Embracing the Bread of Life: A Call to Inclusivity
Summary
### Summary
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Spirit be with us all. Today, we reflect on Jesus' declaration, "I am the bread of life." This statement caused controversy among the Jews, who questioned how Jesus, the son of Joseph, could claim to have come down from heaven. Jesus responded by emphasizing that no one can come to Him unless drawn by the Father. He reiterated that He is the living bread from heaven, offering eternal life to those who believe in Him.
We are currently in the "gospel of bread" period, a month-long journey through John 6, which includes the feeding of the 5,000 and teachings on true spiritual nourishment. However, today's focus shifts to the importance of understanding the context and implications of the words we use, especially those in the Bible. The Bible was written for specific audiences at specific times, and while its teachings are timeless, they must be interpreted carefully to avoid misusing them to justify harmful actions like racism, sexism, and anti-Semitism.
Jesus' words, often misunderstood, were meant to challenge the gatekeepers who excluded others from understanding God's love. His teachings were deeply rooted in Jewish tradition, drawing from the Old Testament to convey profound spiritual truths. Recognizing this context helps us see that Jesus' message was not about exclusion but about extending God's love to all.
As a community, we are called to reflect on how we might sometimes act as gatekeepers ourselves, questioning and complaining rather than embracing the inclusive love of God. Our belief in Jesus should not make us feel superior but should inspire us to live out His love in our thoughts, words, and deeds. Let us strive to be instruments of peace, justice, and compassion, embodying the love of God in our daily lives.
### Key Takeaways
1. Jesus as the Bread of Life: Jesus' declaration that He is the bread of life emphasizes the spiritual nourishment He provides. Just as bread sustains physical life, Jesus sustains our spiritual lives, offering eternal life to those who believe in Him. This metaphor invites us to seek deeper, lasting fulfillment in our relationship with Christ. [09:55]
2. Context Matters: The Bible was written for specific audiences at specific times, and understanding this context is crucial. Misinterpreting or taking scriptures out of context can lead to justifying harmful actions that God never intended. We must approach the Bible with a heart open to its true message of love and grace. [13:50]
3. Challenging Gatekeepers: Jesus' words often challenged those who acted as gatekeepers, excluding others from experiencing God's love. His teachings remind us to examine our own actions and attitudes, ensuring we are not hindering others from coming to God. Inclusivity and love should be at the heart of our faith. [16:06]
4. Rooted in Tradition: Jesus' teachings were deeply rooted in Jewish tradition, drawing from the Old Testament. Understanding this connection enriches our comprehension of His message and helps us appreciate the continuity of God's plan throughout the scriptures. This perspective fosters a deeper, more holistic faith. [17:55]
5. Living Out Love: Our belief in Jesus should inspire us to live out His love in tangible ways. This means being swift to love, making haste to be kind, and striving to be instruments of peace, justice, and compassion. Our faith is not just about personal salvation but about transforming the world through God's love. [52:11]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[09:55] - Jesus as the Bread of Life
[11:47] - The Gospel of Bread
[13:50] - Importance of Context
[16:06] - Challenging Gatekeepers
[17:55] - Rooted in Jewish Tradition
[31:33] - Community Announcements
[36:25] - Eucharistic Prayer
[38:39] - Jesus' Sacrifice
[40:29] - Invitation to Communion
[52:11] - Living Out Love
[52:30] - Benediction and Sending Forth
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. John 6:35-51 (Jesus as the Bread of Life)
2. Deuteronomy 8:3 (Man does not live by bread alone)
3. Exodus 16:4-5 (Manna from Heaven)
#### Observation Questions
1. What did Jesus mean when He said, "I am the bread of life"? How did the Jews react to this statement? ([09:55])
2. How does Jesus describe the process by which people come to Him? What role does the Father play in this process? ([09:55])
3. What historical context does the sermon provide about the phrase "bread of life"? How does it relate to the Old Testament? ([16:06])
4. What are some examples given in the sermon of how the Bible has been misused to justify harmful actions? ([13:50])
