2. I Am the Bread of Life

Question 1

1. Context

Answer 1

• Discourse is delivered immediately after the Feeding of the 5000
• The discourse is a midrash on the preceding Sign
• Midrash: Jewish term for an interpretation of a Biblical passage.

• Follows a pattern in John’s Gospel: Jesus provides a Sign but people take it at its most literal level (ignoring the deeper level)

Question 2

2. Physical vs Spiritual

Answer 2

• Crowd has had it’s physical hunger satisfied by the loaves of bread

• Jesus intends to satisfy spiritual hunger for a close relationship with God.
• Jesus is offering spiritual bread that provides spiritual life

• “I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never go hungry”

Question 3

3. Contrast with Moses

Answer 3

• Moses led the Israelites to the Promised Land.
• When they were starving, God sent them manna (bread)
• Jesus explains the Bread of Life is superior to manna.
- Manna did not stay fresh while Bread of Life will never spoil
- Those who ate manna eventually died and only their children reached promised land. Those who eat Jesus’ bread will have Eternal Life.

Question 4

4. Brown’s Interpretation

Answer 4

1. Sapiential Theme: Jesus’ teachings
   - Bread symbolises his teachings which will nourish people forever
2. Sacramental Theme: Symbolises the Eucharist
   - Brown does not think Jesus really said these words (would have made no sense to Jews before the Eucharistic ceremony had been invented)
   - Brown argues this theme was added later by John

Question 5

5. Implications

Answer 5

• John’s Gospel does not contain the Last Supper.
• However, this midrash serves the same purpose: sets up the Eucharist
• Christians are divided on how to interpret the Eucharist
- Roman Catholics: believe the bread and wine really becomes Christ’s body (transubstantiation)
- Protestants: believe bread and wine are purely symbolic
• John’s Gospel suggests that it is simply believing in Jesus is that is important.

Question 6

Summary

Answer 6

1. Context
2. Physical vs Spiritual
3. Contrast With Moses
4. Brown’s Interpretation
5. Implications