Expositor's Bible Commentary Commentary John 6:48

"I am the bread of life." — John 6:48 (ASV)

Again Jesus says, “I am the bread of life” (cf. v.35). Previously, he linked this statement with the supplying of basic human needs. This time he links the statement to life itself. When the Jews ate the heavenly bread (“manna”) in the desert, their physical needs were met. However, they eventually died (v.49). But Jesus said that he “is the bread that comes down from heaven, which a man may eat and not die” (v.50).