#### Interpretation Questions
1. Why do you think Jesus used the metaphor of bread to describe Himself? How does this metaphor deepen our understanding of spiritual nourishment? ([09:55])
2. How does understanding the historical and cultural context of the Bible help prevent its misuse? Can you think of any modern examples where context might be crucial? ([13:50])
3. In what ways did Jesus challenge the gatekeepers of His time? How can this challenge be applied to our current context? ([16:06])
4. How does recognizing the Jewish roots of Jesus' teachings enrich our understanding of His message? ([17:55])
#### Application Questions
1. Jesus said, "I am the bread of life." How can you seek deeper, lasting fulfillment in your relationship with Christ this week? ([09:55])
2. Reflect on a time when you might have acted as a gatekeeper, excluding others from experiencing God's love. How can you change this behavior moving forward? ([16:06])
3. The sermon emphasized the importance of context in understanding the Bible. How can you ensure that you are interpreting scripture in a way that aligns with its true message of love and grace? ([13:50])
4. Jesus' teachings were deeply rooted in Jewish tradition. How can you incorporate this understanding into your daily Bible study to gain a more holistic faith? ([17:55])
5. Our belief in Jesus should inspire us to live out His love in tangible ways. What specific actions can you take this week to be an instrument of peace, justice, and compassion in your community? ([52:11])
6. The sermon mentioned that our faith is not just about personal salvation but about transforming the world through God's love. How can you contribute to this transformation in your daily life? ([52:11])
7. Think of a person or group you have excluded, intentionally or unintentionally, from experiencing God's love. What steps can you take to include them and show them God's inclusive love? ([16:06])
Devotional
Day 1: Jesus as the Bread of Life
Description: Jesus' declaration that He is the bread of life emphasizes the spiritual nourishment He provides. Just as bread sustains physical life, Jesus sustains our spiritual lives, offering eternal life to those who believe in Him. This metaphor invites us to seek deeper, lasting fulfillment in our relationship with Christ. Jesus' words, "I am the bread of life," were not just a statement but an invitation to a transformative relationship. He offers Himself as the source of eternal sustenance, contrasting the temporary satisfaction of physical food with the enduring fulfillment found in Him. Reflecting on this, we are called to examine what truly nourishes our souls and to prioritize our spiritual well-being by drawing closer to Jesus. [09:55]
John 6:35 (ESV): "Jesus said to them, 'I am the bread of life; whoever comes to me shall not hunger, and whoever believes in me shall never thirst.'"
Reflection: What are the "breads" in your life that you turn to for satisfaction? How can you shift your focus to seek spiritual nourishment from Jesus today?
Day 2: Context Matters
Description: The Bible was written for specific audiences at specific times, and understanding this context is crucial. Misinterpreting or taking scriptures out of context can lead to justifying harmful actions that God never intended. We must approach the Bible with a heart open to its true message of love and grace. Recognizing the historical and cultural background of biblical texts helps us avoid misapplication and allows us to grasp the depth of God's message. By studying the context, we can better understand the timeless principles that apply to our lives today and ensure that our interpretations align with God's intent. [13:50]
2 Timothy 2:15 (ESV): "Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who has no need to be ashamed, rightly handling the word of truth."
Reflection: Think of a Bible verse you often hear quoted. Have you ever explored its context? How might understanding its original audience and purpose change your interpretation?
Day 3: Challenging Gatekeepers
Description: Jesus' words often challenged those who acted as gatekeepers, excluding others from experiencing God's love. His teachings remind us to examine our own actions and attitudes, ensuring we are not hindering others from coming to God. Inclusivity and love should be at the heart of our faith. Jesus confronted the religious leaders of His time who imposed barriers, emphasizing that God's love is for everyone. As followers of Christ, we are called to break down these barriers and extend God's grace to all, fostering a community where everyone feels welcomed and valued. [16:06]
Matthew 23:13 (ESV): "But woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you shut the kingdom of heaven in people's faces. For you neither enter yourselves nor allow those who would enter to go in."
