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The Bread and Wine of Passover

Sermon by David C. Grabbe

In the context of the New Covenant, the symbolism of bread during the Passover holds profound significance as a representation of life and fellowship. Bread, a staple in ancient Middle Eastern diets, symbolizes sustenance and the essence of life itself, often standing for food in general. Its importance is tied to the divine provision of rain and harvest, rendering it a sacred gift from heaven. The breaking of bread signifies fellowship and friendship, embodying the shared providence of God, as seen in the unity formed through partaking of the one bread, which is Christ. Scripturally, bread is portrayed as a source of strength and refreshment, supporting life in a comprehensive sense. God's promise to Israel of a land where they would eat bread without scarcity reflects His intent to provide all necessary sustenance for an abundant life. However, God also teaches that physical bread alone cannot truly satisfy; spiritual bread, derived from His word, is essential for true life and fulfillment. This spiritual bread, which cannot be bought or made by human hands, comes from seeking and returning to God, filling the void that physical sustenance cannot. In the Passover, bread symbolizes Christ's body, predominantly representing life rather than death. Christ identifies Himself as the living bread, indicating that His flesh embodies eternal life and sustains those who partake of it. This act of eating the bread during Passover symbolizes an ongoing relationship with the living Savior, uniting believers with Him and with each other in fellowship. It reflects the sinless life He lived, offered to His followers as a means of spiritual sustenance and strength. Furthermore, the bread of Passover, akin to the peace offering, underscores acceptance by God and the strengthening of His people for service. Just as a meal replenishes physical strength, the spiritual bread of Passover fortifies believers to fulfill what God requires of them. This strengthening is not always in forms human nature desires, but in ways that align with God's will, as exemplified by Christ's actions of service following the Passover meal. Thus, the bread serves as a reminder of the divine life and fellowship initiated by God, fostering peace and well-being among those who partake in this sacred ritual.

Was Jesus Christ's Body Broken? (Part One)

CGG Weekly by David C. Grabbe

The symbolism of bread in relation to Jesus Christ carries profound significance. Jesus Himself does not mention His body being broken, only that the bread represents His body, as He states that the bread He shall give is His flesh, offered for the life of the world. On a practical level, Jesus had to break the physical bread to share it among the Twelve, symbolizing the sharing of His life. However, His body was not broken, a crucial distinction, as the literal bread was broken for all to eat, emphasizing communal participation in His sacrifice. The fulfillment of Scripture further underscores this, as it is written that not one of His bones shall be broken, aligning with the events of the crucifixion where His legs remained unbroken, fulfilling the prophecy.

The Model Prayer (Part Six): Our Daily Bread

Bible Study by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

While Matthew 6:11 asks God to supply physical food, the entreaty should not be limited to physical needs but extend to the gamut of God's providence.

Holy Days: Unleavened Bread

Bible Study by Staff

The Feast of Unleavened Bread immediately follows the Passover. In it we see how hard it is to overcome and rid our lives of sin.

Was Jesus Christ's Body Broken? (Part Three)

CGG Weekly by David C. Grabbe

Christ's body was not broken, and the bread of Passover, broken so it can be shared, is a symbol of being joined to His sinless life rather than death.

Was Jesus Christ's Body Broken?

Sermonette by David C. Grabbe

Was Jesus Christ's body actually broken? If so, it would have symbolized disqualification and a broken covenant. Only the bread of Passover was broken.

His Bones Were Not Broken

Sermon by Ted E. Bowling

Jesus is the fulfillment of the Passover Lamb whose bones were to be left intact. His piercing parallels the lamb being bled by splitting its throat.

His Body, His Blood, and His Resurrection

Sermonette by Clyde Finklea

There are three components to Christ's composite sacrifice for our salvation: His death through the shedding of His blood, His body, and His resurrection.

Filling the Void (2012)

Sermonette by David C. Grabbe

Try to satisfy a spiritual hunger through any other means than the Bread of Life, such as entertainment, technology, money, travel, etc. will leave us disillusioned.

Passover: An Extraordinary Peace Offering

Sermon by David C. Grabbe

The Passover sacrifice is basically unconnected with atonement, but represents the peace and security which attends fellowship with God because of His acceptance.

What Does 'Discerning the Lord's Body' Mean? (Part Two)

CGG Weekly by David C. Grabbe

When Paul talks about the 'the [Lord's] body' without defining exactly what he means, he does so in the middle of a lengthy discourse on the spiritual Body.

Have You Had Your Manna Today?

'Ready Answer' by Staff

God gave Israel manna to eat every day for forty years. Today, we have God's Word as our daily bread. Are we taking advantage of it, or are we allowing it to spoil?

Fully Accepting God's Sovereignty (Part Four)

'Personal' from John W. Ritenbaugh

Government may be the most important subject in the Bible because it touches on how Christians are to govern themselves under the sovereignty of God.