"Eating My Flesh"

Jesus taught in John 6:51-59 about eating His flesh and drinking His blood. I have heard this too many times used as a reference to the Lord's Supper. Sometimes we aren't real careful readers which is what leads to misapplying verses.

Jesus was expressing through the whole chapter about His being a saving Messiah. He spoke of His suffering, being delivered up into the hands of His enemies, dying and being a sacrifice. If they would not receive Him they cannot have life. He explains that the manna their fathers ate in the wilderness and they died! Jesus had just fed 5000 but because of their unbelief in Him, they too would all die. Here is what is striking: Jesus didn't offer them more "bread" but offers them His flesh and blood as something they must eat and be nourished by. It was a horrid thought about eating His flesh but to add to it the drinking of His blood was over the top in their minds. The Jew's were looking for the Messiah but He was to be a living Messiah who gives them victory over their enemies while taking care of their nation. They missed Jesus completely.

Cannibalism was not a new idea among the nation of Israel from their history (Deut. 28:53-57; II Kings 6:24-29). But these were horrid reminders and not something sought. They were fighting against and refusing the true Messiah that could save them from death.

Jesus complicates their thinking by saying they must eat His flesh and drink His blood to have a life giving relationship between God and themselves. It caused such hardship that many of His own disciples walked away from Him. Can you see what Jesus was doing? He was drawing a line in the sand, drawing near those who had a genuine faith in Him. Those who eat His flesh and drink His blood would have life and live forever. We know that one can eat the Lord's Supper and not live forever because it can be taken in an unworthy manner (I Cor. 11). Jesus can't be talking about the Supper. He was talking about a living and abiding relationship with Himself. Taking in Jesus as a whole, feasting on His richness and life giving Spirit. When one repents, they are eating and drinking Jesus. When we need strength for our wearied soul, being worn by the pounding of those around us, we eat and drink Jesus to fill our souls and heart. It is a complete surrender to His Lordship and Christ living in me. To some, it makes no sense but to the sincere, penitent believer, Christ is our life, our bread and our strength.