If we want to live, this is the only way.
Read and meditate on John 6.55-57.
Despite the fussing and fuming going on around Him, Jesus continued to press the metaphor of His flesh and blood as food leading to life. He is not being obtuse or stubborn; He is appealing to these Jews on the basis of the Old Testament sacrificial system – which they don’t seem to think as much of as He does.
55“For My flesh is food indeed;
likewise My blood, My blood is drink indeed.
56And He who eats My flesh and drinks My blood
abides in Me, and I in him. 57The good
and living Father sent Me, and I live
because of Him; so also, he shall live
who feeds on Me, because of Me.”
– John 6.55-57
Reflect
1. Food and drink: The staples of life. How might you use this cultural idea to help someone understand what we gain by believing in Jesus? Complete the following prayer: You are the Bread of life, Lord, and people today still need to…
2. Jesus introduces the idea of abiding in Him (v. 56). This is the first mention of the idea in John’s gospel, but it will not be the last. The Greek word is menei and means to continue or remain. What does it mean to abide in Jesus, and how is that related to eating His flesh and drinking His blood? Help me to abide in You today, Lord. That is, help me…
3. Comment on Jesus’ use of the idea of living in verse 57. What connections does He make? What is He offering? Lord, I know I’m truly living in You when…
4. In verse 57, Jesus substitutes the word feeds for eats and drinks. The Greek means literally, take a meal. Does this idea simply subsume eating and drinking, or does it add abiding, or anything else? Explain. Abide with me today, Lord, and help me to abide in You, so that…
5. With respect to the salvation Jesus brings, there is a “once for all” eating and drinking and an “ongoing” feeding on Him. Both are necessary to be truly saved. Explain. Bring together your prayers from questions 1-4 into one prayer.
Summary
“The Lord and master was inviting his slaves, and the food he had prepared for them was himself. Who would ever dare to eat his own Lord and master? And yet he said, ‘Whoever eats me lives because of me.’ When Christ is eaten, life is eaten. Nor is he killed in order to be eaten, but he brings life to the dead. When he is eaten, he nourishes without diminishing. So do not be afraid, brothers and sisters, of eating this bread, in case we should possibly finish it and find nothing to eat later on. Let Christ be eaten; when eaten he lives because when slain he rose again.” Augustine (354-430 AD)
Jesus calls all who would have everlasting life to feed on Him. The life of heaven came down to earth in Jesus’ flesh and blood. As we partake of Him, we live. How will you partake of Him today?
Closing Prayer
Bless God in the congregations,
The Lord, from the fountain of Israel.
There is little Benjamin, their leader,
The princes of Judah and their company,
The princes of Zebulun and the princes of Naphtali.
Your God has commanded your strength;
Strengthen, O God, what You have done for us.
Because of Your temple at Jerusalem,
Kings will bring presents to You.
Rebuke the beasts of the reeds,
The herd of bulls with the calves of the peoples,
Till everyone submits himself with pieces of silver.
Scatter the peoples who delight in war.
Envoys will come out of Egypt;
Ethiopia will quickly stretch out her hands to God.
Sing to God, you kingdoms of the earth;
Oh, sing praises to the Lord,
Selah
To Him who rides on the heaven of heavens, which were of old!
Indeed, He sends out His voice, a mighty voice.
Ascribe strength to God;
His excellence is over Israel,
And His strength is in the clouds.
O God, You are more awesome than Your holy places.
The God of Israel is He who gives strength and power to His people.
Blessed be God!
Psalm 68.26-35
Psalm 68.26-35, 32, 33 (O Store Gud: How Great Thou Art)
Bless God in all His holy congregations,
Even the Lord, the Fountainhead of grace;
He calls His people forth from all the nations
And gathers them before His glorious face.
Sing to the Lord, O kingdoms of the earth!
Ancient of Days – praise Him on high!
Behold, He speaks; His Word is going forth;
Ancient of Days – praise Him on high!
To You, O God, are strength and exaltation,
You fill the skies and dwell in holy awe!
To us You give strength, pow’r, and full salvation,
Blessed be Your Name, our strong, majestic God!
Sing to the Lord, O kingdoms of the earth!
Ancient of Days – praise Him on high!
Behold, He speaks; His Word is going forth;
Ancient of Days – praise Him on high!
T. M. Moore
Jesus is the Centerpiece of all Scripture, as He Himself explained (Jn. 5.39). But how can we learn to see Him there? How do the primary themes of Scripture revolve around Jesus? Our online course, Introduction to Biblical Theology, shows you how best to get at, get into, and get with the Word of God, so that you can grow more consistently in the Lord. It’s free, and you can study at your own pace. For more information or to register, click here.
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Except as indicated, Scripture taken from the New King James Version. © Copyright 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved. All psalms for singing adapted from The Ailbe Psalter. All quotations from Church Fathers from Ancient Christian Commentary Series IV a and b: John, edited by Joel C. Elowsky, General Editor Thomas C. Oden (Downers Grove: InterVarsity Press, 2006. Verse translation of John by T. M. Moore.
