I AM the Bread of Life

At the start of John 6, things are looking great for Jesus. He’s just fed well over 5000 people with nothing more than 5 small loaves of bread and 2 small fish. The miracle is electric, the crowds are fired up and they’re ready to make him king. If he can do all this as a wandering rabbi, what might He do as king? But by the end of the chapter, much of the crowds have dispersed and even many of Jesus' disciples have ceased following him. Why? All because He said, “I am the bread of life.” Why did these words cause such conflict? Why did this claim generate such hostility? Why were these words so scandalous? And while we’re at it, if these words were so triggering to His listeners, why not retract them and offer them something less offensive?