Reflection: Reflect on a time when you may have unintentionally acted as a gatekeeper in your community. How can you change your approach to be more inclusive and welcoming?
Day 4: Rooted in Tradition
Description: Jesus' teachings were deeply rooted in Jewish tradition, drawing from the Old Testament. Understanding this connection enriches our comprehension of His message and helps us appreciate the continuity of God's plan throughout the scriptures. This perspective fosters a deeper, more holistic faith. By recognizing the Jewish roots of Jesus' teachings, we gain insight into the fulfillment of God's promises and the seamless narrative of redemption that spans both the Old and New Testaments. This understanding deepens our faith and appreciation for the richness of God's word. [17:55]
Matthew 5:17 (ESV): "Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them."
Reflection: How does understanding the Jewish roots of Jesus' teachings enhance your appreciation of His message? What steps can you take to explore these connections further?
Day 5: Living Out Love
Description: Our belief in Jesus should inspire us to live out His love in tangible ways. This means being swift to love, making haste to be kind, and striving to be instruments of peace, justice, and compassion. Our faith is not just about personal salvation but about transforming the world through God's love. Living out love involves practical actions that reflect Christ's character, impacting our communities and the world. It calls us to be proactive in showing kindness, seeking justice, and embodying compassion, thereby making God's love visible and tangible to those around us. [52:11]
James 2:17 (ESV): "So also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead."
Reflection: Identify one specific way you can demonstrate God's love in your community this week. How can you make this a regular practice in your life?
Quotes
1. "We're currently in the middle of what preachers like to call the gospel of bread. This period comes up once every three years in our lectionary, the cycle of readings that we follow each week. And here we are, the gospel of bread. That's a month-long walk through chapter six of the gospel of John. It starts with the feeding of the 5,000, and last week Matt told us how true bread is meant to nourish us. And then today, Jesus says that he is the bread of life." [11:47] (39 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "One of my favorite bishops says, I take my Bible seriously, which is why I don't take it literally. The trouble is that we Christians have a terrible history of taking the words in the Bible and using them to justify things that God would never condone. Racism, sexism, homophobia, power imbalances of all kinds, conquest. Far too often these evils are carried out in the name of God when none of it flows from God." [13:50] (42 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "The irony, of course, is that many of the words of our New Testament come directly from the Old Testament, from the Hebrew Bible itself. Direct quotes and metaphors, allegories, symbolism. These literary devices are embedded and woven throughout both books. And if we don't understand where such imagery comes from, we miss the richness of the rhetoric. And often we miss the point. You cannot understand the New Testament without considering where much of it was drawn from." [16:06] (46 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "Maybe that's because it's easier to think that we're the one standing on the high road, that we've got it all figured out. But maybe, maybe the better lesson is for us to wonder how we might see ourselves in the shoes of the ones who complain and question. Maybe then we might identify those areas where we've got some of our own work to do, instead of seeing ourselves as the ones in the right, because we've come to know the importance of Jesus to our salvation." [17:55] (44 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "More than that, I don't think we were ever meant to take from John's words here that our belief in Jesus makes us any more special or any more loved than any other of God. children. I think our presiding bishop, Michael Curry, says it best. If it's not about love, it's not about God. Those are words to take to heart, to use to center ourselves. Those are words for us as a community to try to live into together through our thoughts and words and deeds as we come and gather in this place and around a table, to be fed both figuratively and literally by bread." [17:55] (59 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
6. "Life is short and we do not have much time to gladden the hearts of those traveling the journey with us so be swift to love make haste to be kind and the blessing of god almighty the father the son and the holy spirit be with you always amen let us go forth in the name of christ thanks be to god." [52:11] (25 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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