Seeking Jesus First - March 15, 2026
“Eat My Flesh, Drink My Blood”
Please Read John 6:52–59 (NKJV)
Reflection
The Jews quarreled among themselves, saying, “How can this Man give us His flesh to eat?”
Jesus did not soften the statement. He made it stronger: “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. Whoever eats My flesh and drinks My blood has eternal life, and I will raise him up at the last day. For My flesh is food indeed, and My blood is drink indeed. He who eats My flesh and drinks My blood abides in Me, and I in him.”
This was a hard saying—shocking, offensive, seemingly impossible. Many in the crowd took it literally and were repulsed. But Jesus was not speaking of cannibalism. He was unveiling the spiritual reality at the heart of His mission: true life comes only through intimate, living union with Him—abiding in His death and resurrection.
The language points directly to the cross. His flesh would be broken, His blood poured out in sacrifice. To “eat” His flesh and “drink” His blood is to partake of that one-time, perfect sacrifice by faith—receiving forgiveness, righteousness, and eternal life through what He accomplished. It is to abide (Greek: menō, to remain, dwell, continue) in Him, allowing His life to flow into ours as we remain connected to the crucified and risen Savior.
This truth finds its ongoing expression in communion—the Lord’s Supper. The Greek word for communion here is koinōnia (sharing, participation, fellowship). When we take the bread and cup, we proclaim His death until He comes (1 Cor 11:26) and participate in the benefits of His sacrifice—cleansing, healing, deliverance, and union with Him. It is not magic or mere memorial; it is active faith declaring: “I receive what You did on the cross. I abide in You, and You in me.”
The crowd walked away because they could not receive this spiritual truth. Many still do. But Jesus is not offering a symbol—He is offering Himself. True life is found in intimate union: believing in His finished work, abiding in His presence, and participating in His life through faith and obedience.
Application
Today, thank Jesus for giving His flesh and shedding His blood so you could have eternal life. If the idea of deep union with Him feels distant or abstract, bring that to Him. Renew your mind: “He who eats My flesh and drinks My blood abides in Me, and I in him.” Choose to abide today—spend time in His Word, worship, or quiet prayer, consciously remaining connected to Him. When you take communion next (or reflect on it now), do so with fresh faith: “Lord, I partake of Your sacrifice. I abide in You.” Share with someone how abiding in Jesus brings life—your testimony can help them move from offense to intimate union.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank You for the hard but holy truth of Your Son. Thank You that Jesus gave His flesh and shed His blood so we could have eternal life through union with Him. Forgive us for any resistance or shallow understanding. Renew our minds today to grasp the spiritual reality—not cannibalism, but abiding in the crucified and risen Savior. Help us participate in His life through faith, receiving the benefits of His sacrifice and living in koinōnia—true fellowship—with Him. Draw us deeper into abiding. Let us partake of You in a way that transforms us and overflows to others. In Jesus’ name, giving thanks for the living Word of the Lord. Amen.