“Jesus said to them, ‘I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never be hungry, and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty.’”   (John 6:35)

In some circles, it can be offensive to say that Jesus is unique. Some people are inclined to say, “There are many paths to God, and Jesus is just one of those paths.” This position can sound so fair, evenhanded, and decent.

The crowds in today’s scripture are arguing with Jesus about His uniqueness. In essence, here’s what they’re saying: “What makes you, Jesus, unique enough that we should switch our allegiance from Moses, who fed us for 40 years in the wilderness, to you? If we’re going to look to you rather than to Moses, what greater miracle are you going to perform?”

How does Jesus respond? First, He tells them to move their attention from Moses to God, for it wasn’t Moses but God who gave them the bread from heaven. Second, Jesus tells them that He’s the “bread of life” that will feed them not for 40 years but forever.

Because Jesus proclaimed His uniqueness in this passage and in many others, I believe His followers need to do the same.

Here’s our challenge: How can we proclaim the unique path of Jesus so lovingly and persuasively that other paths pale by comparison? Smugly and derisively condemning all other paths doesn’t make Jesus’ path very attractive.

I encourage us to see that the best way for Christians to proclaim the uniqueness of Jesus is for us to lead more unique lives. When we blend in with everyone else, why would anyone believe in the uniqueness of Jesus? When we’re no more loving, forgiving, courageous, joyful, or generous than others, we undermine our proclamation that Jesus is indeed the one and only “bread of life” that can fill our hearts and souls both now and forever.

Reflection Questions:

1. Do you believe Jesus is unique? If so, why and how?

2. Does the uniqueness of Jesus inspire or guide you to be unique or different or distinct from others?

3. God made us hungry for Him. Jesus is the Bread of Life, which means He can and will fill our hunger for God. How has Bread-Jesus filled you? How have you shared Bread-Jesus with some of God’s other hungry children?