Topical Encyclopedia In the New Testament, Jesus Christ presents Himself as the "Bread of Life," a profound declaration that becomes a point of offense for many, particularly those who are described as wicked or unbelieving. This concept is primarily found in the Gospel of John, where Jesus articulates His role as the spiritual sustenance necessary for eternal life.Biblical Context The discourse on Jesus as the Bread of Life is found in John 6. After the miraculous feeding of the five thousand, Jesus addresses the crowd, revealing deeper spiritual truths. He declares, "I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to Me will never hunger, and whoever believes in Me will never thirst" (John 6:35). This statement is pivotal, as it shifts the focus from physical sustenance to spiritual nourishment and eternal life through belief in Him. Offense Taken by the Wicked The reaction to Jesus' claim is mixed, but for many, particularly the religious leaders and those with hardened hearts, it becomes a stumbling block. The Jews grumble among themselves, questioning, "Is this not Jesus, the son of Joseph, whose father and mother we know? How can He now say, ‘I have come down from heaven’?" (John 6:42). Their offense is rooted in disbelief and a refusal to accept Jesus' divine origin and authority. Further intensifying their offense, Jesus states, "Truly, truly, I tell you, unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink His blood, you have no life in you" (John 6:53). This metaphorical language, intended to convey the necessity of a deep, abiding faith in Him, is misunderstood and rejected by many. The literal interpretation taken by the wicked leads to further scandal and rejection. Spiritual Blindness and Rejection The offense taken by the wicked is emblematic of spiritual blindness and a hardened heart. Despite witnessing miracles and hearing His teachings, they are unable to see beyond the physical realm. Their rejection of Jesus as the Bread of Life is a rejection of the salvation He offers. As Jesus explains, "This is why I told you that no one can come to Me unless the Father has granted it to him" (John 6:65). This underscores the necessity of divine intervention for true understanding and acceptance. The Disciples' Response In contrast to the wicked, the response of the true disciples highlights the difference between those who take offense and those who believe. When Jesus asks the Twelve if they also wish to leave, Peter responds, "Lord, to whom would we go? You have the words of eternal life. We believe and know that You are the Holy One of God" (John 6:68-69). This confession of faith stands in stark contrast to the offense taken by others, illustrating the divide between belief and unbelief. Conclusion The offense taken by the wicked at Christ's declaration as the Bread of Life serves as a poignant reminder of the spiritual battle between belief and unbelief. It highlights the necessity of faith and the work of the Holy Spirit in opening hearts to the truth of Jesus' identity and mission. Torrey's Topical Textbook John 6:58-61This is that bread which came down from heaven: not as your fathers did eat manna, and are dead: he that eats of this bread shall live for ever. Torrey's Topical Textbook Library The Typical Significance of the Scriptures Declare their Divine ... He that Doubteth is Damned if He Eat, Because He Eateth not of ... "Who Will Rise up with Me against the Wicked?" Evans -- the Fall and Recovery of Man Faustus is Willing to Admit that Christ May have Said that He came ... First Sunday in Lent Sin and Grace Faustus Willing to Believe not Only that the Jewish but that all ... the Nature of this Oversight A Preservative against Unsettled Notions, and Want of Principles ... Resources What does the Bible say about forgiveness? What does it mean to forgive? | GotQuestions.orgDoes the Bible say anything about a pre-Adamic race? | GotQuestions.org Is it wrong for a Christian to have a roommate of the opposite sex? | GotQuestions.org Offence: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Offense: All Things That Cause, Shall be Gathered out of Christ's Offense: Blessedness of not Taking, at Christ Offense: Denunciation Against Those Who Cause Offense: Ministers should be Cautious of Giving Offense: Ministers should Remove That Which Causes Offense: Occasions of, Forbidden Offense: Occasions of, Must Arrive Offense: Persecution, a Cause of, to Mere Professors Offense: Punishment for Occasioning Offense: Saints should Avoid Those Who Cause Offense: Saints should be Cautious of Giving Offense: Saints should be Without Offense: Saints should Cut off What Causes, to Themselves Offense: Saints should Have a Conscience Void of Offense: Saints should not Let Their Liberty Occasion, to Others Offense: Saints should Reprove Those Who Cause Offense: Saints should Use Self-Denial Rather than Occasion Offense: Saints Warned Against Taking Offense: The Wicked Take, At: Christ Crucified Offense: The Wicked Take, At: Christ, As the Bread of Life Offense: The Wicked Take, At: Christ, As the Corner-Stone Offense: The Wicked Take, At: The Low Station of Christ Offense: The Wicked Take, At: The Necessity of Inward Purity Offense: The Wicked Take, At: The Righteousness of Faith Related Terms Transgression (70 Occurrences) |
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