Topical Bible: Titles and Names of Christ: Bread of Life

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Topical Encyclopedia

The title "Bread of Life" is one of the profound and significant names attributed to Jesus Christ, encapsulating His role as the sustainer and nourisher of spiritual life. This title is primarily derived from the Gospel of John, where Jesus Himself declares, "I am the bread of life" (John 6:35). This statement is part of a larger discourse following the miraculous feeding of the five thousand, where Jesus uses the metaphor of bread to convey deep spiritual truths.

Biblical Context

In John 6, after feeding the multitude with five loaves and two fish, Jesus withdraws to a mountain alone. The next day, the crowd seeks Him, and upon finding Him, they inquire about performing the works of God. Jesus responds by emphasizing belief in Him as the work God desires (John 6:29). He then contrasts the manna provided to the Israelites in the wilderness with the true bread from heaven, which gives life to the world (John 6:32-33).

Theological Significance

The title "Bread of Life" signifies Jesus as the essential sustenance for spiritual life, just as bread is a staple for physical sustenance. In declaring Himself the Bread of Life, Jesus asserts that He is the source of eternal life and spiritual fulfillment. This metaphor highlights the necessity of a personal relationship with Christ, as He states, "Whoever comes to Me will never hunger, and whoever believes in Me will never thirst" (John 6:35).

Old Testament Foreshadowing

The concept of bread as a divine provision is rooted in the Old Testament, particularly in the account of manna in the wilderness (Exodus 16). The manna, described as bread from heaven, was a temporary provision for the Israelites, pointing forward to the ultimate provision in Christ. Jesus, as the Bread of Life, fulfills and surpasses the symbolism of manna, offering not just temporary sustenance but eternal life.

Christological Implications

The title underscores the divinity and sufficiency of Christ. By identifying Himself as the Bread of Life, Jesus claims to be the essential and exclusive source of spiritual life, echoing His divine nature and mission. This claim challenges His audience to move beyond physical needs and recognize their deeper spiritual hunger, which only He can satisfy.

Practical Application

For believers, the title "Bread of Life" serves as a reminder of the necessity of daily spiritual nourishment through a relationship with Christ. Just as physical bread must be consumed regularly for physical health, so must believers continually seek Christ for spiritual vitality. This involves engaging with Scripture, prayer, and the sacraments, which are means of grace through which Christ imparts His life to His followers.

Conclusion

The title "Bread of Life" is a profound declaration of Jesus' role as the sustainer of spiritual life, inviting all to partake in the eternal life He offers. Through this title, believers are called to recognize their dependence on Christ for spiritual nourishment and to seek Him continually as the source of true life.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

John 6:35,48
And Jesus said to them, I am the bread of life: he that comes to me shall never hunger; and he that believes on me shall never thirst.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

The Title "Word" is to be Interpreted by the Same Method as the ...
... term employed, but to enquire in what sense Christ is to ... is the Word, we must begin
with those names of which ... as to the concepts for which the titles are used ...
/.../origen/origens commentary on the gospel of john/23 the title word is.htm

On the Various Names and Titles
... V. On the Various Names and Titles. ... [Matt.4:19]. The doctor is Christ or a teacher;
in Solomon: the doctor is a gentle man with a heart. ...
/.../eucherius/the formulae of st eucherius of lyons/v on the various names.htm

That Worthy Name.
... Only Christ can give joy and comfort, peace and rest to ... think of some of the familiar
titles and names of that ... How these titles of our blessed Lord, what He is ...
//christianbookshelf.org/gaebelein/the lord of glory/that worthy name.htm

Verbal Inspiration
... Such titles are the Most High, the Almighty, the God of ... The same is true of the various
names given to the ... is the fact that the Lord Jesus Christ regarded them ...
/.../the divine inspiration of the bible/chapter thirteen verbal inspiration .htm

On the Babylonish Captivity of the Church on the Babylonish ...
... nay, an Aristotelian theologian, to whom names and words ... war should be adorned with
many titles of honour. ... its statements shows clearly that Christ was speaking ...
/.../luther/first principles of the reformation/iii on the babylonish captivity.htm

Hymns and Spiritual Songs
... Hymn 1:147. The names and titles of Christ, from several scriptures. Hymn
1:148. ... Hymn 3:5. Christ the bread of life, John 6. 31 35 39. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/watts/hymns and spiritual songs/

To Bishop Timotheus.
... the incarnation, He is called also by the titles which are ... With them that are
right-minded some names are plainly ... are properly used of the Lord Christ, for in ...
/.../theodoret/the ecclesiastical history of theodoret/cxxx to bishop timotheus.htm

The Lord's Supper
... What names and titles in Scripture are ... Christ received aright sacramentally, is a
universal medicine for healing, and a universal cordial for cheering our ...
//christianbookshelf.org/watson/the ten commandments/4 5 the lords supper.htm

The Life of Mr. George Wishart.
... which Lauder (repeating the several titles of the ... have it administered according
to Christ's institution, under ... cardinal, in all their names, answered, That it ...
/.../howie/biographia scoticana scots worthies/the life of mr george.htm

An Index to Find any Hymn by the Title or Contents of It.
... to by angels, 2:112, 2:113; miracles at the birth of Christ, 2:136 ... his life, death,
and resurrection, 2:137; and Moses, 1:49, 1:118; names and titles, 1:147 ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/watts/hymns and spiritual songs/an index to find any.htm