In the Bible, a name often signifies a person's identity, purpose, and reputation. It's not just a way to distinguish one person from another; it's a profound statement about who they are. Throughout this study, we'll explore how the names given to Jesus—from Old Testament prophecies to New Testament revelations—build a complete picture of His role in God's redemptive plan.
In this session we will begin a discussion of the I Am declarations of Jesus. The "I Am" statements of Jesus are a series of profound declarations found in the Gospel of John. They are significant because they connect Jesus directly to God's own name as revealed to Moses in the Old Testament, which was "I AM WHO I AM" (Exodus 3:14). By using these statements, Jesus was not only revealing aspects of his own nature and identity, but also claiming divine authority. We start with Jesus' declaration the He is the "Bread of Life"
John 6:35 NIV 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.
In the Bible, a name often signifies a person's identity, purpose, and reputation. It's not just a way to distinguish one person from another; it's a profound statement about who they are. Throughout this study, we'll explore how the names given to Jesus—from Old Testament prophecies to New Testament revelations—build a complete picture of His role in God's redemptive plan.
Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign: The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel." - Isaiah 7:14
Matthew 1:23 NLT “Look! The virgin will conceive a child! She will give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel, which means ‘God is with us.’”
Immanuel (Matthew 1:23 NLT “Look! The virgin will conceive a child! She will give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel, which means ‘God is with us.’”),
Christ/Messiah-The Anointed One Luke 4:16-22 NIV [16] He went to Nazareth, where he had been brought up, and on the Sabbath day he went into the synagogue, as was his custom. He stood up to read, [17] and the scroll of the prophet Isaiah was handed to him. Unrolling it, he found the place where it is written: [18] “The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to set the oppressed free, [19] to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.” [20] Then he rolled up the scroll, gave it back to the attendant and sat down. The eyes of everyone in the synagogue were fastened on him. [21] He began by saying to them, “Today this scripture is fulfilled in your hearing.”
We spent two weeks on The Word
John 1:1-5, 14 (NIV) ¹ In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. ² He was with Go d in the beginning. ³ Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made. ⁴ In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind. ⁵ The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.
¹⁴ The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.
The Greek word for "Word" is Logos. In ancient Greek philosophy, the Logos was a complex concept often referring to the divine reason or mind that gives order and meaning to the universe. John uses this term intentionally to communicate that Jesus is the ultimate, personal, and living Logos—not an abstract philosophical idea, but the very mind and purpose of God made manifest.
Savior/Great Deliverer
Titus 2:11-14 NIV [11] For the grace of God has appeared that offers salvation to all people. [12] It teaches us to say “No” to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age, [13] while we wait for the blessed hope—the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, [14] who gave himself for us to redeem us from all wickedness and to purify for himself a people that are his very own, eager to do what is good.
He is also our Shepherd.
John 10:11-15 (NIV): "I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. The hired hand is not the shepherd and does not own the sheep. So when he sees the wolf coming, he abandons the sheep and runs away. Then the wolf attacks the flock and scatters it. The man runs away because he is a hired hand and cares nothing for the sheep. "I am the good shepherd; I know my sheep and my sheep know me—just as the Father knows me and I know the Father—and I lay down my life for the sheep."
1. What does it mean for Jesus to be the Good Shepherd?
The concept of a shepherd was deeply familiar to the people of biblical times. A shepherd was more than just a caretaker of sheep; they were a protector against dangers, a guide to good pastures, and a healer for the sick and injured. This is the very role Jesus fulfills for us.
Application: Aligning Our Lives with the Good Shepherd
Understanding Jesus as the Good Shepherd is not just a theological concept; it's a call to action. It involves trust, obedience, and a continuous process of self-reflection and openness to His guidance. This is a journey of aligning our priorities with God's will, which is a continuous process rather than a quick fix.
Discussion Points:
In what ways can we "be examples to the flock" in our daily lives?
