From Water to Bread

WESTMINSTER PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
August 6th 2006
Communion Meditation
Rev. Mark R. Bradshaw-Miller
Sermon Series: “The Lords Supper Still Matters, But Why?”
“From Water to Bread”
John 6:24-35

Today we continue our sermon series called The Lord Supper Still Matters, But Why? In preparation for this week I originally thought it might be helpful to revisit the issue about the substance of the bread and the juice or wine. In other words, does the bread and cup actually become the body and blood of Jesus Christ? Or, does it only seem like the bread and cup becomes the body and blood of Christ? Or, are the bread and cup merely symbolic? While these are not unimportant questions they are not the most important ones, or the ones we will deal with today.
Thinking of these questions reminds me of something Ed Loring, Partner in the Open Door Community and former Columbia Theological Seminary Professor, once said. He told the story of what it was like to be on the campus of Columbia Seminary campus during the height of the struggle for civil rights. It went something like this: While the heart of the civil right movement was located in the same city as the seminary campus, we were busy arguing about weather the virgin birth was an essential tenet of the reformed faith. As we seek to better understand the Lord’s Supper, this story is an important reminder that when our faith is disconnected from the world around us, we are not doing the work of the Lord.
At the heart of this mornings passage is the issue of hunger. The crowd, having been fed by Jesus in the wilderness the day before, is once again looking for Jesus. When they find Jesus and ask him about how he came to this new place Jesus ignores their question. Instead of answering their question, Jesus addresses the deeper need which has brought them to this place. Jesus says: “Do not work for the food that perishes, but for the food that endures for eternal life.”
This week I have overheard all the work Karen has been doing in order to restock numerous food pantries in the aftermath of the devastating storms. As I learned of the need and the ways that this presbytery has coordinated with Presbyterian Disaster Assistance, I kept thinking how Jesus words in this passage could be severely abused. Could we not follow in Jesus footsteps and tell all the hungry people looking for food that Jesus is the bread of life and if they would believe they would no longer be hungry?
This really is not too much of a stretch. After all, the crowd has come to Jesus hungry and looking for food and Jesus chastises them and tells them to work for the food which does not perish. Jesus says: “I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never be hungry, and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty.” Since our culture believes that people in need are inherently flawed human beings this passage could easily be used to justify personal actions and public policies which harm the working poor, all the while doing it in the name of Jesus. Or maybe we are already doing this.
We could do this but it would be an abuse of scripture. This passage in which Jesus calls the crowd to search for spiritual bread would not have happened if Jesus had not fed them real bread the night before. In Jesus’ first encounter with this crowd he feed them real bread and real fish. Jesus does not talk about spiritual bread until they had received real bread. Any actions or policy which ignores this reality is not done in the name of Jesus.
This passage also serves as a reminder fore us as we seek to understand the implications of the Lord’s Supper. If we disconnect our worship life from the ‘things’ of everyday life or the world around us, we are not partaking of the Lord’s Supper in a worthy manner. Jesus says: “I am the bread of life.” These words are not a call to ignore the physical needs in this life. Instead, they serve as clear reminder that our physical and spiritual needs are deeply connected.
In the last couple of weeks we have spoken about the physical needs of feeding and the reality that there is enough for everyone. Today, we are reminded that Jesus calls us to also address the deeper needs or hungers as well. If we do not address them, we are not living out the gospel. “I am the bread of life…” These words from Jesus are metaphorical. Jesus was not inviting the crowd to literally dine on his body and drink his blood. Instead it is an acknowledgment of the deeper human needs and longings which go beyond the physical. Jesus invites all who hear these words to acknowledge and address those longings and hungers in him.
In our culture one of the ways these longings and hungers are obvious is in advertising. Marketers are very astute at taping into our deepest needs so we will work for that which ultimately cannot feed those hungers. Despite our knowledge of this most of us have a hard time fully resisting these messages that promise the latest ‘thing’ will really provide eternal happiness. It is these types of hungers or needs which Jesus speaks when he says: “I am the bread of life…”
It is our hope that eating the Lord’s Supper will lead us to feed these deep hungers on a level which the latest and newest ‘thing’ simply cannot. Gathering at this table calls each one of us to remember and name those hungers in our lives. And, we are also called to repent of the ways we feed those hungers in unhealthy and unfulfilling ways. Jesus is the bread of life which sustains us and can set us free from for those hungers as well.
Some of you may have heard that there is a struggle going on in our denomination. There is growing talk that congregations are seeking to form a new denomination. It may be a bit premature to speak in this way but personally, I think not. While there are many reasons for the divisions today is not the day to explain them. You see, I believe it is time to recognize that while we continue to argue and organize, that the world around us is deeply hungry for physical and spiritual bread. While we argue about who is welcome in the church as members and leaders, about biblical interpretation and about power and control; people are hungry. I believe this does not please God.
In my humble estimation I believe it is time to move forward. While, we are not a congregation in turmoil it is important that we be aware about what is happening. In these moments I think two things need to be said. The first is for those congregations which are seeking to leave. To them I say; go with God’s blessing, but please do not try to destroy the house as you walk out the door. And for those who will stay it is important to remember that despite the nasty things being said about us, they are still our brothers and sisters in Christ.
No matter what happens now or in the future the good news is that the gospel does not change. The world is still in need. The world is still hungry and longs for things like: relationships of depth, for a place to belong, for a life-changing experience of God that encompasses the whole person, and for a world of social justice, righteousness and peace. Our call is to proclaim our faith in Jesus Christ with our words and with our actions. Jesus said, “I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never be hungry, and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty.” This invitation is extended to all people. Despite news to the contrary, Jesus never turned anyone away. That is the good news. It is my hope and prayer that Presbyterians become known for this good news story. Amen.