Fighting about Eating

Introduction:

Jesus’ teaching has advanced the conversation as it has unfolded.

He has taught that:

He came from God.

He gives the food that results in eternal life.

He is the food that results in eternal life.

Hearing his teaching is the same thing as hearing the teaching/witness of God.

They must hear, learn, and believe what he teaches, otherwise they do not have eternal life.

He will raise up at the last day those who believe in him.

Jesus has taken the conversation in a slightly new direction with his last statement.

Jn. 6:51.

This will not only give us an opportunity to watch the crowd struggle with this statement, but it also invites consideration: what does Jesus mean by his statement in Jn. 6:51?

Another Fight

One of the characteristics of unbelief is fighting, arguing, and endless debate.

Paul teaches thus in 1 Tim. 1 (or at least that it contradicts genuine love).

Jesus will tell his disciples that he has given them peace.

This crowd, however, has already balked at Jesus’ words at an important part of this conversation.

Jn. 6:41.

Now he has caused them to fight with one another again.

The terminology could imply that some took Jesus’ side, but it does not have to, especially given the ultimate outcome.

Their question sounds similar to Nicodemus’ line of questioning from Jn. 3.

It also gives the subsequent reader the challenge to think about the answer to the question.

Another Challenge

Jesus will challenge the crowd even more by calling their attention to his next statement.

He does not back down or attempt to disavow his previous statement.

He doubles down on it.

Note the “unless” part of the statement.

This also mirrors the strong statement from Jn. 5 about believing that Jesus is Jehovah.

Jesus now adds drinking his blood to the list of statements.

Leviticus 7:22-27.

Leviticus 17:10-14.

These statements provide some larger context for the shock Jesus’ statements must have had.

Having eternal life, again, now has something to do with “the Son of Man.”

Jesus will make it clear that is a title he uses in reference to himself.

Introduction: Part 2

Jesus’ teaching has been consistent.

New Testament teaching itself remains consistent.

Jesus, Paul, and James did not understand salvation differently.

It is a permanent relationship between the Father, Jesus, and the believer.

This became a theme of Jesus’ teaching featured in John’s Gospel.

The certainty of a relationship with the Father.

Another Call Back

Jesus will borrow his own words and clarify his meaning.

This statement mirrors Jn. 6:40.

It is the fourth time Jesus refers to “the last day” and his own role in it.

There is no difference, then, between believing and munching/eating.

Jesus, in the next statement explains why.

Genuine Deliverance: Real Life

His flesh, unlike the original manna, is genuine/real food, and his blood is real drink.

He also then assures his audience that consuming his flesh and blood creates a permanent relationship with him.

The theme of remaining in him has two senses:

Permanency

Obedience: Jn. 15.

We are enabled to live as God intended for humans to live.

This is the first time Jesus teaches this.

Permanency of Relationship

It also creates one that mirrors his relationship with the Father.

It also created a permanency of condition.

The one consuming this bread will live forever.