In Jesus’ day, people in the cities could go to the bakery to buy their bread just like we can buy ours at the store, but most people had to make bread for themselves at home. In fact, up until recent times most people made their own bread, especially if they lived in the country or didn’t have a lot of money. This was usually the job of mommies and aunties and sisters, who would make enough to share with the people they love. The woman in our parable today probably lived in the country and was mixing up bread to share too. Do you remember when we learned how hard it was to make flour? Turning that flour into bread takes a lot of work too. The women who made bread at home were very strong!

People who were rich liked to eat soft white bread made with flour that had been sifted very fine. Why do you think this kind of bread was only available for people who had a lot of money? During the Middle Ages, this fine white bread was sometimes called pandemain, named after the bread served during Communion. Only the finest bread was served as Communion, just as the Israelites offered the finest animals in sacrifice.

People who were poor usually ate hearty bread made with whole grains, which filled them up more. This bread did not require as many steps to turn grain into flour. Unlike the finely sifted flours, none of the grain was thrown away in the process. What kinds of bread do you like to eat?