Real Bread: John 6: 51-58

Summary

The script explores the universal significance of bread across cultures, from Indian naan to German pretzels, illustrating its role as a staple and symbol of life. It delves into the theological concept of incarnation, using the metaphor of bread to explain Jesus' declaration of being the 'bread of life'. The sermon emphasizes the transformative power of consuming Jesus' teachings, urging believers to embody Christ-like qualities in their daily lives, highlighting the abundance and inclusivity of spiritual nourishment available to all.

Takeaways

• 🍞 Bread is a staple food in many cultures and is enjoyed in various forms, such as naan in India, pretzels in Germany, and puff puff in Cameroon.
• 🧈 Naan is an oven-baked flatbread in India, often enjoyed with butter, ghee, or garlic-flavored hummus.
• 🌾 Roti is an unleavened version of naan, widespread in India and popular in the Caribbean.
• 🥨 German pretzels are soft dough twisted into various shapes, often enjoyed with spicy mustard.
• 🧀 Brazilian cheese bread is gluten-free, made with tapioca flour, milk, eggs, olive oil, and cheese.
• 🇮🇪 Irish soda bread is made with baking soda instead of yeast due to the low gluten content in Irish flour.
• 🍞 French Canadian 'pain de mie' (soft white bread) is ideal for soaking up gravy and other dishes.
• 🍇 The sermon emphasizes the metaphorical significance of bread in various cultures and its relation to spiritual nourishment.
• 🕊 The concept of 'incarnation' is central to the script, referring to the belief that God became human in Jesus Christ.
• 🍇 Jesus' declaration about being the 'bread of life' is a metaphor for spiritual nourishment and eternal life, not to be taken literally.
• 🔄 The sermon encourages believers to 'consume' Jesus in their lives, becoming more like Christ and partaking in the divine life.
• 🙏 The variety of breads mentioned serves as a powerful symbol of God's intention to nourish and provide for all people, regardless of their background.

Q & A

What is the significance of bread in different cultures as mentioned in the script?

Bread is a staple food in many cultures and has unique forms and ways of preparation. In India, 'naan' is an oven-baked flatbread enjoyed with various spreads. In Germany, 'pretzels' are soft dough twisted into shapes and often enjoyed with spicy mustard. In Brazil, there's a gluten-free cheese bread made with tapioca flour, while in Ireland, a bread made with baking soda due to the low gluten content of Irish flour was common. In Nigeria, Congo, and Cameroon, 'puff puff' is a fried dough that is sweet and delightful.

What is the script's reference to 'roti' and its cultural significance?

The script mentions 'roti' as an unleavened version of naan, which is a flatbread eaten everywhere in India. It has also found its way into the hearts and stomachs of those in the Caribbean, indicating its spread and adaptation in different cultures.

What does the script suggest about the difficulty of resisting fresh, hot bread?

The script suggests that fresh, hot bread is irresistible, implying that it's hard to avoid eating it. It humorously notes that what doesn't end up in one's stomach from such bread might end up on one's hips, indicating its tempting nature.

What theological concept is central to the script's discussion on Jesus' declaration about bread and blood?

The central theological concept discussed in the script is 'incarnation', which refers to the belief that the eternal and infinite God became human in the form of Jesus Christ, who lived on earth.

How does the script interpret Jesus' statement 'my flesh is true bread'?

The script interprets Jesus' statement metaphorically rather than literally, suggesting that Jesus is referring to spiritual nourishment rather than cannibalism. It emphasizes that Jesus' 'flesh' represents a deeper, spiritual truth and relationship with God.

What does the script imply about the relationship between eating bread and spiritual growth?

The script implies that eating bread, in a spiritual sense, represents consuming and being nourished by the teachings and presence of Jesus. It suggests that by 'eating' Jesus, individuals can grow in their faith and become more like Christ.

What is the script's stance on the different theological positions regarding the Eucharist?

The script acknowledges the diversity of theological positions on the Eucharist, whether it's the belief in the spiritual presence of Christ in the bread and wine, the transubstantiation, or simply the act of remembrance and obedience to God's command. It emphasizes that regardless of one's position, the bread represents God's intention to nourish and empower believers.

How does the script connect the idea of 'you are what you eat' to the Christian faith?

The script connects the idea by suggesting that if Christians 'eat' or embrace Jesus and his teachings, they become more like Christ. It implies that spiritual nourishment through faith can transform individuals, aligning their lives with Christian values.

What does the script say about the abundance of Jesus' provision, as illustrated by the 12 baskets of scraps?

