This is the first article in a new seven-part series exploring the “I am” statements of Jesus in the Gospel of John.

Picture a bakery. Smell the rich aroma of freshly baked bread. Feel the warmth, in stark contrast to the grey, cold day outside. Enjoy being enveloped in these sensory comforts.

Jesus said, “I am the bread of life” (John 6:35). He promises a relationship that will enfold us in love and care. This is a beautiful promise, especially for those who have just wrapped up a season in which we have cared for so many. Even though this name brings images of wonderful comfort, the depth of this name promises transformation.

Before we dive into this delicious name, let’s put the name into context. The New Testament opens with four Gospels, each revealing a different layer of Jesus. Many people have a favourite Gospel. For instance, some enjoy Mark (the first to be written) with its direct, action-oriented plot. Others are drawn to the majesty of Matthew, still others to the social justice of Luke. Then we arrive at John, which unfolds the Incarnation through beautiful imagery and a unique language of love.

The “I am” statements of Jesus in the Gospel of John are one way this loving imagery is portrayed. Jesus provides seven names of relationship that teach us how we may be in relationship with him. Over this next year, we are going to visit each one of these names.

“I am the bread of life” is the first name Jesus provides his followers. This name echoes Exodus 3:13, when Moses asked Yahweh whom he should say is sending him. The name “Bread of Life” also reminds us of the provision of God through the years of wilderness wandering. When we read this name, we embrace these memories and the comfort it offers. However, many people who first heard this name turned away from Jesus in disappointment. They did not embrace this relational revelation.

Before we judge those first hearers too harshly, it might be helpful to pause and consider how we personally respond to Jesus, our Bread of Life. A little more context will shine some light on this consideration. The Gospel of John records seven signs, or miracles, to show that Jesus was the Messiah. John 6 opens with the fourth sign, the feeding of the 5,000. Crowds had gathered, amazed by the signs and healings of Jesus, and there was no food. Gathering five barley loaves and two fish, Jesus gave thanks and fed this huge crowd. He did not just meet their basic need—he poured out gracious abundance.

The crowd gathered again, but rather than wanting a relationship, they wanted a quick fix. Jesus turned this gathering into a teaching moment. He did not call down manna (see John 6:30-31), but he invited them into a relationship. Sadly, this invitation was rejected. The crowds wanted a transaction; they did not want transformation. While we may not demand Jesus send us manna from heaven, we sometimes do approach our relationship with Jesus as a transaction. We close our eyes, rattle off a list of needs, and say “Amen.” This teaching of Jesus calls each of us to pay attention to the times we want spiritual enlightenment without investing in spiritual discipline to deepen our relationship.

The crowd also wanted a quick fill, manna from heaven. While this miraculous food sustained a nation for 40 years, when Jesus was tempted, he said that we “shall not live on bread alone” (Matthew 4:4). It is easy to be physically full without being physically nourished. We enjoy popcorn while watching a movie and are full when the movie is over, but we are not nourished. The crowd’s desire for a quick fill of manna revealed they were not seeking spiritual nourishment. We, too, can be like the crowd, happy to remain in the surface clutter of our lives, grabbing a quick snack (at best), rather than setting aside time to deepen and truly be nourished by the Bread of Life.

Quick fixes and quick fills do not need to define our relationship with Jesus. The name the Bread of Life invites lasting transformation, just as yeast slowly transforms cold dough into a risen, warm, loaf of bread. Our relationship with Jesus is based on love, not a transaction. It will nourish us at the core of our being and transform our scarcity into abundance.

MAJOR CORINNE CAMERON is the corps officer at Yorkminster Citadel in Toronto.

Photo: fcafotodigital/E+ via Getty Images

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