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Today’s Theme for Prayer – Jesus Desires to Save Me
How Do I Allow Jesus to Act Freely in Me?
To Whom Shall We Go?
John 6:52-71
The Jews quarreled among themselves, saying, “How can this man give us [his] flesh to eat?” Jesus said to them, “Amen, amen, I say to you, unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink his blood, you do not have life within you. Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood has eternal life, and I will raise him on the last day. For my flesh is true food, and my blood is true drink. Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood remains in me and I in him. Just as the living Father sent me and I have life because of the Father, so also the one who feeds on me will have life because of me. This is the bread that came down from heaven. Unlike your ancestors who ate and still died, whoever eats this bread will live forever.” These things he said while teaching in the synagogue in Capernaum. Then many of his disciples who were listening said, “This saying is hard; who can accept it?” Since Jesus knew that his disciples were murmuring about this, he said to them, “Does this shock you? What if you were to see the Son of Man ascending to where he was before? It is the spirit that gives life, while the fles is of no avail. The words I have spoken to you are spirit and life. But there are some of you who do not believe.” Jesus knew from the beginning the ones who would not believe and the one who would betray him. And he said, “For this reason I have told you that no one can come to me unless it is granted him by my Father.” As a result of this, many [of] his disciples returned to their former way of life and no longer accompanied him. Jesus then said to the Twelve, “Do you also want to leave?” Simon Peter answered him, “Master, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life. We have come to believe and are convinced that you are the Holy One of God. Jesus answered them, “Did I not choose you twelve? Yet is not one of you a devil?” He was referring to Judas, son of Simon the Iscariot; it was he who would betray him, one of the Twelve.
Grace Prayed For
Grace for surrender: To “eat his flesh and drink his blood” signifies complete surrender and dependence on Jesus. We can pray for the grace to surrender our will to his, to trust him completely, and to allow him to be the source of our spiritual nourishment.
Reflection
This passage from John 6 is a profound invitation to intimacy with Jesus, but it’s also a challenging one. Jesus’ words about eating his flesh and drinking his blood shocked even his closest followers. Yet, hidden within this seemingly disturbing image is a beautiful truth about the deep union he desires with each of us. Let’s dive into this passage and discover how we can truly “feed” on Jesus and experience the eternal life he offers.
A Spiritual Feast
Jesus’ teaching in the synagogue at Capernaum was radical. He declared that his flesh is true food and his blood true drink, essential for eternal life. This language, rich in symbolism, points to a spiritual reality far deeper than the physical act of eating. To “eat his flesh and drink his blood” signifies a complete surrender to Jesus, a total dependence on him for spiritual nourishment.
Imagine a vine and its branches. The branches receive life-giving sap from the vine, remaining connected and drawing sustenance. This is the kind of intimate union Jesus describes. When we abide in him, feeding on his words, his love, and his sacrifice, we receive the spiritual nourishment we need to flourish and bear fruit.
The Cost of Discipleship
Many who heard Jesus’ teaching found it too difficult to accept. They stumbled over the literal interpretation, missing the deeper spiritual meaning. This reminds us that following Jesus requires more than intellectual assent; it demands a willingness to embrace the mystery of faith, even when it challenges our understanding.
Jesus’ words, “It is the spirit that gives life, while the flesh is of no avail,” emphasize the spiritual nature of this union. True life comes from connecting with him on a spiritual level, through his words and the indwelling of the Holy Spirit.
Remaining Faithful
Even among the twelve disciples, there were those who struggled to believe. Jesus’ acknowledgment of their doubts and even the presence of a betrayer among them reveals the reality of the Christian journey. Faith is not always easy; it’s a journey with moments of doubt and uncertainty.
Yet, amidst the wavering faith of some, Peter’s response shines brightly: “Master, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life.” This is the cry of a heart that has found its true home in Jesus. When we recognize that only Jesus offers the true sustenance our souls crave, we can cling to him even in the face of challenges.
Reflecting on the Passage:
- How can you “feed” on Jesus more intentionally in your daily life?
- What “hard sayings” of Jesus are you wrestling with?
- How does Peter’s declaration of faith inspire you?
Growing in Intimacy/Union with Jesus
The disciples’ initial reaction highlights the importance of going beyond a surface-level understanding of Jesus’ words. This passage encourages us to engage with Scripture on a spiritual level, allowing the Holy Spirit to illuminate its deeper meaning. This active engagement with his words fosters a deeper connection with him.
When Time Allows Reflect on the Posts in Library and Musings
Sharing
Jesus last words on Earth were to his disciples, can be found in Matthew Chap 28 when Jesus told his disciples, “Then Jesus approached and said to them, “All power in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, until the end of the age.”
Jesus calls all of us to share in his redemptive mission here on Earth. I would ask you to share this Scripture reflection with your family, your friends and your acquaintances, and then share it with a couple of individuals that you may may not be comfortable sharing with, keeping in mind always the words of Jesus, And behold, I am with you always, until the end of the age
Author was assisted by AI in the drafting of this Post