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Articles
Bread and Circuses
What is the first thing that comes to mind when you read the words - bread and circuses? My initial thought regarding bread is our need to be thankful. Bread is simply a metaphor that stands in place of all the food that we consume on a daily basis. There may be some who eat a low-carb diet and never consume bread, but this does not take away everyone’s expectation that to give thanks for their daily bread. When I think about circuses, I think about elephants, trapeze artists, clowns, red and white tents, and other outlandish and exciting things, but I generally do not connect bread with circuses or vice versa. What do these two things have in common?
The origin of “bread and circuses” being connected is attributed to a Roman satirist, Juvenal (c. 100 AD), who wrote:
... Already long ago, from when we sold our vote to no man, the People have abdicated our duties; for the People who once upon a time handed out military command, high civil office, legions — everything, now restrains itself and anxiously hopes for just two things: bread and circuses.
By the close of the 1st century, the Roman government/empire had become experts in distracting the public’s attention away from their problems, by providing the people with entertainment and food which seemed to make their lives more enjoyable. The city of Rome set aside ninety-three days each year for public games at the government’s expense. The Romans found that it was much cheaper to entertain and distract the crowds, than to fight or converse with the populace. While the avenues of entertainment have evolved from the gladiator events of the Roman Colosseum, these same tactics of diversion and coercion continue to be used by those in positions of authority in the 21st century.
How does this transition to the heavenly and eternal kingdom? Is there a correlation between “bread and circuses” under Jesus’ reign? When Jesus lived on earth, He did not come to distract the masses from their problems, but rather He called all to repent – “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand” (Matthew 4:17). Jesus did not distract the multitudes with miracles without a purpose, but rather His message was validated and confirmed by His miracles. Jesus came “to seek and save” the lost (Luke 19:10). Jesus came “that they may have life, and have it abundantly” (John 10:10b). The purpose of His life and ministry was never a ploy to disengage His audience but rather to reveal mankind’s greatest dilemma – SIN – and how He is the answer to this problem!
In the 6th chapter of John, Jesus found Himself on a mountain surrounded by a group of five thousand men, not including the women and children (cf. Matthew 14:21). Jesus, moved by compassion, fed the multitude with five barley loaves and two small fish (Mark 6:34). The audience of Jesus’ miracle concluded that He was the Prophet of promise, and the crowd intended to come and take Him by force to make Him king (John 6:15). Jesus could have used “bread and circuses” to distract the multitude for His own selfish gains, but our Savior did something drastically different.
The following day Jesus was confronted again by this large group and rather than giving into their desires – Jesus revealed their true motives/heart and His own purpose in their salvation! The people had not come to Jesus because of the signs, but rather for the bread that filled their bellies (6:26-27). Jesus had the power and could have easily continued to feed the multitude, but this would not have prepared them for eternity. Jesus did not distract the masses with “bread and circuses,” but rather He revealed to them His purpose. Jesus said to them – “I AM the bread of life; he who comes to Me will not hunger, and he who believes in Me will never thirst” (6:35). This began a great shift in the ministry of Jesus. Jesus did not operate a “bait and switch” type of operation, but rather He exposed mankind to their sin and He ultimately gave Himself as their remedy.
Jesus could have easily employed tactics used throughout history by fallible men, but rather He choose to proclaim the truth. Jesus spoke openly to His audience – “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink His blood, you have no life in yourselves” (John 6:53). The message which Jesus proclaimed was not diluted down or unimaginably vague. He spoke directly to His audience’s greatest need – Jesus! As a result of this many of His disciples withdrew and were not walking with Him anymore (John 6:66). Their withdrawal did not change the message or the Messenger and this alone makes Jesus so much greater than any person(s) who has ever sat in any political office.
The Romans used “bread and circuses” to rule over the empire and their citizens. Our King used a “cross” to draw all men to Him. Our King suffered, bled, and died for ALL. Our King gave Himself so that we might be forgiven, redeemed and saved. Our King has given everyone His Word. If only we would stop looking at the distractions of this world and become enthralled with His desire to occupy and reign over our hearts and lives. The “bread and circuses” of this world are temporary, but the “Bread of Life” is eternal – What type of bread am I consuming on a daily basis?
