As we continue our study of the Gospel of John, we pick up at verse 52 of Chapter 6. Writing under the direction of the Holy Spirit, the Apostle says,
“Then the Jews began to argue sharply among themselves, ‘How can this man give us his flesh to eat?’ Jesus said to them, ‘Very truly I tell you unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink His blood, you have no life in you. Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood has eternal life, and I will raise them up at the last day. For my flesh is real food and my blood is real drink. Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood remains in Me, and I in them.” (John 6: 52 -56)
These were shocking words to the Jews – the religious leaders, and teachers of the law. The Law of Moses, under which they lived said, “I will set my face against any Israelite or any foreigner residing among them who eats blood, and I will cut them off from the people. For the life of a creature is in the blood, and I have given it to you to make atonement for yourselves on the altar; it is the blood that makes atonement for one’s life. (Leviticus 17:10-11)
Jesus was not talking about literal flesh, or literal blood of course, He was talking about them receiving life through Him into their being -body, soul, and spirit. He was saying old things are passing away. A new covenant is coming. He was saying unto them: “My flesh is real food, and my blood is real drink that is transformed into my presence in you as you receive it in my name. It shall bring nourishment and strength to your spirit, to your soul, and to your physical body. It shall being eternal life after this life is completed.”
This is what He led His Apostles to do on the night before He went to the cross to die for all mankind, defeat death, and be resurrected, and live in them forever if they believed in Him. The Apostle Paul wrote: “For I received from the Lord what I also passed on to you: The Lord Jesus, on the night He was betrayed, took bread, and when He had given thanks He broke it and said, ‘This is my body, which is for you; do this in remembrance of Me.’ In the same way, after supper He took the cup, saying, ‘This cup is the new covenant in my blood; do this whenever you drink it, in remembrance of Me.’ For whenever you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until He comes.” (1 Corinthians 11: 23-26)
This of course has become physical and spiritual Communion with Him for all who believe. A time of sharing with Him, and others if there, His love and His presence through the taking of real food, and real drink. It is a transformation into Oneness with Him. We can do this each day in our own home, or with other Believers. He is always there.
Have a wonderful day, blessed by His presence within and without, Beloveds of God. He is Life – today, and forever. You are greatly Loved.