These Bible lessons are from John 6, where Jesus proclaims he is the bread from heaven that God has send to nourish the world. This makes sense when you look back to Exodus 16 and the miracle of manna from heaven. Bread is a food staple that sees variations throughout time and culture, but which nourishes and strengthens us physically. Understanding that Jesus is our “bread” reminds us that He provides what we need for spiritual strength and health. We need more than just food to survive in life. We need Jesus!
Children’s Sermon Demonstration
Despite modern concerns of gluten-free or keto-friendly diets, bread has historically been a nutrition staple, and continues to provide energy and life to those who eat it! Bread also serves as a simple and fun visual for this children’s message. In our Bread of Life Children’s sermon, we use whatever variety of bread might be relevant to your students (maybe even donuts!) to explain how important bread is. Jesus called Himself the “bread of life”, and we recognize that we need Him for fuel and nourishment in our faith lives, just as we need physical food for our bodies. Jesus is essential to all things. You can’t have life without Him, any more than you can make a sandwich without bread!
Bread of Life: Craft Directions
We see bread appear several times in the Bible…God gave the Israelites manna in the wilderness. Christ used loaves and fish to feed crowds. Most significantly, the savior gave His body for us on the cross, and calls us to remember that with the bread of Communion. What does it mean that Jesus calls Himself the bread of life? Just as we are physically fed by food, we recognize that we need spiritual nourishment. We obtain that through prayer, Scripture study, and remaining mindful of God’s presence. These bread of life themed crafts emphasize bread as it represents Jesus. A “brown bag of bread” provides reminder “slices” of the power of Jesus. A “Carb Art” edible activity allows students to decorate and then enjoy a crafted snack!
Bible Story Video
Bible Verses/story to Reference: -John 6:24-35
So when the crowd saw that Jesus was not there, nor his disciples, they themselves got into the boats and went to Capernaum, seeking Jesus. 25 When they found him on the other side of the sea, they said to him, “Rabbi, when did you come here?” 26 Jesus answered them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, you are seeking me, not because you saw signs, but because you ate your fill of the loaves. 27 Do not work for the food that perishes, but for the food that endures to eternal life, which the Son of Man will give to you. For on him God the Father has set his seal.” 28 Then they said to him, “What must we do, to be doing the works of God?” 29 Jesus answered them, “This is the work of God, that you believe in him whom he has sent.” 30 So they said to him, “Then what sign do you do, that we may see and believe you? What work do you perform? 31 Our fathers ate the manna in the wilderness; as it is written, ‘He gave them bread from heaven to eat.’” 32 Jesus then said to them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, it was not Moses who gave you the bread from heaven, but my Father gives you the true bread from heaven. 33 For the bread of God is he who comes down from heaven and gives life to the world.” 34 They said to him, “Sir, give us this bread always.” 35 Jesus said to them, “I am the bread of life; whoever comes to me shall not hunger, and whoever believes in me shall never thirst.