John 6:56-69 (NRSV)
Read John 6:56-69 on biblegateway.com
Verse 56Those who eat my flesh and drink my blood abide in me, and I in them. Verse 57Just as the living Father sent me, and I live because of the Father, so whoever eats me will live because of me. Verse 58This is the bread that came down from heaven, not like that which your ancestors ate, and they died. But the one who eats this bread will live forever." Verse 59He said these things while he was teaching in the synagogue at Capernaum.
Verse 60When many of his disciples heard it, they said, "This teaching is difficult; who can accept it?" Verse 61But Jesus, being aware that his disciples were complaining about it, said to them, "Does this offend you? Verse 62Then what if you were to see the Son of Man ascending to where he was before? Verse 63It is the spirit that gives life; the flesh is useless. The words that I have spoken to you are spirit and life. Verse 64But among you there are some who do not believe." For Jesus knew from the first who were the ones that did not believe, and who was the one that would betray him. Verse 65And he said, "For this reason I have told you that no one can come to me unless it is granted by the Father." Verse 66Because of this many of his disciples turned back and no longer went about with him. Verse 67So Jesus asked the twelve, "Do you also wish to go away?" Verse 68Simon Peter answered him, "Lord, to whom can we go? You have the words of eternal life. Verse 69We have come to believe and know that you are the Holy One of God."
Devotion
The disciples were masters of understatement: "Lord, this teaching is difficult! Who can accept it?” You think? Of all the inflammatory things Jesus has said in this chapter, (that the disciples should give lunch to 5000 people, that he is the bread of life, that God is his father) this statement that his followers would have to eat his flesh and drink his blood was completely outrageous. After all, for Jews blood was a source of defilement. Even if Jesus isn’t speaking literally, his words are bewildering and offensive. No wonder people are turning away!
But Jesus doesn’t seem concerned about this. He knows that there are more confusing things to come, more ways in which his followers’ faithfulness will be tested. If they can’t fathom a messiah who would truly give his whole self for them, however will they believe when he gives himself up to the cross?
Prayer
Lord, help me trust in your methods, even when they seem like madness. When I am tempted to turn away or shut out your words, open my ears and my heart to you. Amen.