May 2008 Archives

I’m going to put the blog on sabbatical for a little bit. I’m totally snowed-under right now, and I can’t find time to write.

I’m going through a certification program at work, and doing some traveling as part of the program. As a result, I’m taking work home for the first time in ages, all in an effort to keep up.

The program will be over the last week of July. I’ll be back shortly after that. If I can manage it, I’ll post something between now and then. Unfortunately, it doesn’t look likely that I’ll manage it.

Worst case scenario – I’ll be back in early August.

“Based on these verses early critics of the church thought Christians condoned a form of cannibalism. This is not the case. The reference here is twofold, both foreshadowing the Lord’s Supper and emphasizing complete submission to Jesus as Lord. These are simply striking metaphors in his atoning death for the sins of humanity.” The Apologists Study Bible.

“Jesus made it abundantly clear in this context that eternal life is gained by believing. 6:50-51 is a synonym for believing.” Parallel Study Bible

“v53 precludes direct reference to the Lord’s Supper. He clearly does not teach that receiving the sacrament is one requirement for salvation.” Zondervan NASB Study Bible

“v52 - Jesus was speaking figuratively, but the Jewish leaders took him literally.” NKJV Study Bible

“v53 - Apart from personal union with the Savior, there is no salvation.” Reformation Study Bible.

“Christ declared the metaphor Himself in verse 63.” - 2006 online conversation

“It is the same mystery and it never ceases to be an occasion of division. 'Will you also go away?’ The Lord's question echoes through the ages, as a loving invitation to discover that only he has 'the words of eternal life’ and that to receive in faith the gift of his Eucharist is to receive the Lord himself.” Catechism of the Catholic Church (1336)

Today we look at the Gospel of John, chapter 6. This is so important that we’ll spend most of this post in this one chapter.

One technical note: I’m not going to quote all of John 6 here. Why? Simple, to save space - this is going to be painfully long as it is. I’ll leave each of you to get a Bible and read the text yourself. Though there will be bits and pieces quoted below, I suggest that everyone read the text before getting started. Once you’re done, continue and we’ll start to break open The Word.

In addition, you’ll notice some Greek in the middle of this post. It is a small part of John 6 (verses 47 through 59 to be exact). Don’t panic! It’s there for a reason, and we’ll get into the specifics later.

Sit back and relax, this is going to be a bit long.