Jesus’ words don’t get much more offensive than this: “I am the living bread that came down from heaven. Whoever eats this bread will live forever” (John 6:51).

Think of bread (a.k.a. food) for a second. Your body, despite its wonderful complexity, is absolutely dependent on outside nutrition. It is completely incapable of self-generating the calories it needs to function. In other words, unless something comes from the outside to save it, your body will quickly die and end up in the ground.

Jesus is saying that he is to your soul what bread is to your body. Your soul, despite its immense value, is absolutely dependent on outside salvation. You are completely incapable of self-generating the goodness and holiness that you need to be with God. In other words, unless Someone comes from the outside to save you, your soul will quickly die and end up in hell.

Offended? I suppose if you think that you’re a good person who doesn’t need saving, you would be. But acknowledging the reality of your body’s need for bread is simply wise. Acknowledging your soul’s need for Jesus is the same.

Sinners who flatter themselves walk away from the Bread of Life, forfeiting the only One who can save their souls. But sinners who are honest about their desperate condition feast on the promises of Jesus, grateful that he came down from heaven to offer beggars like us this “living bread.”