The answer is: John

John 6:35

In the Gospel of John, Jesus declaring Himself the "Bread of Life" is a rich and multilayered statement that echoes through Christian thought and tradition. Let’s take a closer look at what’s happening in chapter 6. Going beyond this specific verse, the entire chapter paints a vivid portrait of this symbolism at play. After feeding the 5,000—a miracle rich in meanings—Jesus drives home His point, contrasting physical bread's temporary satisfaction with the everlasting nature of what He offers.

In John, Jesus has a habit of using metaphor-laden language. This “bread” teaches that His presence and teachings sustain spiritual life much like bread sustains physical life. Interestingly, bread itself was a very communal food, representing unity, sharing, and the heart of many meals. The idea of Jesus as bread also suggests accessibility; it’s universally distributed, available to everyone.

Another striking tie can be made to the Jewish tradition. Bread was central in Passover and many other rituals, symbolizing God's provision and His covenant with the people. When Jesus contextualizes Himself as "the Bread of Life," He invites us into a deeper relationship and a reunderstanding of sustenance—not just bodily, but spiritual.

Fun Fact: The phrase “Bread of Life” has sparked many theological discussions over the centuries, including debates about Eucharistic beliefs in various Christian denominations. It's fascinating how one simple metaphor can foster an array of interpretations across diverse faith communities!