John 6:35–51—Jesus is the bread of life and who ever believes in him has eternal life.
Like the Israelites in the wilderness, the people murmur against Jesus’ claim that he is the bread from heaven, implying that he is God’s Son. Jesus avoids a controversy on the issue and goes on to explain how he is the Bread of Life. There is a oneness between God and Jesus. This is indicated by the fact that on one comes to Jesus without being drawn by the Father. He who knows God also knows Jesus as Son of God. And no one has ever seen God except the Son. Jesus explains that he is the Bread of Life from heaven and he who believes in Jesus as the Bread of Life receives eternal life now. The difference between the bread (manna) that came down from heaven in Moses’ day and the bread of Jesus is that eaters of manna died but they who eat the Bread of Life live forever. 1
“I am the Bread of Life,” declares Jesus. The bread that He gives is better than earthly bread, for that can only sustain the body while we sojourn in this earthly vale of tears. The bread that Jesus gives—the bread that Jesus is—sustains our souls for all eternity. Jesus gives Himself for the life of the world.
For a right knowledge of Christ – Almighty God, whom to know is everlasting life, grant us perfectly to know Your Son, Jesus Christ, to be the way, the truth, and the life, that following His steps we may steadfastly walk in the way that leads to eternal life; through the same Jesus Christ, our Lord.
Collect for Proper 14 – Gracious Father, You blessed Son came down from heaven to be the true bread that gives life to the world. Grant that Christ, the bread of life, may live in us and we in Him, who loves and reigns with You and the holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. 2
Sources:
Schnorr von Carolsfeld woodcut the Sermon on the Mount used with permission for personal and congregational use copyright © WELS
1. Lectionary Preaching Workbook Series B, John Brokhoff, © 1981 CSS Publishing, Lima, OH
2. Collect for a right knowledge of Christ and Proper 14, Lutheran Service Book © 2006 Concordia Publishing House, St. Louis
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