It seems that most cultures and civilizations have some easily grown and processed starch as the staple in their diet. Think manioc, taro root, rice, corn or other grains, squash, potatoes, beans… These highly starchy foods supply caloric fuel that enables laborers (and some athletes) to endure arduous exercise for many hours on end. For many, including our biblical ancestors, the local basic element of their diet was (and is) bread.
Bread has been referred to as the staff of life. It supports and sustains us, so we can go about our days with sufficient energy to accomplish what we need and/or want to do. Bread is so life-centric that English slang uses it, along with dough, to mean money.
Jesus, further along in the sixth chapter of the Gospel of John (John 6:32-35), refers to himself as bread, the bread of life, and the living bread come down from heaven. He is the essential nutrient for the fullness of life that Abba God desires for all. His body, his very being, given over in free, total love, all the way to death, is the food we need to become fully alive. Jesus is our currency for the long and winding journey of life leading to Life.
And where does Jesus begin among us? Tradition says that he was born in Bethlehem, which can be translated, “house of bread.” Maybe it’s not too much of a stretch to say that Bethlehem is the birth home of the life-giving Bread from God.
Maureen says:
Yes, many ways of looking at bread…and just now your mention of it giving athletes energy is moving me toward getting outside for a walk! Bread’s also a challenge for me in that in has always “called my name” until slowly I’ve accepted the fact it’s a real “trigger” food for me, thus the need to stick with gluten-free “dough”. Making “regular” bread for others is a joy WHEN I remember it’s for them, not for me. But the Bread of Life feeds me, thank goodness, and your referring to Jesus as the “currency” needed for my daily life is really encouraging. More life to come from your words, Tim!