The script uses the image of the 12 baskets of scraps to symbolize the abundance of Jesus' provision. It suggests that there is enough spiritual nourishment for everyone, with each person receiving their own 'basket' of Jesus' teachings and presence.

What is the script's final message regarding the role of bread in the Christian faith?

The final message is that bread, particularly as it represents Jesus, is the 'bread of life' that brings peace, justice, and love into the world. It is a symbol of God's promise of eternal life and the invitation to partake in the divine life through faith in Jesus Christ.

Outlines

00:00

🍞 Bread: A Global Staple and Metaphor for Spiritual Nourishment

The first paragraph introduces the concept of bread as a staple food across different cultures, highlighting its significance in India with 'naan' and 'roti', and its various forms in other countries like Germany's 'pretzels' and Brazil's 'cheese bread'. It also touches on the Irish 'soda bread' and French Canadian 'pain de mie', emphasizing the diversity of bread and its role in nourishing people. The paragraph transitions into a spiritual context by discussing the Biblical story of Jesus feeding 12,000 people with bread, leading to a metaphorical interpretation of bread as the 'bread of life' and the challenge of understanding Jesus' declaration about eating his flesh and drinking his blood for eternal life.

05:02

📜 Incarnation and the Theological Depth of Consuming Jesus' Flesh

The second paragraph delves into the theological concept of 'incarnation', explaining it as the divine becoming human in the form of Jesus Christ. It reflects on the audience's potential confusion regarding the literal interpretation of consuming Jesus' flesh and blood, contrasting it with the spiritual and metaphorical understanding of the Eucharist. The paragraph discusses the difficulty of grasping the incarnation theology and the Gospel of John's rich metaphorical imagery. It emphasizes that Jesus' invitation to 'eat his flesh' is not about cannibalism but about a deep spiritual connection and transformation, urging believers to embrace the metaphor and its implications for their faith and daily lives.

10:03

🍞 Embracing the Bread of Life for Spiritual Growth and Abundance

The third paragraph focuses on the transformative power of Jesus as the 'bread of life', suggesting that consuming this spiritual bread leads to eternal life and a deeper relationship with God. It uses the metaphor of different types of bread to represent the diversity of believers and their individual spiritual journeys. The paragraph also references Martin Luther's perspective on Jesus as an inexhaustible source of spiritual nourishment, likening it to the loaves that fed the multitude with baskets of leftovers. It concludes by emphasizing the importance of partaking in the Eucharist, regardless of one's theological stance, as a means of spiritual growth, forgiveness, and empowerment to witness God's work through Jesus Christ.

Keywords

💡Bread

Bread is a staple food prepared from a dough of flour and water, often with yeast or other leavening agents. In the video, bread symbolizes nourishment and sustenance across different cultures, with various types like naan, pretzels, and gluten-free cheese bread mentioned. It is also used metaphorically to represent spiritual nourishment through Jesus, the 'bread of life'.

💡Naan

Naan is a type of Indian flatbread that is typically oven-baked and enjoyed with spreads like butter or garlic-flavored hummus. The script uses naan to illustrate the universality of bread as a cultural staple and also as a metaphor for spiritual sustenance in the context of Jesus' teachings.

💡Roti

Roti is an unleavened flatbread similar to naan, widely consumed in India and the Caribbean. The term 'roti' in the script highlights the adaptability of bread and its significance in different regions, further emphasizing the theme of bread as a unifying element in various cultures.

💡Pretzels

Pretzels, described in the script as soft dough twisted into various shapes, are a traditional German bread often associated with street food and enjoyed with spicy mustard. They represent another cultural interpretation of bread and its role in everyday life.

💡Incarnation

Incarnation refers to the Christian doctrine that God became flesh in the person of Jesus Christ. The script discusses this concept in the context of Jesus being the 'bread of life,' emphasizing the divine becoming human to offer spiritual sustenance and salvation.

💡Eucharist

The Eucharist, also known as Holy Communion, is a Christian sacrament that involves consuming bread and wine as symbols of the body and blood of Jesus Christ. The script touches on the Eucharist to explain the metaphor of eating Jesus' flesh and drinking His blood as a spiritual act of faith and participation in the divine life.

💡Metaphor

A metaphor is a figure of speech that describes an object or action in a way that isn't literally true but helps explain an idea or make a comparison. The script uses rich metaphoric imagery, particularly with bread, to convey spiritual concepts such as the incarnation and the Eucharist.

💡Faith

Faith is a belief or trust in something, especially a religious context. The script discusses faith in relation to the consumption of 'spiritual bread' and the transformative power of belief in Jesus Christ, highlighting the importance of faith in the Christian life.

