The Living Bread Which Came Down from Heaven
Contents
Before Reading
Before reading or listening to the talk, consider the following questions:
- What is the significance of Jesus referring to Himself as the "bread of life"?
- How does Elder Christofferson explain the metaphor of eating Christ's flesh and drinking His blood?
- What role does the sacrament play in our spiritual lives according to this talk?
- How can we strive for holiness in our daily lives as taught by Elder Christofferson?
Topics
Understand the Bread of Life Metaphor
Elder Christofferson explains the metaphor of Jesus Christ as the "bread of life" and how it signifies the necessity of bringing the Savior into our lives completely. He emphasizes that partaking of Christ's flesh and blood symbolizes receiving the power and blessings of His Atonement.
To eat His flesh and drink His blood is a striking way of expressing how completely we must bring the Savior into our life—into our very being—that we may be one.
We partake of His flesh and drink His blood when we receive from Him the power and blessings of His Atonement.
- What does it mean to eat the flesh and drink the blood of Christ?
- How does Elder Christofferson interpret Jesus" teachings in John 6?
- How can you more fully bring the Savior into your life?
- In what ways have you experienced the power and blessings of the Atonement?
Embrace the Doctrine of Christ
The doctrine of Christ outlines the steps needed to receive His atoning grace: faith in Christ, repentance, baptism, and receiving the Holy Ghost. Elder Christofferson emphasizes the importance of enduring to the end and feasting upon the word of Christ.
The doctrine of Christ expresses what we must do to receive atoning grace.
Wherefore, if ye shall press forward [on that path], feasting upon the word of Christ, and endure to the end, behold, thus saith the Father: Ye shall have eternal life.
- What are the steps outlined in the doctrine of Christ?
- Why is enduring to the end important in receiving eternal life?
- How can you strengthen your faith in Christ?
- What steps can you take to ensure you are enduring to the end?
Contemplate the Symbolism of the Sacrament
Elder Christofferson discusses the deep symbolism of the sacrament, highlighting how the bread and water represent the Savior's flesh and blood. He encourages us to remember Christ's atoning sacrifice and to consider how we can incorporate His character into our lives.
The symbolism of the sacrament of the Lord’s Supper is beautiful to contemplate.
As we drink the water, we think of the blood He shed in Gethsemane and on the cross and its sanctifying power.
- What does the bread and water represent in the sacrament?
- How does the sacrament help us remember the Savior's atoning sacrifice?
- How can you make the sacrament more meaningful in your life?
- What attributes of Christ can you strive to incorporate into your life?
Pursue Holiness
Elder Christofferson emphasizes the importance of pursuing holiness in both body and spirit. He explains that holiness should permeate all aspects of our lives, from our daily actions to our relationships and worship.
If we yearn to dwell in Christ and have Him dwell in us, then holiness is what we seek, in both body and spirit.
We seek holiness as we take up our cross daily.
- What does it mean to pursue holiness?
- Why is holiness important in our relationship with Christ?
- In what areas of your life can you seek greater holiness?
- How can you make holiness a daily pursuit?
Serve Others as Christ Served
Service is central to Christ's life and character. Elder Christofferson teaches that serving others is not just a duty but is essential to our exaltation. He encourages us to follow Christ's example by ministering to those around us.
Service is not something we endure on this earth so we can earn the right to live in the celestial kingdom. Service is the very fiber of which an exalted life in the celestial kingdom is made.
For even the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many.
- Why is service central to Christ's life and character?
- How does serving others help us become more like Christ?
- How can you better serve those around you?
- What opportunities for service can you seek out in your community?