Translations
Original
Notes
eats My flesh and drinks My blood: Jesus answered the question the people asked (6:52). His words pointed ahead to the Lord’s Supper, which would come later (see Luke 22:19). In Jewish speech, the phrase “flesh and blood” referred to the whole person. In this context, Jesus was calling people to receive him fully by completely believing in him.
Ever since the Protestant Reformation, there have been three main interpretations of the words of Jesus about the bread and wine:
Transubstantiation: The bread and wine are believed to change into the actual body and blood of Christ, while still appearing to be bread and wine.
Real Presence: Christ is understood to be truly present in the sacrament in a mysterious but real way that is beyond human understanding.
Memorial or Symbolic View: The bread and wine are seen as symbols. The act of sharing them recalls Christ’s death and resurrection, and believers receive spiritual benefit through faith.
This dialogue took place in the synagogue at Capernaum shortly before Passover (6:4, 59). During Passover, Jews would read the story of the exodus from Egypt (see Exodus 1–15).
Each story in this chapter uses the setting of the Feast of the Passover (6:4) to communicate a deeper meaning.
Events
- Bread of Life Sermonc. AD 29
Glossary
Bible, Manuscripts and Text of the (New Testament) Jesus Christ Jesus Christ, Teachings of John, Gospel of Lord’s Supper, the Manna Miracle Spirit of Jesus Christ
Topics
Blood of Christ Eternal Life: Results From: Eating the Bread of Life Fellowship with Christ Flesh: Symolical: Body of Christ Symbolized by the Bread Jesus, the Christ: Saviour Jesus, the Christ: Teaches in the Synagogue in Capernaum Jesus, the Christ: Unclassified Scriptures Relating To Life: Everlasting Righteous: Unity of, with Christ Symbols and Similitudes: Manna Wine: Symbolical of the Blood of Jesus