The Bread of Life: Law, Gospel, and the End of Our Hunger

(John 6:30–35)

The crowd in John 6 had full stomachs from the miraculous feeding of the five thousand, yet their souls remained empty. Even after witnessing Jesus multiply loaves and fishes, they demanded another sign—something like Moses’ manna—to prove His authority. But Jesus redirects their gaze, and ours, from earthly bread to Himself, the true Bread from Heaven. Today, we see three truths unfold:

First, the Law exposes our misplaced hunger. The people asked, “What sign do you do, that we may see and believe?”—as if the feeding of the multitude were not enough. Like Israel in the wilderness, they fixated on physical sustenance while missing the Giver. The Law’s accusation falls on us as well: we chase after perishable things—wealth, success, even religious performance—thinking they will satisfy. Like Adam reaching for forbidden fruit, we grasp at illusions of fulfillment, only to remain hungry, thirsty, and enslaved to our cravings (Romans 7:24). The Law reveals our starvation but cannot feed us.

Then comes the Gospel: Christ, the true Bread from Heaven. Jesus corrects their error: “It was not Moses who gave you the bread from heaven, but my Father.” And now, God gives something greater—Himself. The true Bread is not a what but a Who—Jesus, who descended from heaven, gives His life for the world, and satisfies eternally. This is the Gospel’s declaration: you need not earn this Bread; it is a gift. You need not labor; you need only come and believe. In Him, our deepest hunger—for forgiveness, righteousness, and communion with God—is met.

Finally, the Imperative calls us to feed on Him in faith. The crowd wanted bread from Jesus; He offered them Himself. Our response is threefold: Come—turning from self-trust to Christ; Believe—receiving Him through Word and Sacrament as surely as we eat physical bread; and Abide—living in daily dependence, nourished by repentance and faith. For the redeemed, the Law now guides: having tasted Christ, we hunger for righteousness (Matthew 5:6) and share this Bread with others (Matthew 28:19–20).

At this altar, in baptism, and through His Word, Christ gives Himself for you. He is the end of your hunger.

Closing Prayer:
Lord Jesus, Bread of Life, we confess our cravings for things that perish. Feed us with Yourself, that we may live forever in You. Amen.