The Bread of Life

In John 6, Jesus reveals himself as the giver and sustainer of life. After feeding the 5,000 miraculously, Jesus explains that it was not Moses who gave the Israelites manna in the wilderness. It was the Father, who has also given the True Life in the one who came down from heaven. In his first of seven "I am" statements, Jesus says, "I am the bread of life." He fulfills Moses' role and surpasses it significantly. Jesus gives life and he sustains life eternally. Furthermore, he is shown to be the fulfillment of the Passover feast, giving himself as the Lamb of God. Unlike the manna, which could only sustain for a day, the Bread that Jesus gives leads to eternal life in him. These and other themes are implicit in the Eucharistic feast we enjoy each Sunday.