• Date: February 13, 2022
• Bible Reading: John 6:35-59
• Free Resource: The Bread of Life (2 activities from Learning Together: The I AM Statements)
• Unit Theme (January 23—February 27): Invitation to Abundant Life
• The Point: Jesus promises eternal life to those who believe in him.

Jesus says “I am the bread of life,” a statement that points toward something beyond the simple grains we serve on our tables. Jesus offers eternal life and spiritual nourishment to anyone who seeks out a relationship with him and the people of God.

More than Temporary Nourishment

When I was a teenager, my youth group studied the “I am” statements of Jesus. Jesus makes several bold statements about his nature in the Gospel of John that begin with the phrase “I am.” Our youth leader asked us each to illustrate one of the statements. One girl chose “I am the bread of life.” She drew a loaf of bread with an image of a DNA double helix inside of it. I thought is was fun and quirky at the time. However, as I think back on it now, I know that life is far more than the chemicals, the cells, the organs, and the tissues that make us up. I now understand life as relationships, connections, and possibilities. Jesus offers these things in abundance.

Earlier in John 6, Jesus performs the miracle of feeding the five thousand, and this conversation is in response to that miracle. Jesus is explaining that earthly bread only nourishes for a time, but that the bread of life nourishes eternally. In verse 35 Jesus explains that all who come to him will never be hungry and anyone who believes in him will never be thirsty. This language of eternal satisfaction is one that comes from a relationship with Jesus and the Body of Christ. The language of the “I AM” statements all highlight this relationship. [Publisher’s note: We have recently introduced a new, five-lesson unit on these “I AM” statements from Jesus. Perfect for Lent, Easter, summer, or VBS! Download the sample (links above and below) for two activities on this passage.]

A Relational Nourishment

Some of those present question Jesus, asking how he can make these proclamations and others like being sent from heaven or offering of his flesh and blood to feed. Jesus responds that all who know God will come to him, and he will offer them life. This life is eternal because of the connection to God, through Christ. We don’t even have to wait for it to begin when we die because it begins right now. Eternal life begins in our relationship with Christ, and continues on form this life into the next.

When we attend worship or any other church function, we may not even think of the eternal life, yet we partake in it every day. The relationship with God and the relationship other Christians is what nourishes our souls. The spiritual practices of prayer, worship, and study (among others) remind us of our connection with God through Christ. The practices that focus on others, including missions and fellowship, remind us that our relationships with others enriches our lives as well.

Sharing the Nourishment

Gathering for worship, study, and service are all ways to feast on those things which offer us eternal life and to offer than eternal life to those who need it. These following suggestions for forming and strengthening those nourishing relationships with God and community.

Progressive Journaling

Journaling is a spiritual practice of exploring our relationship with God, neighbor, and self. When persons in community share a journal among them, they receive the opportunity to grow together in faith.   As part of worship or study, provide one or more journals to the group. Have the first person take the journal with them and journal about their spiritual life, prayer needs, and hopes for God’s action in their life. They might do this for one day, one week, or whatever amount of time seems appropriate. Then they bring it back and pass it on to someone else to both read the previous reflection and add to it themselves.

As part of this practice, it might pass from adult to adult, adult to child, or child to child. In this practice, the participants should assume mutual respect and an understanding of confidentiality as part of this. Those participating also should understand that each person’s faith journey is just that, their faith journey. It is not to be judged, only supported and shared with respect.

Cooking Together

While food itself may only nourish for a time, the relationships fostered over preparing a meal and eating together will nourish for a lifetime. Have people gather at the church or in each other’s homes and prepare a meal together. No matter the age or skill level, each person can help in their own way.

As part of the preparation and feasting, have people talk about the meals, the foods, and relationships that have nourished them in the past. Whether it is a cupcake at a party last week or the last meal they ate with a dear loved one before they died, these meals mean more than the nutrients and place settings.

Songs about Food

Every Thanksgiving, the local college radio station plays songs about food all day. Whether waffles, mashed potatoes, collard greens, or ice cream, these songs bring joy to anyone listening and speak to the power of food, even just in a song.

Have people suggest sacred and secular songs about food and include those songs in the worship or educational time. Whether you sing the Communion chorus “Let Us Break Bread Together,” or dance to the mashed potato (a popular song and dance from the ‘60s, click this link for a video), these songs bring up emotions, memories, and relationships that live on beyond their lyrics and chords.

Leftovers Nourish, Too

At the feeding of the five thousand, leftovers are collected. There are twelve baskets of bread collected after everyone had their fill. Just like this, there is more than enough life to go around because of our connection to God and our faith community. As we prepare lessons, sermons, and services, let us remember that life truly is eternal, and the bread we offer never runs out.

Cheers friends,

Jonathan LeMaster-Smith

Jonathan LeMaster-Smith lives with his wife, Shannon, in Hildebran, North Carolina (District 12 of The Hunger Games movies). He holds a Ph.D. in Christian Education and Congregational Studies from Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary with a focus on Rural Ministry and Methodist Studies. His work includes presentations on Dolly Parton, articles on ditch lilies, and musings about the genius of mayonnaise.

Free Resource

During the main Narrative Lectionary year (this year: Sept 12 to June 5), we provide a free resource download from one of our products to help you in your faith formation ministry. This week, you can download TWO activities! This Bible passage on “The Bread of Life” is also the first lesson in our newest curriculum series Learning Together. Check out the sample (which includes both storytelling and snack activities) and consider using this new curriculum for Lent or any other time!