Bread of Life

Crowds followed the teacher wherever he went, because of the miracles. One day, on a hillside near a lake, more than 5,000 people gathered to hear him speak. Later in the day, the people became hungry. Seeing their need, the teacher took five loaves of bread and two fish from a boy's lunch. He gave thanks to God, broke the bread and began to give it to his students. His students then gave the food to the crowd. When all had eaten and were full, the leftovers were gathered into 12 baskets. The crowd was astonished. They wanted to make him their king, believing that this power could meet all their needs. But the teacher withdrew from them because this was not his mission. Later, on the other side of the lake, he spoke to them again. "Do not seek just temporary food," he said, "but seek the food that gives eternal life." But they asked him for another sign, one like their prophet Moses had done for their ancestors when it rained manna from heaven. That's when he told them, "I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will not hunger, and whoever believes in me will never thirst." Some were confused, others offended. How could this man claim to give life itself? But he explained that just as bread nourishes the body, he would nourish the soul. Many turned and left, unable to accept his words. But those who stayed knew—there was no one else to go to. He alone had the words of eternal life.