Statement one... part 1...

After looking so closely through all the Signs, these seven "I am" statements are going to be something of a refresher for our studies.  However, the power that exists within them is vast, and cannot be discounted as just something to learn or read through.  As we will see, each one of these moments in the Gospel of John speaks (literally) of the immense love that Christ pours onto all, and each one is an encouragement to remain true to Him above all else... because He did more for us than we could possibly understand or ever deserve.

"'I am the bread of life,' Jesus told them.  'No one who comes to Me will ever be hungry, and no one who believes in Me will ever be thirsty again.'"

John 6:35, HCSB

This statement follows the fourth Sign, which was the feeding of the 5,000 with five loaves and two fish.  The 12, doubting that all could be fed by so little, were shamed into picking up one basketful each of scraps AFTER all the people had been completely filled.  Their doubts put into check, they now leave the scene and are met by Christ walking on the water in the fifth Sign, and their guilt over not believing has to be intense in this moment.  And the next day, He tells them that the manna in the days of Moses was not the bread from Heaven that they all longed for... no, the bread from Heaven is the Christ.

This statement ties to the woman at the well, and Jesus refers to His water as "living water," and one practical thing we must look at with this first amazing declaration is that Jesus speaks to the physical needs of both hunger and thirst.  Naturally, He is speaking to both physical and spiritual need, and using a common metaphor of physical need to illustrate a larger point, but we are always concerned with hunger and thirst... sometimes far too concerned.  And Jesus clearly states that He fulfills those needs, and fulfills them completely!

Further, to chase this analogy a little more, I think of my own past issues with overeating when I was sad or lonely or angry... or because it was Tuesday... I was always searching for something, and trying to fill a void and feel better.  Food did that.  One day, though, I found that I could have the seemingly bottomless pit properly sealed by Christ, and then the need to eat became less powerful.  I didn't have to search for fulfillment in the pantry any longer.  Sadly, there are many people who seek this fulfillment in things more dangerous than food.

These statements, starting with this very, very powerful one, will all bring enrichment to the lives of those who have Christ, and they can bring the necessary fulfillment to the lives of those who NEED Christ and have not yet accepted Him. 

As mentioned, though, it starts with this very pointed one, speaking to one of the most primal functions of our humanity, and that is hunger.  Hunger can drive a person crazy.  Hunger can bring about a side of a person that was not there before.  Hunger is, in short, bad.  And if let go long enough, hunger can rule the decisions of a person that, regardless of the means, will lead to the specific end of having food to eat. 

Focus today, and recognize that there is a void that either needs to be or once needed to be filled, and that the only way to fill that specific place is with Christ.  Nothing else will satisfy... period.

God bless you all!!!