💡Transformation

Transformation refers to a marked change in form, nature, or appearance. In the script, transformation is associated with the spiritual change that occurs when one partakes in the Eucharist, becoming more like Christ through the consumption of the 'bread of life.'

💡Eternal Life

Eternal life, in Christian belief, is the gift of everlasting life granted by God to those who believe in Jesus Christ. The script connects the concept of eternal life with the consumption of Jesus as the 'bread of life,' suggesting that faith and spiritual nourishment lead to eternal salvation.

💡Cultural Breads

The term 'cultural breads' encompasses the various types of breads mentioned in the script, each with its unique preparation and cultural significance. These breads serve as a metaphor for the diversity of spiritual experiences and the universal need for nourishment, both physical and spiritual.

Highlights

Bread is a staple in India, with 'naan' being an oven-baked flatbread enjoyed with various spreads.

Naan can be enhanced with garlic flavor or served with hummus for a delightful treat.

Roti is an unleavened version of naan, popular in India and the Caribbean.

In Germany, 'pretzels' are a soft dough twisted into various shapes, often enjoyed with spicy mustard.

Brazilian cheese bread is gluten-free, made with tapioca flour, milk, eggs, olive oil, and cheese.

Early Irish baking used baking soda instead of yeast due to the low gluten content in Irish flour.

French Canadian farmers baked 'pain de mie', a white loaf ideal for soaking up gravy.

Puff puff from Nigeria, Congo, and Cameroon is a fried dough delicacy, sweet and easy to make.

The sermon discusses the metaphorical significance of bread in various cultures and its spiritual implications.

Jesus' declaration of being the 'bread of life' is a central theme, emphasizing the spiritual nourishment he provides.

The concept of 'incarnation' is explored, highlighting God's presence in the form of Jesus Christ.

The sermon challenges the literal interpretation of consuming Jesus' flesh, suggesting a deeper metaphorical meaning.

Participation in the divine through Jesus is presented as a way to experience abundant life and forgiveness of sins.

The sermon emphasizes the importance of embracing Jesus fully, both in belief and in daily life.

The idea that 'you are what you eat' is applied spiritually, encouraging believers to 'eat' Jesus and become more like Christ.

Martin Luther's perspective on Jesus as the bread that feeds multitudes without limit is shared.

The sermon concludes with a personal reflection on the speaker's belief in Jesus as the 'bread from heaven'.

An invitation to partake in the spiritual feast of Jesus is extended, promising eternal life and transformation.

