What will happen when you eat of Christ? Your sins will be forgiven. You'll be given a new name. You'll be given a new, not just a new heart, but a new name, a new record, and a new life. That's what God does. That's strength. You know, there's some things that might taste sweet. You know, I always talk about that. There's a tree in Spain. When you eat it, it's the sweetest fruit in the world. It tastes good when you eat it, and then it'll kill you. That's not the bread of life. He, indeed, is a source of nourishment. This bread satisfies your soul permanently. Now, we were out at someone's house yesterday, and I left very satisfied. The funny thing is, this morning I'm hungry again. In fact, I got hungry by the time I got home." Not so with the Lord. When you eat of Him, you're satisfied forever. But it's not just the bread of life that works for your salvation. The bread of life sanctifies you. You're invited to eat the bread of life so your soul will be satisfied. The Lord regularly, daily nourishes His people by His Word and by His sacraments. The primary and the secondary means of grace. Again, look at 1 Corinthians 11, verse 23 and 24 together. For I received from the Lord that which I also delivered to you, that the Lord Jesus, on the same night in which he was betrayed, took bread. And when he had given thanks, he broke it and said, take, eat, this is my body, which is broken for you. Do this in remembrance of me." That remembrance is the means by which our souls are strengthened, and it becomes a means of grace to us. In fact, God's word, God's law is more nourishing than honey and gives strength to spiritual bones. You know, we often say, and many people teach this, that most of our diseases can be prevented or cured by foods we eat. But that's not always true, and it doesn't cure all diseases. But all spiritual diseases are cured by the Word and the sacrament. Sort of wonder why we often spend more time on all the physical health and less time on spiritual health. You want to be spiritually sanctified? You want to grow and be strong and healthy in Christ? you'll be eating of that word and sacrament. You wouldn't take attending church frivolously. That would be unacceptable before God. Because the bread of life goes in deeper than to your stomach. It goes to your soul, and you receive it by faith, and it nourishes you. Third, ask for this food. It's not only saving you, not only sanctifies you. God says, ask for the food. This is what God wants. And this was the response. Now, it might not have been general response of the Jews here, but it should be from us. John 6, 34, together. Then they said to him, Lord, give us this bread always. That's the cry for us. Feed me, Lord, feed me. But you're also warned now, don't treat the bread of life with contempt, treat it with awe and honor. First Corinthians 11, 27 says together, therefore, whoever eats this bread or drinks this cup of the Lord in an unworthy manner will be guilty of the body and the blood of the Lord. Don't treat it with contempt, treat it with respect. Five, in the name of Yahweh, in the name of God, the bread of life, then go and work for Him, having been strengthened, saved, sanctified. You ask God for more and He gives it to you, then you go out and you work for Him. That's what you see in Exodus chapter 3. When God had His interaction with Moses, we read in verse 14 together, And God said to Moses, I am who I am. And he said, thus you shall say to the children of Israel, I am has sent me to you. You see what the nourishment does? You see the idea of meeting Christ and knowing Christ? Then you are strengthened to go out and feed others. Food does not and must not end with you. You get strengthened, it's for work, work for God's kingdom. And six, when you eat of the bread of life, you become one with Him. You were dealing with that in the book of Romans recently. You become one with Christ. Adam lost the tree of life. Jesus came back, second Adam, and restored to us. We can eat of that tree of life again. Jesus is that true tree of life. So reflect on the one with whom you are so closely united, that he is now part of you. And that as you receive that by faith, your soul is strengthened and you can grow and you can multiply. Seven, here's the other side to this. Every other food leads to death. Every other food leaves you hungry. No religion offers you atonement through the God-man's life, and therefore, it's unfit for consumption. Look at what they promised with Communism. It was going to save the world. Utopia. Everyone will be equal. Everyone will be happy. I remember growing up seeing pictures of the wonders and beauty of North Korea. They used to send those really glossy pictures and were quite impressed by it. To the point where I have a relative who became a real believer in communism. Look at what it does. Look at where North Korea is, they were eating each other. Eating people when they starve. Constant starvation, difficulties they've had. Didn't work. Communism has only destroyed people. False religion, same thing. Which one offers that true peace? Go to a Hindu funeral and see the hopelessness of the whales. Now, as Christians, we go to funeral, we cry, we miss or love them, but we know where they are. And from that point of view, we can rejoice at the same time. They don't have that hope. Why? They have not been fed by Christ. There's something that happens inside when you know that when you leave this world, you know where you're going because you've eaten of Christ. You know God is pleased. The Muslims say if you blow yourself up and kill people in jihad, you go straight to heaven because that's the ultimate good work. You're dying for Islam. You're dying for Allah. No. Doing things never help. You're not saved by our good works. We're saved by the work of Jesus. And finally, Don't reject them, we know it leads to death, but don't reject the bread of life, for without it you will perish. Some reject the bread of life and will spend eternity regretting the lies they ate up in this world. The lying professors in school, the liar false religions and advocates, they are giving you nothing but lies. Because they make you feel religious. And that's why the devil is so good at this. This is the best lie. It's to make you feel religious. While believing a lie. Look at John chapter 6 verse 36 now. Together. But I said to you that you have seen me and yet do not believe me. These are the same people who said, Lord, give us that bread that we will never hunger again. And Jesus said, No, you won't. You won't believe me. You won't believe me. 1 Corinthians 11 29, together, for he who eats and drinks in an unworthy manner, eats and drinks judgment to himself, not discerning the Lord's body. The death comes for those who reject the bread of life. Jesus is the bread of life. There is no life outside of him, outside of eating of him. And if you believe who He is and you believe what He has done, let this nourish your souls so you will live forever and you will have the strength to do what He has commanded you to do today. So, beloved in the Lord Jesus Christ, love private communion with Christ. but also love public communion with him and his people. This is where you are able to eat, where you're able to be nourished. These meals will strengthen you. This is a ready banquet. Ah, it might just look like a piece of bread and some wine and a little cup. Well, you receive it by faith. It's a means of nourishment. Or the sermons might not be easy to understand, or maybe you're distracted, or you're tired, or the pastor is too tired and doesn't do a good job in preaching. It's still a ready banquet for your souls because you're learning how much God loves you. You know, you're not going to spend time bothered too much by someone who is inarticulate when he talks and shows his love for you. and having fed here, then feed your children. This is what they need the most. Don't starve them. Don't put more time teaching them things that are not as necessary and ignore the things that are. This is where your children need to be nourished with the word of God in fullness. You know, banana bread is good, but bread of life, way better. Don't spend much time thinking about that and ignoring other thing that is good. Now, do you know those who are starving? Surely you do. They eat, but they're always hungry because they're eating this world's food. Give them the gift of Christ. Don't wait for Christmas. Finally, if you're not a Christian, receive the bread of life today. If you reject the bread of life, you will eat the bread of death. It's your choice. But considering what hell is like, the place of eternal torment, and the digesting of regret, I hope you'll cry to God for help. The payment has been made by Jesus. Don't starve when there's a banquet prepared. Let us pray. Thank you, Lord, for your words today. Thank you for keeping us, strengthening us by the food of the word of God and the sacrament. We pray now, Lord, that you would help us, having received that bread of life, to take the time with our children to make sure they have a good diet of your word. And then to strangers, to those who are outside, maybe family and friends who don't know Jesus, they will learn to eat of Him and live. Hear us, Lord, as we plead for these things. Who else could we go to but You? In Jesus' name we pray. Amen.