John 6:56-69 | The Bread Of Eternal Life | Lectionary bible reading

Summary

In this profound script, Jesus delivers a challenging teaching on the bread of eternal life, urging his followers to partake in his flesh and blood for everlasting life. His words, delivered in a Jewish place of worship in Capernaum, perplex many disciples, leading to a loss of faith among some. Despite the grumbling, Jesus emphasizes the importance of faith and the role of the Holy Spirit. Peter's unwavering response to Jesus' inquiry about leaving him, affirms the disciples' belief in Jesus as the Messiah and the source of eternal life.

Takeaways

• 🍞 The metaphor of 'bread of eternal life' is central to the discourse, symbolizing spiritual nourishment and eternal existence through faith in Jesus.
• 🍷 The act of 'eating flesh and drinking blood' is a metaphor for a deep, transformative union with Jesus, indicative of a spiritual communion.
• 👨‍🦳 The reference to 'the living father' underscores the divine origin and authority of Jesus' teachings, emphasizing the eternal nature of life received from God.
• 🌅 The 'bread from heaven' is contrasted with the manna of the ancestors, highlighting the everlasting life promised through Jesus compared to the temporal sustenance of the past.
• 🤔 The disciples' struggle to understand these teachings is evident, showing the complexity and the spiritual depth required for comprehension.
• 🌐 Jesus' teaching in Capernaum, a Jewish place of worship, signifies the importance of the setting in reinforcing the religious and cultural context of his message.
• 🤯 The disciples' grumbling reflects the human reaction to challenging spiritual truths, indicating a barrier to faith for some.
• 💭 Jesus' awareness of his disciples' thoughts and the eventual betrayal foreshadows the narrative of his crucifixion and the role of Judas.
• 🌀 The emphasis on the Spirit as the giver of life highlights the role of the Holy Spirit in spiritual transformation and the importance of divine influence.
• 🚫 The refusal of some disciples to have faith in Jesus illustrates the voluntary nature of faith and the personal choice to accept or reject Jesus' teachings.
• 🔑 Jesus' statement about coming to him only through the Father's will suggests predestination and divine guidance in the journey of faith.
• 🛑 The disciples' departure after Jesus' words demonstrates the divisive nature of his teachings and the commitment required to follow him.
• 🙏 Peter's declaration of faith and acknowledgment of Jesus as the Messiah represents the unwavering belief and loyalty of the remaining disciples.

Q & A

What is referred to as 'the bread of eternal life' in the script?

The 'bread of eternal life' is a metaphor for Jesus' flesh, as per the script, symbolizing spiritual nourishment and eternal life through faith in Jesus.

What is the significance of eating Jesus' flesh and drinking his blood according to the script?

In the script, eating Jesus' flesh and drinking his blood symbolizes a deep spiritual union with Jesus, leading to eternal life.

Who is described as the 'living father' in the script?

The 'living father' mentioned in the script refers to God, who is the source of life and sent Jesus to earth.

What did Jesus mean when he said 'the bread that comes down from heaven'?

The phrase 'the bread that comes down from heaven' is a reference to Jesus himself, who is described as the spiritual sustenance that grants eternal life.

Why did some of Jesus' disciples find his teachings hard to understand?

Jesus' disciples found his teachings hard to understand because of the metaphorical and spiritual nature of his words about eating his flesh and drinking his blood.

What was the reaction of Jesus' disciples to his teachings in the Jewish place of worship in Capernaum?

Many of Jesus' disciples were disturbed by his teachings, with some saying it was too hard to understand and others grumbling.

What did Jesus mean by 'the spirit is the one who gives life'?

Jesus meant that it is the Holy Spirit that imparts spiritual life and understanding, beyond human capability.

Why did Jesus say that some of his disciples refused to have faith in him?

Jesus knew from the beginning who would have faith in him and who would betray him, indicating that faith is a matter of individual choice and divine knowledge.

What did Jesus imply when he said 'you cannot come to me unless the father makes you want to come'?

Jesus implied that divine will and desire from God, the father, are necessary for individuals to seek and follow him.

How did Jesus' words affect his disciples?

Jesus' words led to a division among his disciples, with many turning away and only the twelve remaining committed to him.

What was Simon Peter's response to Jesus' question about whether the disciples would leave him?

Simon Peter affirmed their faith in Jesus, stating that they believe he is the Holy One of God and that his words give eternal life.