We can be examples to the flock by reflecting the character of Jesus in our actions and attitudes. This means acting with humility and a servant's heart rather than seeking to control or dominate others. In our daily lives, this can look like:
Serving others without expecting anything in return.
Speaking with kindness and building others up instead of tearing them down.
Demonstrating integrity in our work and relationships.
Showing compassion to those in need.
Forgiving others as we have been forgiven.
By doing these things, our lives become a living testimony that points others to Jesus.
What does it mean to follow Jesus, the Chief Shepherd, in our modern world?
Following Jesus, the Chief Shepherd, in our modern world means making a conscious choice to trust His guidance over the competing voices and values of contemporary society.
1 Peter 5:4 NIV And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that will never fade away.
This conscious to trust God’s guidance includes:
Prioritizing a relationship with Him through prayer and Bible study over constant digital distractions.
Living with integrity and truth in a world that often values convenience and popular opinion.
Seeking His will in major life decisions rather than chasing material success or fleeting trends.
Loving our neighbors and advocating for justice in a polarized society.
Following Him requires a daily commitment to aligning our priorities with His.
In what specific area of your life do you need to surrender control and allow Jesus to be your Shepherd?
This is a deeply personal question. However, common areas where people often struggle to surrender control include:
Career and finances: Trusting God's provision instead of relying solely on our own efforts and plans. Proverbs 3:5-6 says, "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight."
Relationships: Giving up control over how others perceive us or behave, and instead entrusting those relationships to God.
Anxiety and worry: Surrendering our fears to God, as we are called to do in 1 Peter 5:7, "Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you."
Future plans: Releasing our own rigid timelines and expectations, and instead trusting in His perfect timing and will for our lives.
This week Bread of Life: He provides spiritual sustenance. (John 6:35)
John 6:35 NIV 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.
The phrase "I am the bread of life" is one of seven "I Am" statements Jesus makes in the Gospel of John, each revealing a different aspect of His identity and purpose. These statements are a direct echo of God's self-revelation to Moses in the Old Testament.
Exodus 3:13-15 NIV [13] Moses said to God, “Suppose I go to the Israelites and say to them, ‘The God of your fathers has sent me to you,’ and they ask me, ‘What is his name?’ Then what shall I tell them?” [14] God said to Moses, “I am who I am. This is what you are to say to the Israelites: ‘I am has sent me to you.’ ” [15] God also said to Moses, “Say to the Israelites, ‘The Lord, the God of your fathers—the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac and the God of Jacob—has sent me to you.’ “This is my name forever, the name you shall call me from generation to generation.
By using this phrase, Jesus is making a clear and profound claim to divinity.
Key Scriptures:
John 6:48-51 NIV [48] I am the bread of life. [49] Your ancestors ate the manna in the wilderness, yet they died. [50] But here is the bread that comes down from heaven, which anyone may eat and not die. [51] I am the living bread that came down from heaven. Whoever eats this bread will live forever. This bread is my flesh, which I will give for the life of the world.”
Jesus as the "Bread of Life" is found exclusively in the Gospel of John, and reveals not only who Jesus is but also what He offers to humanity. Let's keep in mind that our spiritual nourishment, like our physical nourishment, requires a constant and intentional commitment to God's will.
The Context: The Feeding of the 5,000
The "Bread of Life" discourse in John 6 is directly preceded by the miracle of Jesus feeding the 5,000.
John 6:1-13 NIV [1] Some time after this, Jesus crossed to the far shore of the Sea of Galilee (that is, the Sea of Tiberias), [2] and a great crowd of people followed him because they saw the signs he had performed by healing the sick. [3] Then Jesus went up on a mountainside and sat down with his disciples. [4] The Jewish Passover Festival was near. [5] When Jesus looked up and saw a great crowd coming toward him, he said to Philip, “Where shall we buy bread for these people to eat?” [6] He asked this only to test him, for he already had in mind what he was going to do. [7] Philip answered him, “It would take more than half a year’s wages to buy enough bread for each one to have a bite!” [8] Another of his disciples, Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother, spoke up, [9] “Here is a boy with five small barley loaves and two small fish, but how far will they go among so many?” [10] Jesus said, “Have the people sit down.” There was plenty of grass in that place, and they sat down (about five thousand men were there). [11] Jesus then took the loaves, gave thanks, and distributed to those who were seated as much as they wanted. He did the same with the fish. [12] When they had all had enough to eat, he said to his disciples, “Gather the pieces that are left over. Let nothing be wasted.” [13] So they gathered them and filled twelve baskets with the pieces of the five barley loaves left over by those who had eaten.
