Breaking Bread

A Symbol of Unity and Love

Food and faith have always been integral parts of my family. For as far back as I can remember, food and faith have coincided together and have shaped the thoughts and feelings I have about them today. Growing up in the 70’s, my family and I attended Bell Mission Holiness Church, a small quaint church in rural South Georgia. I remember so vividly the after-service dinners we used to have there. Each church family would bring a few cooked potluck-styled dishes from home. After the first service, all the dishes would be spread out over a long table that was covered with white sheets that acted as the tablecloths. The table looked like a community Thanksgiving spread. Most times there would not be enough chairs for everyone to sit down and eat at the table, especially not the children. But none of that mattered because we would sit on the steps of the church, in our cars, on the ground, or even eat walking around fellowshipping. All that really mattered was the feeling of community and unity that came from the sharing of that meal with the congregants of that church.

Biblically speaking, food has been a significant part of human culture and social gatherings as well. There are several Scriptural passages that show the breaking of bread together symbolizes love, community, togetherness, and unity. The most popular Scriptural passage of communal eating that immediately comes to my mind is the Last Supper (Matthew 26). Our Savior shared an intimate meal with His friends, His mentees, before His agonizing crucifixion. Why would our Savior do this with impending torture, humiliation, and disrespect? His action depicts the utmost display of love, sacrifice, and unity ever known to mankind.

Our Savior is the Bread of Life (John 6:35). His body was broken into many pieces for our benefit. The Roman flagellum made sure of it. The breaking of the physical bread is symbolic of the breaking of The Bread. With the exception of low-carb households, bread is naturally included in most meals. Even when dining out, many restaurants’ serving protocol is for the waitstaff to bring out bread before ordering your entree. Bread is filling. Bread is comforting. Bread is satisfying. What an appropriate metaphor for our Savior! Amen!