When the Israelites left Egypt and entered the wilderness, God provided manna. Manna was a substance like bread that God gave them to eat (Exodus 16). The LORD gave them enough food for their daily needs (see Nehemiah 9:20–21). This "bread from heaven" demonstrated God's love and showed his special care for Israel in the wilderness (see Deuteronomy 8:3, 16; Psalms 78:24; 105:40; compare Revelation 2:17).
Manna was real food, but some passages use it symbolically. It represents a spiritual relationship with God. It is a sign of God's miraculous provision for his people (see 1 Corinthians 10:3–4). At the same time, manna relates to Israel's complaints against God and their lack of trust in his provision (Numbers 11:1–15; see 1 Corinthians 10:5).
Jesus miraculously fed about 5,000 men near the Sea of Galilee, in addition to women and children. Then he taught in the synagogue at Capernaum about the “bread of life” (John 6:22–59). He called himself the “true bread from heaven” and “the bread of life” (John 6:32–35). He even connected eternal life with the need to eat "My flesh and drink My blood” (John 6:50–58). Manna provided food in the wilderness. But Jesus is the true bread from God, who offers spiritual food and strength. Israel's need for food humbled them in the wilderness (Deuteronomy 8:3). Now, followers of Jesus must humble themselves and receive the fullness of his life by faith (John 6:35–40, 47–51, 63–64).
Passages for Further Study
Exodus 16:1–36; Numbers 11:1–15; Deuteronomy 8:3, 16; Joshua 5:10–12; Nehemiah 9:20–21; Psalms 78:24; 105:40; John 6:1–15, 22–64; 1 Corinthians 10:3–5; Revelation 2:17