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Topical Encyclopedia

The term "Bread of Christ" is deeply rooted in Christian theology and is primarily associated with the teachings of Jesus regarding spiritual sustenance and the sacrament of the Eucharist. This concept is derived from several passages in the New Testament, where bread symbolizes the body of Christ and the spiritual nourishment He provides to believers.

Biblical Foundation

The most direct reference to the Bread of Christ is found in the Gospel of John, where Jesus declares Himself to be the "bread of life." InJohn 6:35 , Jesus states, "I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to Me will never hunger, and whoever believes in Me will never thirst." This declaration follows the miraculous feeding of the five thousand, where Jesus multiplies five loaves and two fish to feed a large crowd, illustrating His power to provide both physical and spiritual sustenance.

In the same chapter, Jesus further elaborates on this metaphor, emphasizing the necessity of partaking in Him for eternal life.John 6:51 records Jesus saying, "I am the living bread that came down from heaven. If anyone eats of this bread, he will live forever. And this bread, which I will give for the life of the world, is My flesh." This statement underscores the sacrificial nature of Christ's mission and His role as the source of eternal life.

The Last Supper and the Eucharist

The Bread of Christ is also central to the institution of the Lord's Supper, or the Eucharist, a sacrament observed by Christians to commemorate Jesus' sacrifice. During the Last Supper, Jesus breaks bread with His disciples, symbolizing His impending sacrifice on the cross. InMatthew 26:26 , it is written, "While they were eating, Jesus took bread, spoke a blessing and broke it, and gave it to the disciples, saying, 'Take and eat; this is My body.'"

This act of breaking bread is a profound moment that establishes the practice of communion, where believers partake of bread and wine as symbols of Christ's body and blood. The Apostle Paul reiterates this tradition in1 Corinthians 11:23-24 , where he recounts, "The Lord Jesus, on the night He was betrayed, took bread, and when He had given thanks, He broke it and said, 'This is My body, which is for you; do this in remembrance of Me.'"

Spiritual Significance

The Bread of Christ signifies more than a mere ritual; it represents the believer's union with Christ and the sustenance He provides for spiritual growth and eternal life. In partaking of the bread, Christians affirm their faith in Jesus' redemptive work and their reliance on Him for spiritual nourishment. The Bread of Christ is a reminder of the new covenant established through His sacrifice, offering believers a share in His divine life.

Furthermore, the Bread of Christ calls believers to a life of fellowship and unity within the body of Christ, the Church. As members partake of the one bread, they are reminded of their interconnectedness and the call to live in harmony and love, as emphasized in1 Corinthians 10:17 : "Because there is one loaf, we who are many are one body; for we all partake of the one loaf."

Conclusion

The Bread of Christ is a profound symbol within Christian theology, encapsulating the essence of Jesus' mission and the spiritual sustenance He offers to His followers. Through the metaphor of bread, believers are invited to partake in the life and sacrifice of Christ, finding nourishment and unity in Him.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

John 6:33-35
For the bread of God is he which comes down from heaven, and gives life to the world.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Christ theBread of Life.
... NEW TESTAMENT VIEWS OFCHRIST. II."CHRIST THEBREAD OF LIFE.... Be it remembered that
thisbread of life isChrist. It is not some theory about Him....

Christ theBread of Life, John 6 31 35 39
... Hymns. Book 3. Prepared for the Lord's Supper. Hymn 3:5.Christ thebread
of life, John 6. 31 35 39. 1 Let us adore th' eternal...

Christ the True vine, and asBread.
... Book I. 33.Christ the True Vine, and asBread. To what we have said must
be added how the Son is the true vine. Those will have...

Christ Blessing theBread.
... RELIGIOUS EXULTATION. 683. "Christ Blessing theBread. 683. CM Dale.Christ
Blessing theBread. 1 Behold, amid his little flock...

Christ theBread of Life. John 6:31,35,39.
... Hymns, Book II HYMN 5Christ thebread of life. John 6:31,35,39. CMChrist the
bread of life. John 6:31,35,39. Let us adore th' eternal Word,....

WhetherBread Can be Converted into the Body ofChrist?
... motion is the act of a thing existing in potentiality." But no subject can be assigned
for the substance of thebread and of the body ofChrist, because it is...

Whether this Proposition is False: "The Body ofChrist is Made Out...
... First of all because in both, one of the extremes passes into the other, asbread
intoChrist's body, and air into fire; whereas non-being is not converted...

WhetherChrist is Entire under Every Part of the Species of the...
... And since the conversion of the substance of thebread is terminated at the substance
of the body ofChrist, and since according to the manner of substance the...