Transcripts

it may not be a surprise but every

people have a bread every people bread

is a staple in India the bread is non

non is eleven oven baked flatbread best

enjoyed with spread with butter or glee

or if you want a real wonderful treat

spread some naan of some garlic flavored

hummus help me Jesus roti is also an

onion is an unleavened version of naan

it seems to me it's a flatbread and it's

eaten everywhere in India and somehow it

found its way into the hearts and

stomachs of those in the Carribean roti

if we were in Germany the bread might be

called what we would call pretzels soft

dough twisted in two sticks and shapes

and I don't want you to avoid pretzels

simply because it's associated with

street food great spicy mustard even

better than the naan with the hummus and

garlic if we were in Brazil there's this

simple kind of gluten-free cheese bread

and it's made with tapioca flour milk

eggs olive oil and cheese the early

Irish cooked a bread with baking soda

instead of yeast and that was because

the Irish flour was so low in gluten

that they couldn't make Easter bread our

own French Canadian farmers baked a

plain white loaf that and I'm gonna mess

up how to pronounce it pan demos a

perfect bread for soaking up excess

gravy and sopping up whatever is left on

your plate between helpings that's got

to be a perfect bread and then if you're

from countries like Nigeria or Congo or

the Cameroon there's this thing called

puff puff puff puff is fried dough which

is amazingly delightfully sweet it's

quick and it's easy to make bread is the

stuff of life you have shared with me

over these last few weeks how hard it is

to push yourself away from fresh hot

bread fresh hot bread what doesn't end

up in your stomach remains on your hips

bread it's irresistible

it's your resistible and I imagine that

if we could ask the twelve thousand men

women and children who were served bread

on the mountaintop to witness the wonder

of having a tummy full we would not get

any disagreement bread is the stuff of

life bread is good bread from heaven is

better living bread is better still and

it is in this context it is in the

context of how good bread is and 12,000

people being full up with good bread

that Jesus makes the Declaration those

who eat

my flesh and drink my blood have eternal

life and I will raise them up on the

last day for my flesh is true bread and

my blood is true drink true real bread

now this is where most people check out

we get caught up in the whole you know

eating flesh part and we imagine this

cannibalistic meaning and we throw

ourselves into a tizzy trying to unpack

and make sense of what Jesus has said

even though it was us or our ancestors

who demanded to eat flesh in the

wilderness but we forgot that and yes

God provided us that flesh 40 years of

flesh every evening for us to eat we

have short memories because right after

that we declared that eating the blood

of a slain animal was forbidden unclean

so wait a minute

we ain't eatin your flesh man is you

crazy but I don't sleep folks I don't

really get what all the fuss is about

we were warned by this gospel writer in

the very first beginning of the book the

word became flesh and moved in with us

the word became flesh and moved in with

us so the big theological word that

we're

grappling with is incarnation

incarnation according to my very

favorite dictionary of theological terms

incarnation the out-of-this-world notion

that the eternal and infinite God came

down to earth in finite and first

century Jesus of Nazareth incarnation

the Incarnation is the stuff of

Christmas pageants right Jesus is born

of Mary and Mary places baby Jesus in

the manger and the Shepherd's watch and

the wise men come incarnation Jesus is

100% God and 100% man now I need to

admit that the whole theology of

incarnation is not the stuff of

sunday-school it's it's hard theology

and John the gospel is known for high

Christology rich metaphoric imagery and

of course redundancy we've been talking

about bread a long time and we're just

in chapter 6 you see Jesus has upped the

ante on this incarnation first we're

asked to believe then were asked to

choose to have a relationship with God

and now God has the nerve to ask us to

participate in the relationship in which

we believe scary God wants us body and

soul and wants us to have all of Jesus

in the words of William Willimon

Christian faith would be less difficult

if it were a matter of mere belief or

intellectual assent this incarnate

intends Jesus wants to have all of us

God wants the truth to be burl deep

within us to consume us as we consume

the truth to flow through our veins to

nourish every nook and cranny of our

being the key is eating this flesh don't

be scared don't be scared Jesus didn't

literally mean that Nicodemus had to

return to his mother's womb Jesus was

not referring to the stone and brick in

the promise to rebuild the temple in

three days and Jesus is not referring to

muscle and tissue in the statement this

flesh remember rich metaphoric imagery I

believe that Jesus has something more

wonderful more more wonderful in mind

and yes we will have to do more than

stand around and observe we will have to

sink our teeth into it Jesus comes that

we might have real bread bread that

lasts

bread that endures bread that makes a

difference in our lives and our lives

around us

Jesus brings life made quantitatively

different because we participate with

the divine Jesus is the gift to the

church for abundant life right this

minute and life with God everlasting

think about it this way think about it

this way

Jesus is forever right nod your heads if

you agree

Jesus is forever we eat consume digests

and are nourished by Jesus therefore we

join in the Living Christ we inherit

forever they say you are what you eat

you are what you eat and God wants us to

eat Jesus and to become more like Christ

every single day

Jesus is complicated

Luther we're talking about this passage

I love what Luther Martin Luther the

original reformer has to say Jesus is

not the sort of flesh which sausage is

made of Jesus is more like the bread

used to feed the multitude it is not

possible to find a limit or and end

Jesus has 12 baskets of scraps one for

every nation and every tribe one for you

and one for you this is like The Oprah

Winfrey Show you get a basket of scraps

you get a basket of scraps you get a

basket of scraps you get a basket of

scraps everybody gets a basket of Jesus

to take home and eat now whether you

believe that the bread and wine are

spiritually flesh and the bread

is spiritually the one of the blood or

whether the wine actually becomes the

body and the blood of Jesus or whether

or not it's important to you that we do

this because God commanded us to do it

and therefore we remember what God did

on our behalf which ever one of the

theological positions you find yourself

in one thing is clear is that there are

a lot of kind of bread there's a lots of

kind of bread there is enough for you

and there's enough work up for me each

of the breads that we consume become

this powerful statement of God's

intention to nourish us and to provide a

way for our faith to grow to forgive our

sins and to empower us to be witnesses

to the power of God in Jesus Christ I

worked for a great preacher and he had

this way of closing sermons when he

talked about thanking God and I thought

about him as I thought about this close

of my sermon see if I were German my

bread would be pretzels if I were from

India my bread would be nan if I was

from Cameroon my bread would be puffed

up if I was celiac my bread would be

gluten-free if I was French Canadian my

bread would be plain white and it would

be good for shopping but I am Who I am

and I believe who I believe for my bread

is Jesus hmm it's real bread his bread

come down from heaven it's the bread of

life it is the bread that brings peace

and justice and love into the world and

God promises that I may feast

hallelujah and eat I may eat and live

forever let's see let's eat let's eat

amen