The concept of Bread of Life in Christianity
The Bread of Life in Christianity symbolizes Jesus as the essential source of spiritual nourishment and eternal life for believers. This title underscores His role in satisfying spiritual hunger and providing fulfillment, emphasizing the importance of sharing this sustenance with others. The metaphor illustrates how Jesus' teachings offer spiritual nourishment, contrasting with mere physical sustenance. Ultimately, the Bread of Life represents Christ’s sacrificial love and serves as a reminder of the continuous spiritual sustenance necessary for the health of one's soul.
Synonyms: Sustenance, Nourishment, Vitality, Essence, Spiritual food
In Malay: Roti Kehidupan; In Swedish: Livets bröd; In Spanish: Pan de vida; In Dutch: Brood des Levens; In Finnish: Elämän leipä; In German: Brot des Lebens
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Christian concept of 'Bread of Life'
From: Expositions of Holy Scripture
(1) This refers to the teachings of Christ, which will go mouldy if hidden, which would lead to the reward and punishment.[1] (2) The term used to describe Christ, which is withheld by those who claim to be followers of Christ, according to the text's perspective.[2] (3) The feeding of the hungry speaks of His higher operation as this, and is a symbolic representation of the effects of His working on men's spirits.[3] (4) The bread of life is mentioned in the text as a metaphor for the good that is possessed by those who have Christ, which should be shared with others to help them.[4] (5) This refers to Christ, who is the source of truth, love, blessed commands, and the satisfaction of all longings and desires, according to the provided text.[5]
From: Bible cyclopedia, critical and expository
(1) Bread of life is a metaphor used to describe Christ, representing the manna being ground in the mill, just as Christ was bruised for us, providing spiritual nourishment.[6] (2) This is a phrase used by John, and it is one of the characteristic phrases used by John, along with other terms like eternal life.[7] (3) This refers to the spiritual nourishment for the soul, which is provided in contrast to the physical bread for the body.[8] (4) A metaphorical phrase used by Jesus to describe Himself as essential for spiritual sustenance.[9] (5) Refers to Christ, symbolically connected to the Shewbread, indicating that He nourishes and sustains His followers.[10]
From: Hymns for Christian Devotion
(1) A title for Jesus representing spiritual nourishment and sustenance provided to believers.[11]
From: The Complete Sayings of Jesus
(1) A title that Jesus uses to describe himself, indicating that he provides spiritual sustenance and eternal life.[12]
From: Ante-nicene Fathers
(1) This phrase refers to the Lord, as the text states that He is the bread of life. The bread is rich, and the Lord provides it.[13] (2) This phrase is used in reference to the flesh of the Lamb, which is essential for eternal life, and is connected to the idea of spiritual nourishment and understanding.[14] (3) A metaphor used by Christ to convey that He provides spiritual sustenance to believers.[15] (4) Symbolizes the spiritual nourishment provided by Jesus, referenced in the context of delivering solace to the dying.[16] (5) A description used by Jesus to define himself as essential spiritual nourishment, indicating that he satisfies eternal hunger.[17]