August 19, 2018 Sunday

“51  “I am the living bread which came down from heaven. If anyone eats of this bread, he will live forever; and the bread that I shall give is My flesh, which I shall give for the life of the world.” 52  The Jews therefore quarreled among themselves, saying, “How can this Man give us His flesh to eat?” 53  Then Jesus said to them, “Most assuredly, I say to you, unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink His blood, you have no life in you. 54  “Whoever eats My flesh and drinks My blood has eternal life, and I will raise him up at the last day. 55  “For My flesh is food indeed, and My blood is drink indeed. 56  “He who eats My flesh and drinks My blood abides in Me, and I in him. 57  “As the living Father sent Me, and I live because of the Father, so he who feeds on Me will live because of Me. 58  “This is the bread which came down from heaven — not as your fathers ate the manna, and are dead. He who eats this bread will live forever.”” (John 6:51-58 NKJV)

            This passage is one of the times I feel sorry for the crowd as they had no idea what Jesus was talking about. Without knowing what we know about Holy Communion the teaching of Jesus here is not only incomprehensible but if we are honest also disgusting!

            Put out of your mind all that happens after this passage then imagine your reaction to this incredible teaching. We could say Jesus is only comparing natural food to spiritual food but then we are begging the question.

            This radical and even revolutionary teaching of Jesus would indeed be hard to swallow. To eat the flesh of a person broke the dietary law by being decidedly unclean. And Jews were not allowed to eat meat containing blood of an animal but Jesus calls for them to drink his blood!  This teaching would continue to cause problems for the early Church as they were accused of cannibalism!

            If we honestly look at this passage we must admit it is not only surprising but also shocking. So often we think of Jesus talking about loving each other and being kind. But passages like this reveal to us the greater depth of the teaching of Jesus. This message would shake some people to the roots while others would be disgusted.

            The message does contrast the difference between physical and spiritual nourishment. Physical nourishment is of temporary help and only helps us physically while spiritual nourishment is a permanent help physically, emotionally and spiritually.

            But why doesn’t Jesus just say that? Even taking into account Jesus often used parables this message is so drastic and radical listeners could be lost in the imagery. Could it be Jesus had another purpose in mind?

            Jesus could be using this illustration to see who would continue to follow even after this radical message. By being so radical it would be remembered and hopefully come to mind at the Last Supper. That could explain why John included it.

            Do you think you must understand everything God does? What do you do when you read a passage like this? Do you seek God’s help as you study the Bible?

The pain is hard today. Last night I even dreamed I was hurting. I missed going to worship but I listen to the Bible and worked on my blog. I give thanks to God!