I Am the Bread of Life
Devotional on John 6:35
John 6:35 is one of the most well-known of Jesus’ “I AM” statements:
“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.’”
But to truly understand what Jesus meant, we need to step back and look at what happened earlier in the chapter. Miracles upon miracles — and yet, doubt and unbelief still lingered among His disciples and the crowds.
Miracles That Point to the “I AM”
1. Feeding the 5,000 (John 6:1–15)
In verse 4, John notes that Jesus was speaking to Jewish people who would have been deeply familiar with the Old Testament story of the Exodus and how God provided daily manna — bread from heaven — in the wilderness.
The people followed Jesus because they wanted to see signs and wonders. The disciples themselves struggled to trust His provision. Yet with only five loaves and two fish, Jesus fed thousands until they were satisfied — and there were even leftovers.
This miracle wasn’t just about filling empty stomachs. It was a sign pointing to a greater truth: only Christ can satisfy the hunger of our souls.
Lysa TerKeurst explains in her study Finding I Am:
“Jesus is not only the Provider. He is the Bread of Life who never runs out and gives you exceedingly abundantly more than you can imagine. All you have to do is believe.”
Before Jesus ever spoke His first “I AM” statement, He revealed it through action. The bread was more than food for their bodies — it pointed to the Bread of Life for their souls
2. Walking on Water (John 6:16–21)
That same evening, the disciples faced a storm on the Sea of Galilee. As fear grew, Jesus came to them — walking on the water.
This miracle showed His authority over creation and His presence in their fear. The Bread of Life not only fills our hunger, He comes to us in the middle of our storms.
The First “I AM” Statement (John 6:35)
When Jesus finally declares, “I am the bread of life,” it isn’t random. He had just given bread to thousands and revealed His power over the sea. Still, the people wanted more signs instead of believing in Him.
But the point was never just about bread or safety. It was about Himself. Bread nourishes for a moment; Jesus nourishes for eternity.
Lysa TerKeurst writes, “God made us to crave. But we often re-direct our cravings to lesser things — food, alcohol, drugs, money, relationships. What are you craving?”
Jesus invites us to redirect our cravings to Him — the only One who can truly satisfy.
What It Means for Us Today
Jesus satisfies our deepest hunger - Nothing else — not success, relationships, or possessions — can fill the emptiness in our souls.
Jesus is present in our storms - Just as He walked across the water, He comes to us when we’re afraid or struggling.
Jesus is enough - We don’t need more “signs” or proof to trust Him — He Himself is the miracle.
Reflection Questions
What are the “loaves and fishes” in your life that feel small, yet God can use?
Where do you feel spiritually hungry right now? How can you turn to Jesus instead of temporary fixes?
What storm are you facing where you need to be reminded that Jesus is with you?
Closing Prayer
Lord Jesus, thank You for being the Bread of Life. Forgive me for the times I look for satisfaction in things that cannot last. Help me to come to You daily, to trust You in the storms, and to rest in the truth that You alone can fill my hungry soul. Amen.
Creative Journaling Idea
For this Scripture, I used a graphic of a basket with five loaves and two fishes. On the back, I wrote words like forgiveness, believe, trust, wait, crave — reminders of what I long for in my walk with Christ.
I encourage you to try the same! Print the FREE printable or draw a simple basket with bread and fish, then write down words that represent what your soul is craving in Christ.
This is a beautiful way to combine creativity with your time in God’s Word.
