John 6: When they found him on the other side of the lake, they asked him, “Rabbi, when did you get here?” 26 Jesus answered, “Very truly I tell you, you are looking for me, not because you saw the signs I performed but because you ate the loaves and had your fill.

27 Do not work for food that spoils, but for food that endures to eternal life, which the Son of Man will give you. For on him God the Father has placed his seal of approval.” 28 Then they asked him, “What must we do to do the works God requires?” 29 Jesus answered, “The work of God is this: to believe in the one he has sent.”

30 So they asked him, “What sign then will you give that we may see it and believe you? What will you do? 31 Our ancestors ate the manna in the wilderness; as it is written: ‘He gave them bread from heaven to eat.’”

32 Jesus said to them, “Very truly I tell you, it is not Moses who has given you the bread from heaven, but it is my Father who gives you the true bread from heaven. 33 For the bread of God is the bread that comes down from heaven and gives life to the world.”

34 “Sir,” they said, “always give us this bread.” 35 Then Jesus declared, “I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never go hungry, and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty.”

“I Am the Bread of Life”: Knowing God’s Satisfaction John 6:25-35 Jesus described himself as “the Bread of Life” It is a description that helps us get to know Him better He is the source of true satisfaction Bread satisfies the body, Jesus satisfies the soul

Our consumer culture

Our appetites can distract us; sometimes they are dangerous! They can control our time, our money, our energy, our relationships and our very being Jesus cautions us, and offers us more!

Our scripture follows a miracle The Feeding of the 5000 Showed Jesus’ power The people follow Jesus Jesus knows the real reason they followed him They simply want more food!

John 6: When they found him on the other side of the lake, they asked him, “Rabbi, when did you get here?” 26 Jesus answered, “Very truly I tell you, you are looking for me, not because you saw the signs I performed but because you ate the loaves and had your fill.

They want more food Jesus calls them on it! He goes on to tell them they should be concerned about something more important than food

27 Do not work for food that spoils, but for food that endures to eternal life, which the Son of Man will give you. For on him God the Father has placed his seal of approval.”

He’s talking about satisfying their spiritual hunger As great as our appetites can be for food and drink We also have spiritual needs: What life is all about? Where did we come from? What is our purpose in life?

28 Then they asked him, “What must we do to do the works God requires?” 29 Jesus answered, “The work of God is this: to believe in the one he has sent.”

Jesus wants to be recognized not for what he can do But for WHO HE IS He is the pointing the way to the Father… The Great “I AM” Like the Father, he answers our questions about life, our very existence

30 So they asked him, “What sign then will you give that we may see it and believe you? What will you do? 31 Our ancestors ate the manna in the wilderness; as it is written: ‘He gave them bread from heaven to eat.’”

32 Jesus said to them, “Very truly I tell you, it is not Moses who has given you the bread from heaven, but it is my Father who gives you the true bread from heaven. 33 For the bread of God is the bread that comes down from heaven and gives life to the world.”

Bread is a symbol the Jews understood Manna in the wilderness Daily provision – They couldn’t hoard it! The people missed the point: God, not Moses, provided each day

34 “Sir,” they said, “always give us this bread.” 35 Then Jesus declared, “I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never go hungry, and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty.”

Jesus comes into a world prone to continually chasing after hungers and desires He doesn’t give us all our wants But he will be with us every day He offers to be our daily provision and our source of satisfaction

Putting it together Hunger is a powerful force… Food and drink Stuff Pleasure, thrills Power Even “love”

Some hungers become so great that we do things we would never do if we were rational “Under the influence” of these cravings Consumed by getting… We need to understand the difference between being full and being satisfied

How can we keep from being consumed by our appetites? How can we experience Jesus as our source of satisfaction? First, be aware of our hungers, our cravings Next, set up habits that put God at the center of our lives

Biblical concept of fasting Not just fasting from food… Giving up anything that consumes our lives or distracts us from knowing God

Women’s Bible Study Second helpings Video games Mysteries Thrift Shop hopping Things that are not healthy or take up our time Give the time and commitment to God

Challenge: Look at your life What consumes your time and energy in an unhealthy way? Set it aside or keep it in check for this season of Lent Spend the time getting to know God more and more Draw on God to provide and satisfy

Our God is a God who desires to know and be known Accept the invitation to know Him more and more He is the “Bread of Life” that brings satisfaction to our lives

Litany When we feel hungry for more of something—even when we’re not sure what that something is, we can remember that Jesus said, “I am the Bread of Life. Come to me and never be hungry.”

When we feel distracted by other means of fulfillment in the world, help us to remember that Jesus said, “I am the Bread of Life. Come to me and never be hungry.”

When we find ourselves feeling inadequate or incomplete in our daily lives, remind us that we fill ourselves up on Jesus’ sustaining words, “I am the Bread of Life. Come to me and never be hungry.”

When we look around at friends and strangers, assessing how we measure up to others, help us to remember that we are enough and are satisfied by God’s grace when we hear Jesus say, “I am the Bread of Life. Come to me and never be hungry.”

When we worry that the satisfaction we have now may one day run out, let us rest in the truth and fullness of Jesus’ promise, “I am the Bread of Life. Come to me and never be hungry.” Amen.