Bread From Heaven
When the nation of Israel was delivered from bondage in Egypt, they entered a wilderness where, as events transpired, they were to spend about 40 years. Though there was no doubt some food to be found in that wild area, it was not nearly enough to supply a huge number of people each day. For that reason, the Lord miraculously provided “bread from heaven” (manna) to feed them (Exod. 16:4). It never failed to be supplied through all the forty years (vs. 35).
In the New Testament, the Lord Jesus uses the manna as a picture of Himself, referring to Himself as “the Bread of Life” (Jn. 6:30-35, 47-50). With this comparison in view, it is interesting to explore the points of similarity.
- It came down from heaven, as Jesus came to earth from heaven’s glory.
- It was white (Exod. 16:31), representing Christ’s perfect purity and sinlessness.
- It was sweet to the taste, like honey (Exod. 16:31), suggesting how precious the Lord is to our souls.
- It came with the dew (Exod. 16:13-14), depicting Christ’s coming in the power of the Holy Spirit (symbolized by water in God’s Word, Jn. 7:37-39).
- It was found on the ground, suggesting Jesus’ lowliness and humility, and his availability to all.
- It had to be either gathered or trampled upon, pointing to the need for each person to decide about Christ.
- Once gathered, it provided nourishment through all the wilderness journey, picturing Christ’s sufficiency and His faithfulness to meet our needs.