The story of the Exodus provides a powerful framework for understanding Jesus as the bread of life. Just as God provided manna to sustain Israel in the wilderness, Jesus offers eternal spiritual sustenance. While the Israelites received physical bread that temporarily satisfied their hunger, Jesus provides spiritual nourishment that leads to eternal life. True followers seek Jesus for who He is rather than what He can provide, trusting in God’s provision rather than earthly security.
Discussion Questions:
- What’s the difference between seeking Jesus for physical needs versus spiritual needs?
- How does understanding the Exodus story help us better understand Jesus as the Bread of Life?
- What does it mean that Jesus is the ‘true and better manna’?
- How does this passage challenge our understanding of salvation by works versus grace?
- Why did the Jews struggle to accept Jesus’ claims about being the bread from heaven?
- What does it mean that ‘all that the Father gives me will come to me’?
- How can we apply the truth that Jesus is our spiritual sustenance to our daily lives?
- What are some ways we might be seeking to ‘fill our bellies’ instead of truly seeking Christ?