After he fed them they saw Him as someone, perhaps the Messiah they were looking for who would free them from Roman rule. This was not God’s time so He left and went by Himself to pray.
John 6:14-15 NIV[14] After the people saw the sign Jesus performed, they began to say, “Surely this is the Prophet who is to come into the world.” [15] Jesus, knowing that they intended to come and make him king by force, withdrew again to a mountain by himself.
He sent His disciples ahead to the town of Capernaum, which was across the lake and another miracle happened, we are going to read about it but we are not going to talk about it today.
John 6:17-21 NIV [17] where they got into a boat and set off across the lake for Capernaum. By now it was dark, and Jesus had not yet joined them. [18] A strong wind was blowing and the waters grew rough. [19] When they had rowed about three or four miles, they saw Jesus approaching the boat, walking on the water; and they were frightened. [20] But he said to them, “It is I; don’t be afraid.” [21] Then they were willing to take him into the boat, and immediately the boat reached the shore where they were heading.
We are going to talk about what happened on the other side of the lake.
After this miraculous event, the crowd follows Jesus, seeking more physical food. Jesus, however, sees past their physical hunger to their spiritual need. He uses the context of the bread He has just provided to pivot to a much more significant truth about Himself and He challenges them to not "labor for the food that perishes, but for the food that endures to eternal life"
John 6:22-27 NIV [22] The next day the crowd that had stayed on the opposite shore of the lake realized that only one boat had been there, and that Jesus had not entered it with his disciples, but that they had gone away alone. [23] Then some boats from Tiberias landed near the place where the people had eaten the bread after the Lord had given thanks. [24] Once the crowd realized that neither Jesus nor his disciples were there, they got into the boats and went to Capernaum in search of Jesus. [25] 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.”
To understand Jesus' teaching, we must look back to the Old Testament story of the Israelites in the wilderness.
Exodus 16:1-19 NIV [1] The whole Israelite community set out from Elim and came to the Desert of Sin, which is between Elim and Sinai, on the fifteenth day of the second month after they had come out of Egypt. [2] In the desert the whole community grumbled against Moses and Aaron. [3] The Israelites said to them, “If only we had died by the Lord’s hand in Egypt! There we sat around pots of meat and ate all the food we wanted, but you have brought us out into this desert to starve this entire assembly to death.” [4] Then the Lord said to Moses, “I will rain down bread from heaven for you. The people are to go out each day and gather enough for that day. In this way I will test them and see whether they will follow my instructions. [5] On the sixth day they are to prepare what they bring in, and that is to be twice as much as they gather on the other days.” [6] So Moses and Aaron said to all the Israelites, “In the evening you will know that it was the Lord who brought you out of Egypt, [7] and in the morning you will see the glory of the Lord, because he has heard your grumbling against him. Who are we, that you should grumble against us?” [8] Moses also said, “You will know that it was the Lord when he gives you meat to eat in the evening and all the bread you want in the morning, because he has heard your grumbling against him. Who are we? You are not grumbling against us, but against the Lord.” [9] Then Moses told Aaron, “Say to the entire Israelite community, ‘Come before the Lord, for he has heard your grumbling.’ ” [10] While Aaron was speaking to the whole Israelite community, they looked toward the desert, and there was the glory of the Lord appearing in the cloud. [11] The Lord said to Moses, [12] “I have heard the grumbling of the Israelites. Tell them, ‘At twilight you will eat meat, and in the morning you will be filled with bread. Then you will know that I am the Lord your God.’ ” [13] That evening quail came and covered the camp, and in the morning there was a layer of dew around the camp. [14] When the dew was gone, thin flakes like frost on the ground appeared on the desert floor. [15] When the Israelites saw it, they said to each other, “What is it?” For they did not know what it was. Moses said to them, “It is the bread the Lord has given you to eat. [16] This is what the Lord has commanded: ‘Everyone is to gather as much as they need. Take an omer for each person you have in your tent.’ ” [17] The Israelites did as they were told; some gathered much, some little. [18] And when they measured it by the omer, the one who gathered much did not have too much, and the one who gathered little did not have too little. Everyone had gathered just as much as they needed. [19] Then Moses said to them, “No one is to keep any of it until morning.”
