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Op-Ed

I am the Bread of Life

Sep 11, 2026 | 7:00 AM

Of all the early teachings of Jesus is the incredibly rich parable of the bread of life.

It is incredibly significant, deep and yet so simple in its concept that it alone could sustain a lifetime of study, prayer and practise. We will focus on these in the next few columns.

In John 6, we find one of the tellings of the feeding of the 5,000, in which a crowd had followed Jesus into the wilderness, and after teaching and healing them, a question was asked by Jesus in verse 5 of Philip.

“When Jesus looked up and saw a great crowd coming toward him, he said to Philip, ‘Where shall we buy bread for these people to eat?’ 6 He asked this only to test him, for he already had in mind what he was going to do. 7 Philip answered him, ‘It would take more than half a year’s wages[a] to buy enough bread for each one to have a bite!'”

In response, Andrew offered up the information of a small boy who had 5 barley loaves and 2 small fish with the question, “How far will they go among so many?”

Jesus had the people sit down and blessed the barley loaves and fish, and after the multitude ate and were satisfied, 12 baskets of leftovers were gathered.

Those on the hillside and plain started to whisper, “Surely, this is the prophet who is to come into the world.”

The intent of Jesus in asking the question was to test Philip and his thoughts.

In his mind, he was thinking in earthly terms; he was thinking of the physical aspect of the ‘bread’ as food only to fill the stomachs of those who were being taught. He was not thinking of the spiritual/eternal implications of the question.

It is true that these people followed him because they saw something in Jesus they wanted. Some wanted food, while others recognized Him as something more, someone God had blessed and someone who was OF God.

Yet, in chapter 5: 19-21 we read that:

19 Jesus gave them this answer: “Very truly I tell you, the Son can do nothing by himself; he can do only what he sees his Father doing, because whatever the Father does the Son also does. 20 For the Father loves the Son and shows him all he does. Yes, and he will show him even greater works than these, so that you will be amazed.”

He goes on to say in verse 24: “Very truly I tell you, whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life and will not be judged but has crossed over from death to life (eternal).

Jesus knew those in the crowd, those who wanted earthly food, and those who wanted heavenly food and salvation. He still does today.

He blessed the food because His Father was active THEN, and God answered and provided far beyond what was expected.

In the midst of our life struggles, God is often weaning us for greater service, and when we earnestly seek his face, He will provide loaves and fishes for us in the lonely place.

Be blessed and filled with faith.

Tim Lasiuta

EDITOR’S NOTE: The views expressed above are those of the author and do not necessarily represent those of Pattison Media. Column/op-ed suggestions and letters to the editor can be sent to news@rdnewsNOW.com.