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Come, Let Us Feast!
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Jesus refers to himself as "the bread of
life" (Jn. 6:35, 48). That statement is far more significant than it
appears at first sight. First of all, He is the bread of life.
There is none other. If there is to be life, there must be bread; and He
is that bread—the only bread. Secondly, the implication is that He is
that which sustains life, both here and in the hereafter. There is no
quality life on earth without the manna from heaven, the one sent by God (Jn.
6:33), for it is the only bread which "gives life to the world."
Finally, man is bound to die; it is his destiny (Heb. 9:27). But the bread
of life makes possible his real life, an eternal abode with God. By
it and because of it, man can be raised up "at the last day" (Jn.
6:40). He said, "I am the living bread which came down from heaven.
If anyone eats of this bread, he will live forever" (6:51).
Please notice the practical essence of this great metaphor. Bread nourishes. Bread has been called "the staff of life." It nourishes the body in a way that no other food can. It provides and it maintains—that is, it provides the food for the necessary growth and progress of the body; and it keeps it healthy. Jesus certainly does that for the inner man. He it is that nourishes the soul. He gives it the sustenance it needs, provides the means for its growth and progress. Without that bread the souls is famished, it flounders and falters; with it the soul becomes active, dynamic, durable. In this same context Jesus says, "No man can come to Me except the Father who sent Me draws him; and I will raise him up at the last day" (6:44). The sweet savor of His being draws us to him like hot, just-baked bread. Truly, He is our nourishment. Bread is tasty. Man if fitted to enjoy his senses. There are beautiful sights to see for the eyes, wonderful music or conversation to hear for the ears, wonderful fragrances to smell with that sense, and there are wonderful things to taste, too. Good bread is one of the most tasty things in life. No matter where you go in the world, no matter the culture, no matter the degree of intelligence, bread is on the table. It just tastes good. And Jesus fills up our spiritual senses in a very real sense. He is the most distinctive flavor ever known to man. He alone can satisfy man’s need for true flavor. Can you think of a greater pleasure than to taste something really good? He is that taste for the spiritual man. "If anyone eats of this bread, he will live forever; and the bread that I shall give you is My flesh…" He said (6:51). Bread satisfies. Satisfaction is one of man’s supreme joys. Hunger is indigenous to man. It is this appetite that causes him to desire what is necessary to constantly rejuvenate his body. The same is true of the spiritual needs of man. "Man shall not live by bread lone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God," said the Lord. Physical bread is not the only necessary ingredient for a rich, full life. It takes spiritual bread as well. Jesus is that bread. It is He who makes us feel satiated, filled, sufficient. There is a close connection between satisfaction and peace and Jesus is the means to both. Bread is basic. Butter is not much good if you don’t have some bread to put it on. Neither is jelly or peanut butter. And what about a sandwich without bread? Bread is basic; it provides the fundamental needs on which to build faith and a good life. Jesus is that bread. Without the basis of who and what He is, there is not much on which to build a good life. Jesus is the alpha and omega, the beginning and the end. And without the beginning, wherewith the end? Let us feast on this great bread today. Let us be nourished by it, let its taste pervade our senses, let it satisfy our longings, for it is the basis for all that we are. How sweet and wonderful is that bread. Thank God for the bread of life! Copyright (C) 2002
Southside Church of Christ |