Deuteronomy 8:3 NIV [3] He humbled you, causing you to hunger and then feeding you with manna, which neither you nor your ancestors had known, to teach you that man does not live on bread alone but on every word that comes from the mouth of the Lord.
Where else have we heard that?
Matthew 4:2-4 NIV [2] After fasting forty days and forty nights, he was hungry. [3] The tempter came to him and said, “If you are the Son of God, tell these stones to become bread.” [4] Jesus answered, “It is written: ‘Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.’”
Jesus contrasts the manna with Himself. While the manna sustained physical life for a time, those who ate it eventually died . Jesus, as the "true bread from heaven," offers a life that is eternal and fully satisfying.
John 6:48-51 NIV [48] I am the bread of life. [49] Your ancestors ate the manna in the wilderness, yet they died. [50] But here is the bread that comes down from heaven, which anyone may eat and not die. [51] I am the living bread that came down from heaven. Whoever eats this bread will live forever. This bread is my flesh, which I will give for the life of the world.”
The Deeper Meaning: Spiritual Nourishment
Jesus isn't talking about a physical loaf of bread. He is speaking metaphorically about spiritual sustenance.
Jesus Satisfies Our Deepest Hunger: Just as physical bread is essential for physical life, Jesus is essential for spiritual life. He is the only one who can truly satisfy the deep spiritual hunger and thirst of the human soul. Coming to Him and believing in Him is the act of "eating" and "drinking" this spiritual food.
Belief as the "Work": When the crowd asks what they must do "to do the works of God," Jesus' response is simple and radical. The true work is not an action but an act of faith—trusting in Jesus.
John 6:28-29 NIV 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.”
Eternal Life: The promise associated with eating the "Bread of Life" is not a temporary fix but eternal life. Jesus states, "whoever eats this bread will live forever". This is a life that begins in the present and extends into eternity, a life nourished and sustained by a relationship with Him.
John 6:51 NIV I am the living bread that came down from heaven. Whoever eats this bread will live forever. This bread is my flesh, which I will give for the life of the world.”
The "Hard Saying": Eating His Flesh and Drinking His Blood
The most challenging part for Jesus' listeners was when He said, "Unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink his blood, you have no life in you" and it caused many to turn away from Him.
John 6:52-60 NIV [52] Then the Jews began to argue sharply among themselves, “How can this man give us his flesh to eat?” [53] Jesus said to them, “Very truly I tell you, unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink his blood, you have no life in you. [54] Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood has eternal life, and I will raise them up at the last day. [55] For my flesh is real food and my blood is real drink. [56] Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood remains in me, and I in them. [57] Just as the living Father sent me and I live because of the Father, so the one who feeds on me will live because of me. [58] This is the bread that came down from heaven. Your ancestors ate manna and died, but whoever feeds on this bread will live forever.” [59] He said this while teaching in the synagogue in Capernaum. [60] On hearing it, many of his disciples said, “This is a hard teaching. Who can accept it?”
This was a difficult concept that led many to turn away from Him.
He clarifies in the next few verses that the "eating" and "drinking" He refers to is a metaphor for a deep, personal union with Him through faith and belief in His sacrificial work. It is an act of receiving His life and death as our own for salvation. He explains that His words are spiritual, not physical.
