Jesus asks this interesting question because HE KNOWS WHO ARE HIS. “Jesus said, “Most assuredly, I say to you, you seek Me, NOT BECAUSE you saw the signs, BUT BECAUSE you ate of the loaves and WERE FILLED.” (John 6:26) You are not here to learn MORE ABOUT ME but because you want more free food.
After teaching them for a bit He says, “Most assuredly, I say to you, unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink His blood, YOU HAVE NO LIFE IN YOU.” (John 6:53) Then He gets even more graphic, “Whoever eats My flesh and drinks My blood has eternal life, and I will RAISE HIM UP at the last day.” (John 6:54) “Therefore many of His disciples, when they heard this, said, “This is a hard saying; who can understand it?” When Jesus knew in Himself that His disciples complained about this, He said to them, “DOES THIS OFFEND YOU?” (John 6:60-61)
Then Jesus speaks very plainly, “It is the Spirit who gives life; the flesh profits nothing. The words that I SPEAK TO YOU ARE SPIRIT, AND THEY ARE LIFE. But there are some of you who do not believe.” For Jesus KNEW from the beginning who they were WHO DID NOT BELIEVE, and who would betray Him.” (John 6:63-64) Now something happens that Jesus knew would happen, “From that time many of His disciples went back and WALKED WITH HIM NO MORE. Then Jesus said to the twelve, “Do you also want to go away?” But Simon Peter answered Him, “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have THE WORDS OF ETERNAL LIFE. Also we have come to believe and know that YOU ARE THE CHRIST, the Son of the living God.” (John 6:66-69)
So, what did Jesus mean we have to eat His flesh and drink His blood? “…the Lord Jesus took bread; and when He had given thanks, He broke it and said, “TAKE, EAT; THIS IS MY BODY which is broken for you; do this in remembrance of Me.“ In the same manner He also took the cup after supper, saying, “This cup is the new covenant IN MY BLOOD. This do, as often as YOU DRINK IT, in remembrance of Me.” For as often as you eat this bread and drink this cup, YOU PROCLAIM THE LORD’S DEATH TILL HE COMES.” (1 Corin. 11:23-26) When we do this we are ANNOUNCING the Lords death for our redemption…
-Bill Stockham