From Bethlehem (which means “house of bread”) came the one who was the “bread of life” and brought a greater redemption, a deeper salvation, and a more glorious kingdom. What a remarkable encouragement for all who feel small and unimpressive, for all pastors who feel weak and ordinary, for all churches whose Christmas celebrations feel small and simple.
God’s illustration of truth is different than ours in that we can only draw on realities he’s created, but he creates to illustrate. Jesus was the Bread of Life before God ever made bread to point to him. Our union with Christ was in the mind of God before he ever created vines and branches. In the same way, there were heavenly realities in the mind of God before he ever established the Mosaic Law and the Levitical priesthood, prescribed its rituals, or gave instructions for the tabernacle that was the portable sanctuary where God would dwell with His people.
