Bread of Life Sermon
The Bread of Life allegory is one of the most significant taught by Jesus in the New Testament. This discourse was given following the miraculous feeding of 5,000 people with only five barley loaves (ἄρτων artōn; לֶחֶם leḥem) and two fish, which led many people to follow Jesus. But, sadly, Jesus points out that many following him were seeking Him not because of the teachings or the miraculous signs but because they were hungry and wanted more food. Jesus then teaches them that He is the Bread of Life, and whoever comes to Him will never be hungry or thirsty.
The metaphorical language used by Christ was significant in ancient Jewish culture because bread was considered an essential food that symbolized life and sustenance. Moreover, it was symbolic of the manna (μάννα, מָן) God provided to the Israelites during their wilderness journey and was considered a miraculous food and sign supplied to them by the Lord himself. This miracle sustained them for forty years during their probationary wandering in the wilderness.
Jesus explains that the Bread of Life He provides is not physical bread but His own flesh and blood. This statement shocks and confuses many of His followers, leading many to question how this could be possible, and some even leave. Christ even asks his apostles, "Will ye also go away?" Peter responds, "Lord, to whom shall we go? thou hast the words of eternal life." Jesus clarifies that He speaks figuratively and that His words are spirit and life. He emphasizes that those who eat His flesh and drink His blood will have eternal life. This metaphorical concept pertains to the covenants one makes when they partake of the Sacrament, reminiscent of the shewbread used in the ancient Temple. These symbolic principles are reminders of the life and mission of Christ, "to bring to pass the immortality and eternal life of man" (Moses 1:39).
The Saviors allegory has several important principles that continue to be essential for us today. Firstly, it reminds us that Jesus is the ultimate source of life and sustenance, and we must seek Him regularly for our spiritual nourishment. Secondly, it emphasizes the importance of faith in Jesus and the sacrifice He made for our salvation. Finally, it highlights the significance of the sacrament, where Jesus' followers, "the body of Christ," partakes in the bread and wine (water), symbolizing Jesus' body and blood. Overall, the Bread of Life allegory is a powerful and significant teaching that speaks to our deepest spiritual needs and reminds us of the central importance of Jesus in our lives.
Additional Resources:
I am the Bread of Life (Video)
And Jesus Said unto Them: I Am the Bread of Life by Elder Gerrit W. Gong
