8.2.3 Jesus' miracles of feeding and Holy Communion

The gospels attest that Jesus Christ ate and drank with sinners. In contrast to the Pharisees and scribes, He had table fellowship with those who, in accordance with the Mosaic Law, were considered unclean and who were therefore excluded from association with the righteous (Mark 2: 13-17).

Not only did Jesus eat with others, the gospels also relate that He provided food for them. His miracles of feeding–for example, the feeding of the five thousand (John 6: 1-15), the feeding of the four thousand (Matthew 15: 32-38), but also the miracle of transforming water into wine at the wedding in Cana (John 2: 1-11)–are all signs of the kingdom of God which has drawn near to mankind in Jesus Christ. Beyond the satisfaction of physical hunger, these earthly meals are also a reference to salvation in Christ. This becomes clear in the words of the Lord when He linked the feeding of the five thousand with the statement: "I am the bread of life" (John 6: 26-51).