Depending on the translation, the word ‘Is’ shows 1,891 times. It NEVER means ‘represents’. About 107 time ‘is’ is followed by the word ‘like’, as in “The kingdom of heaven is like a man who sowed good seed in his field.” Nobody confuses the kingdom of heaven with a man.
I like Martin Luther’s words on this topic-
Who, but the devil, has granted such license of wresting the words of the holy Scripture? Who ever read in the Scriptures, that my body is the same as the sign of my body? or, that is is the same as it signifies? What language in the world ever spoke so? It is only then the devil, that imposes upon us by these fanatical men. Not one of the Fathers of the Church, though so numerous, ever spoke as the Sacramentarians:not one of them ever said, It is only bread and wine; or, the body and blood of Christ is not there present.
Surely, it is not credible, nor possible, since they often speak, and repeat their sentiments, that they should never (if they thought so) not so much as once, say, or let slip these words: It is bread only; or the body of Christ is not there, especially it being of great importance, that men should not be deceived. Certainly, in so many Fathers, and in so many writings, the negative might at least be found in one of them, had they thought the body and blood of Christ were not really present: but they are all of them unanimous.”
–Luther’s Collected Works, Wittenburg Edition, no. 7 p, 391
Deuteronomy 4:24 says God is a consuming fire. Is He actually a fire or is this a representation of His character?
Jesus said, “I am the bread of life.” Was He actually bread, or was He speaking figuratively?
Lest anyone misunderstand, Luther explicitly rejected the Romanist doctrine of transubstantiation.
Perhaps you need a refresher course in the English language.
https://www.grammarly.com/blog/metaphor/
A metaphor is a figure of speech that describes an object or action in a way that isn’t literally true, but helps explain an idea or make a comparison.
Here are the basics:
A metaphor states that one thing is another thing
It equates those two things not because they actually are the same, but for the sake of comparison or symbolism
If you take a metaphor literally, it will probably sound very strange (are there actually any sheep, black or otherwise, in your family?)
Metaphors are used in poetry, literature, and anytime someone wants to add some color to their language
Remember to check your knowledge at the end with our Metaphor vs. Simile Quiz.
Don't forget, Jesus also said He was the bread, the door, and the vine. He didn't say represent.
He said, "I AM the door", "I AM the true vine", "I AM the bread". <
So explain to me how Catholics don't believe that Jesus is made from bread dough, wood, or plant material.
Are you still calling your priests *Father*?