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.[2]
“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.
[1] Schnorr von Carolsfeld woodcut used with permission for
personal and congregational use copyright © WELS
[2] Lectionary Preaching Workbook Series B, John Brokhoff, © 1981 CSS Publishing, Lima, OH
[3] Collect for a right knowledge of Christ and Proper 14, Lutheran Service Book © 2006 Concordia Publishing House, St. Louis
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