A Profound Claim

Has someone ever said something to you that was so profound or so memorable that it just stuck in your head? Something that implies it is the real deal? The phrase “It’s the real McCoy” comes to mind. While working as a fireman on the Michigan Central Railroad, Elijah McCoy invented an automatic lubricator for oiling the steam engines of locomotives, boats, and other motorized transportation. McCoy’s invention revolutionized the railroad industry because it allowed the trains to run longer and with more reliability thus saving the railroad thousands in maintenance costs. His automatic lubricator for locomotives was so good that all the maintenance hands that worked on the trains always knew whether they were working with a cheap imitation or the Real McCoy.


When Jesus declared that he is the bread of life in John 6:35 he revealed that he is the real McCoy. “35 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” John 6:35. This was a jaw-dropping declaration. This statement forces a person to decide if Jesus is for real or a real fake. A day earlier he had fed in excess of 5,000 people by miraculously multiplying five small loaves of bread and a couple fish. To the Jew, bread was life and it reminded them of God’s provision of manna for their forefathers who wandered the dessert under Moses' leadership for 40 years. Interestingly, Jesus was born in Bethlehem and the name "Bethlehem" means “House of bread.” God knew what he was doing, the bread of life was born in the house of bread. The symbolism is so clear. Jesus continues: “47 Very truly I tell you, the one who believes has eternal life. 48 I am the bread of life.” John 6:47-48.


Jesus is making a direct claim to Deity by declaring “I am the bread of life.” He is revealing who he is, why he came, and what we need to do about it. Jesus invites you to follow him “consuming” his sacrifice on the cross by believing that he is who he says he is and he did what he said he would do. Do you believe that Jesus is the bread of life? Will you trust him to provide for you and comfort you today?