Why did Jesus say we must eat his flesh?
A listener asked:
What did Jesus mean by we must eat his flesh and drink his blood?
In John 6, when Jesus speaks about eating His flesh and drinking His blood, He uses metaphorical language to convey a deep spiritual truth about salvation. Jesus declares, “I am the living bread that came down from heaven. If anyone eats of this bread, he will live forever. And the bread that I will give for the life of the world is my flesh” (John 6:51, ESV).
This statement perplexed His listeners because they were interpreting His words literally, thinking He was suggesting some form of cannibalism. They ask, “How can this man give us his flesh to eat?” (John 6:52, ESV). However, Jesus is not advocating for a literal eating of His physical body but rather speaking metaphorically about the spiritual necessity of receiving Him by faith.
Metaphorical Language of Spiritual Sustenance
When Jesus says we must eat His flesh and drink His blood, He is emphasizing the importance of believing in Him and accepting His sacrifice for our sins. Just as physical bread sustains physical life, Jesus, the "living bread," sustains our spiritual lives. To "eat" His flesh and "drink" His blood means to internalize His teachings, trust in His sacrifice on the cross, and allow His presence to nourish our souls.
Jesus clarifies this metaphor earlier in the chapter when He states, “I am the bread of life; whoever comes to me shall not hunger, and whoever believes in me shall never thirst” (John 6:35, ESV). Here, coming to Jesus and believing in Him are equated with eating and drinking, showing that these actions are about faith and spiritual union with Christ rather than physical consumption.
Not a Reference to Communion
It’s important to understand that Jesus is not directly referring to the practice of communion in this passage. While communion is a symbolic act that commemorates Jesus’ sacrifice and our participation in His life, the primary focus in John 6 is on the necessity of accepting Jesus into our lives for spiritual sustenance and eternal life. The metaphor of eating and drinking underscores that just as food and drink are essential for physical life, a relationship with Jesus is essential for spiritual life.
The Need for Spiritual Rebirth
Jesus is calling for a one-time act of faith that results in a permanent spiritual rebirth. In John 6:40, He says, “For this is the will of my Father, that everyone who looks on the Son and believes in him should have eternal life, and I will raise him up on the last day” (ESV). This verse highlights that salvation and eternal life come through believing in Jesus and accepting His sacrifice, not through a ritualistic practice.
Conclusion
In summary, Jesus' teaching about eating His flesh and drinking His blood in John 6 is a metaphorical way of describing the need for a deep, abiding faith in Him. It is an invitation to internalize His message, trust in His redemptive work, and rely on Him for spiritual life. The metaphor challenges us to move beyond a superficial understanding and to fully embrace Jesus as our source of spiritual nourishment and eternal life.
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