Jesus, the living bread – John 6:51 – 58
In 20: 30-31, John tells us the purpose of the book: that we may believe in Jesus as Christ or Messiah. Thus far, Jesus has emphasized belief in him as divine and as living bread. But now he speaks of a reality. For John, the context is the Church. In v. 51, Jesus says: “the living bread . . . that I will give for the life of the world is my flesh”; “whoever eats of this flesh will live forever”. This is how God will save the world: see 3:16-17. Jesus became flesh (1:14), i.e. assumed complete human nature. He offered himself to God in death, thus giving life, available to all. “The Jews” (v.52, possibly some Jewish Christians) take him literally; that to eat someone’s flesh was a Semitic figure of speech for to slander did not make Jesus’s statement easier to understand!
Then v.53: the only way to salvation (“life”) is through “eat[ing] the flesh . . . and drink[ing] his blood”, i.e. just believing in Christ is insufficient. Sharing in the Eucharist provides “eternal life” (v.54) and resurrection – to union with God. why? Because it requires faith, trust, that the flesh and the blood are “true” (v.55), real – the ultimate reality. It is through sharing in the Eucharist that we are joined to Christ. Note the word “abide” (v.56): it involves remaining in a relationship. Believers dwell in Christ, and he in them, through participating in the Eucharist. Then v.58: both the Eucharist (Christ) and manna “came down from heaven”, but while manna nourished for a finite time, sharing in the Eucharist is the key to surviving the judgment at the end of time.
© 1996-2022 Chris Haslam
.Blessings, Madeline & David, Licensed Lay Ministers.
Prayer of the Day
Bountiful God, give to this parish a faithful pastor who will faithfully speak your word and minister your sacraments: an encourager who will equip your people for ministry and enable us to fulfil our calling. Give to those who will choose, wisdom, discernment and patience, and to us give warm and generous hearts, for Jesus Christ’s sake. Amen.