The Bread That Came Down | Exodus 16

“In the morning you shall see the glory of the LORD, because he has heard your grumbling against the LORD.”
Exodus 16:7

When the Israelites grumbled in the wilderness, God had every right to discipline them. Instead, He displayed His glory — not in thunder or fire — but in bread.

Each morning, when the dew lifted, the ground was covered with a mysterious white substance — manna. It was small, round, and enough for every man, woman, and child. What looked like breakfast was actually a revelation. God was saying, “You want to see My glory? Watch how I feed My people.”

Provision That Points to a Person
Manna was more than food — it was a foreshadowing of Christ.

In John 6:31–35, Jesus references this very moment from Exodus and says,

“It was not Moses who gave you the bread from heaven, but my Father gives you the true bread… I am the bread of life.”

Just as manna came daily, Jesus offers Himself daily. Just as manna satisfied Israel’s hunger in the wilderness, Jesus satisfies the deeper hunger of the soul. The Israelites could gather only enough for one day. Jesus invites us to trust Him one day at a time.

William Perkins explained it beautifully: “Christ is not given all at once, but continually — He is daily bread, not stored bread.” In other words, you don’t get all of Christ in a single moment. You walk with Him, feast on Him, learn from Him, trust Him — daily.

The Humility of Heaven’s Bread
John MacArthur points out the significance of manna’s appearance: “It was humble, almost forgettable in form. Yet it came from heaven. A perfect picture of Christ, who had no form or majesty that we should look at Him, yet who was the fullness of God’s glory in human flesh.”

R.C. Sproul likewise wrote, “The Israelites wanted food for their stomachs. God gave them food for their souls.” And so He still does.

Three Ways to Respond Today

1. Feed on Christ, Not Just Comfort
   The Israelites were concerned with their bellies. Many of us are too. But God wants to teach you how to hunger for righteousness. Open your Bible, pray, meditate, worship — feed your soul today.
2. See the Glory in the Simple
   Manna didn’t look glorious — but it was. In the same way, don’t despise the daily disciplines of the Christian life. Glory is often hidden in obedience, service, and Scripture.
3. Don’t Skip the Meal
   Many Christians attempt to live spiritually on yesterday’s experience. But Christ is to be received daily. Don’t go into your day without taking time to receive the Bread of Life through His Word and presence.

Final Encouragement
The manna wasn’t flashy. It didn’t come in grand displays. But it came every single morning. And it was enough.

So is Christ.

If you’re feeling spiritually dry, empty, or weary — don’t look for some dramatic sign. Just look down at the ground of grace beneath your feet. Open the Word. Draw near in prayer. Take the bread He’s already laid before you.

You don’t need tomorrow’s portion. You need today’s Christ.

“Give us this day our daily bread.” And let us find Him glorious.