Editor's note: This is the second of three "The gospel in words" segments on "bread."

"Jesus said unto them, I am the bread of life." (John 6:35)

After Abraham had smitten the armies of the kings who took Lot captive, he went up to the city of Salem and there Melchizedek, king of Salem, "brought forth bread and wine: and he was a priest of the most high God. And he blessed him, and said, blessed be Abram" (Genesis 14:18-19).

Robert Alter, noted Old Testament scholar, translates this verse, "And Melchizedek king of Salem brought out bread and wine, for he was priest to (the most high God)."

Read the full column at MormonTimes.com