In John 6, Jesus compares himself to the manna that the Israelites received in the desert (see Exodus 16). Then he says that if anyone wants eternal life, they must eat his flesh and drink his blood. Was Jesus proposing that his followers literally eat him? No.
But perhaps Jesus wanted his words to be shocking to get people’s attention. Eating human flesh in a literal way would have been barbaric and cannibalism. But since Jesus’ eternal life was somehow symbolized in his flesh and blood, which he would give as an atoning sacrifice for human sin, his followers needed to be willing to receive his sacrifice into themselves by faith to receive eternal life.
Today, think about it, after Jesus died and rose from the dead, death had no hold on him anymore. And yet he surprised his disciples by showing them the marks from the wounds. It was as if Jesus was saying, “This is the cost of human sin.” With his hands stretched wide, he was also saying, “I love you this much.” When we come to the meal of communion Jesus gave us, we receive his body and blood in a symbolic and spiritual way. The Holy Spirit connects us to the risen, flesh-and-blood of Jesus, and we are connected anew with his sacrifice for us. Hallelujah!
“Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood has eternal life, and I will raise them up at the last day.” John 6:54
Let’s Pray
Yahshua, I praise you for your complete sacrifice, which gives me entrance into, eternal life once I accept you. Father, help me to live for you each day. In Christ’s name, Amen.