John 6:61-65 NIV [61] Aware that his disciples were grumbling about this, Jesus said to them, “Does this offend you? [62] Then what if you see the Son of Man ascend to where he was before! [63] The Spirit gives life; the flesh counts for nothing. The words I have spoken to you—they are full of the Spirit and life. [64] Yet there are some of you who do not believe.” For Jesus had known from the beginning which of them did not believe and who would betray him. [65] He went on to say, “This is why I told you that no one can come to me unless the Father has enabled them.”
Application for Our Lives
The "Bread of Life" teaching is a powerful reminder that our ultimate satisfaction is not found in perishable things, but in a relationship with Jesus. This study encourages us to ask ourselves:
Are we pursuing Jesus for what He can give us, or for who He is?
This question helps us examine our motives. It's easy to fall into the trap of a transactional relationship with God—seeing Him as a means to an end. We might pray for a good job, healing, or a solution to a problem, which is not wrong in itself. However, the core of this question challenges us to look beyond the benefits and focus on the Person.
Pursuing for "What He Can Give": This is a consumer mindset. Our faith is conditional on our circumstances. We follow because we want the blessings, the peace, or the protection. If those things are not immediately apparent, our faith can waver. We are like the crowd in John 6 who wanted more bread, not a deeper relationship.
Pursuing for "Who He Is": This is a relational mindset. We seek Jesus for His own sake—because He is God, the creator, the redeemer, and the source of all goodness. Our desire is to know Him more intimately, regardless of our circumstances. This kind of pursuit is rooted in love and reverence, recognizing that knowing Him is the greatest gift of all.
Do we truly believe that He is the only one who can satisfy our deepest spiritual hungers?
This question confronts the idols in our lives. Our society offers many counterfeit "breads"—money, success, relationships, entertainment, status, or even religious activity—that promise to satisfy us. We often turn to these things to fill the void in our hearts, only to find they leave us feeling emptier than before.
The Counterfeit "Breads": Think about the things you turn to when you feel lonely, anxious, or unfulfilled. Are they lasting? The "Bread of Life" teaching tells us that these things will always perish.
The True Source of Satisfaction: Believing that Jesus is the only one who can satisfy our hunger means we are willing to let go of those false sources of comfort and fulfillment. It means we trust that in Him alone we will find peace, purpose, and lasting joy. This isn't just an intellectual belief but a deeply held conviction that guides our choices and priorities.
Are we "feeding" on Him daily through His Word, prayer, and communion, allowing Him to sustain our spiritual lives?
This question moves us from belief to action. Just as our physical bodies require daily nourishment, our spiritual lives require a consistent intake of spiritual food. Jesus's teaching about "eating" and "drinking" His flesh and blood is a metaphor for a deep, personal connection with Him. This connection is maintained through spiritual disciplines.
His Word (The Bible): God's Word is our daily bread. It reveals who He is, what He has done, and what He promises. Regular engagement with scripture is essential for knowing Him and aligning our thoughts and lives with His truth.
Prayer: Prayer is our ongoing conversation with God. It is how we express our dependence on Him, share our hearts, and listen for His guidance. It is an act of communion where we receive spiritual nourishment and strength.
Communion/The Lord's Supper: When we partake in this practice, we are not only remembering Jesus's sacrifice but also reaffirming our identity in Him. It is a powerful symbolic meal that reminds us that our life is sustained by His broken body and shed blood.
As you reflect on these questions, remember that maintaining a strong foundation in faith and aligning our priorities with God's will is a continuous process. It is not about achieving perfection but about regularly turning to Jesus, the "Bread of Life," to sustain us on our journey.
Are we pursuing Jesus for what He can give us, or for who He is?
Do we truly believe that He is the only one who can satisfy our deepest spiritual hungers?
Are we "feeding" on Him daily through His Word, prayer, and communion, allowing Him to sustain our spiritual lives?
It reminds us that spiritual growth is not a quick fix, but a daily reliance on Jesus, the one and only source of true and everlasting life.
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