Great Food

Americans spent $36 billion on dietary supplements last year, most of them unnecessary and some harmful, according to a 2022 Harvard Medical School report. Unlike drugs, these products aren’t scrutinized or even tested by the FDA before they’re sold.

Mass marketing aside, what drives our hunger for more and more nourishment in the richest nation of the world? A desire to escape mortality?

To be sure, Jesus Christ had a lot to say about feeding the hungry; every person is valued by God and every person needs food. But Jesus said our need for spiritual nourishment is even greater.

After being without food for 40 days in the desert (Matthew 4:4), Jesus quotes Deuteronomy 4:8 to Satan: “It is written, ‘Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God.’”

God doesn’t require us to fast for 40 days, but He does tell us to nourish our spiritual lives. Jesus showed us how. He internalized scripture, spent prayer time alone with God, worshipped in community, obeyed Mosaic law and passionately cared for people regardless of their status.

“I am the bread of life: he that comes to me shall never hunger; and he that believes on me shall never thirst.” (John 6:35).

At the Last Supper, during Jewish Passover, Jesus uses food – bread and wine – as metaphor for the flesh and blood sacrifice he will soon make on our behalf. Passover celebrates freedom from Egyptian bondage. The final, 10th plague on Egypt was death of firstborn sons, but death skipped over Jewish families who marked their doorposts with lamb’s blood.

Jesus Christ, our sacrificial Passover lamb, freed us from the bondage of mortality.

We were never meant to live in spiritual starvation.

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” (Matthew 11:2830).

❚ - Janine Pumilia