Christ the True Bread: From Barley Loaves to Deepest Hunger

The Jews demanded a sign comparable to Moses' manna miracle. They had witnessed Christ feed five thousand with five barley loaves and two small fishes, yet their enthusiasm remained carnal—impressed by the multiplication, unmoved by His wisdom or deeds. When they pressed Him, expecting further miracles, Christ seized the moment to reveal the spiritual reality beneath their material hunger. Barley loaves were the cheapest, coarsest bread of antiquity—so inferior that those accustomed to Egypt's garlic and leeks found them insipid and worthless.…