Physical Items Used by Jesus to Teach Spiritual Truths

Though often misunderstood by Jesus’ hearers, these tangible metaphors explain the gospel.

Physical Item Spiritual Truth References
Light true knowledge and presence of God; moral purity 1:4–5, 7–9; 3:19–21; 8:12; 9:5; 11:9–10; 12:35–36, 46; see 1 John 2:8–10
Jerusalem temple Christ’s physical body 2:19–22
Physical birth spiritual birth: being “born again” 1:13; 3:3–8; see 6:63; 1 John 3:9; 4:7; 5:1, 18
Wind the Holy Spirit 3:8
Water the Holy Spirit within believers 4:7–15; 7:37–39; see 1 John 5:6, 8
Food doing the will of God 4:31–34
Bread Jesus himself, his life and death 6:32–51, 58
Flesh and blood Jesus’ death 6:53–56; see 1 John 1:7; 5:6, 8
Door path to eternal life in Jesus 10:1–9
Shepherd Jesus’ self-sacrifice and care for his people 10:11–18, 26–28; 21:15–17
Vine Jesus in relationship to his followers 15:1–11
Cup God’s wrath toward sin 18:11
Breath the Holy Spirit coming upon the disciples 20:22