John 6:55 – “For my flesh is real food and my blood is real drink.”

Extended Explanation

In this verse, Jesus continues His deep and challenging teaching about being the Bread of Life. He makes a bold statement that His flesh is true food and His blood is true drink. This is not about physical eating, but about a deep, spiritual reality.

Here’s what Jesus is teaching:

1. Jesus is the ultimate source of spiritual nourishment.
   • Just as food and drink sustain physical life, Jesus sustains spiritual life.
   • His flesh and blood, given on the cross, are what truly give life to those who believe.
2. He is greater than all earthly provisions.
   • The people had been thinking about physical bread (like the manna in the wilderness).
   • But Jesus offers something much greater—eternal life through His sacrifice.
3. His sacrifice is the foundation of salvation.
   • His “flesh and blood” refer to His death on the cross, where He would give Himself for the sins of the world.
   • Without faith in His sacrifice, there is no true life.

Jesus is saying that His body and blood, given in His death, are the only way people can receive eternal life.

Historical Context

To understand the weight of this statement, we must look at the Jewish background and expectations:

1. The Jews had strict laws about blood.
   • Leviticus 17:10-14 forbids the consumption of blood, saying that life is in the blood.
   • This is why the idea of drinking Jesus’ blood would have been so shocking.
2. They were thinking about physical food, but Jesus was speaking spiritually.
   • Earlier in John 6, they were focused on manna, the bread God gave their ancestors.
   • Jesus was telling them that earthly food cannot give eternal life—only He can.
3. Jesus was pointing to His upcoming crucifixion.
   • The disciples and the crowd did not yet fully understand that Jesus would die.
   • Later, at the Last Supper, He would say:
     • “This is my body, given for you” (Luke 22:19).
     • “This is my blood of the new covenant” (Luke 22:20).

This statement was radical and offensive to many—but it pointed to the heart of Jesus’ mission: His sacrificial death for the salvation of the world.

Theological Implications

1. Jesus is the only source of spiritual nourishment.
   • Earthly food satisfies temporarily, but Jesus provides eternal satisfaction.
   • Without Him, people are spiritually starving.
2. Salvation is only possible through Jesus’ sacrifice.
   • His “flesh and blood” represent His atoning death.
   • Those who do not accept His sacrifice have no life in them.
3. Faith in Christ is necessary for eternal life.
   • Just as eating food is necessary for survival, trusting in Jesus is necessary for eternal life.
   • It’s not about religious rituals—it’s about a personal faith in Christ’s death and resurrection.

Jesus is making it clear that real life—eternal life—only comes through faith in His sacrifice.

Literary Analysis

This verse is part of Jesus’ “Bread of Life” discourse in John 6. It follows a common theme in John’s Gospel:

• Physical to Spiritual – Jesus uses physical things (bread, water, birth) to explain spiritual truths.
• Misunderstood Teachings – Many take His words too literally instead of seeing the deeper meaning.

Jesus repeats a key truth here—His flesh and blood are the only real food and drink that give eternal life.

This foreshadows His words at the Last Supper, where He tells His disciples to eat the bread and drink the cup in remembrance of Him.

Biblical Cross-References

• Leviticus 17:11 – “The life of a creature is in the blood.” (Why the Jews were shocked.)
• Isaiah 53:5 – “By His wounds we are healed.” (Jesus’ sacrifice foretold.)
• John 6:35 – “I am the Bread of Life.”
• John 6:51 – “This bread is my flesh, which I will give for the life of the world.”
• Luke 22:19-20 – Jesus institutes the Lord’s Supper.
• 1 Corinthians 11:23-26 – Paul explains Communion and how it connects to Jesus’ sacrifice.

These passages confirm that Jesus’ body and blood represent His atoning work on the cross, which is the foundation of salvation.

What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian

1. True life is only found in Jesus.
   • Many people chase after money, success, or temporary pleasures—but only Jesus truly satisfies the soul.
   • Without Him, people remain spiritually hungry and thirsty.
2. Salvation comes through Christ alone.
   • There are not many paths to God—Jesus is the only way (John 14:6).
   • His body and blood were given for our salvation—we must trust in Him completely.
3. Communion reminds us of Jesus’ sacrifice.
   • When we take the Lord’s Supper, we remember that Jesus’ body was broken and His blood was shed for us.
   • It is a moment of reflection, gratitude, and renewal in our faith.

Jesus is calling all believers to fully trust in Him and rely on His sacrifice for eternal life.

How This Verse Relates to a Loving God

1. God provided what we truly need.
   • Just as He provided manna in the wilderness, He provided Jesus for eternal life.
   • His love is seen in how He gives us what we need most—salvation through Christ.
2. God’s love is shown in Jesus’ sacrifice.
   • Jesus willingly gave His body and blood so that we could live.
   • His death on the cross was the ultimate act of love (Romans 5:8).
3. God invites all people to receive eternal life.
   • Jesus says “whoever” eats His flesh and drinks His blood will have life.
   • This means anyone who believes in Him can receive salvation.

God’s love is revealed in the gift of Jesus, whose body was broken and blood was shed so that we might live.

How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ

1. Jesus is the true spiritual nourishment.
   • Just as physical food keeps us alive, Jesus is the only one who can give eternal life.
2. Jesus’ death on the cross was planned for our salvation.
   • His reference to His flesh and blood points directly to His coming crucifixion.
3. Jesus invites all to receive Him.
   • The phrase “whoever” shows that this is an open invitation—no one is excluded.

Jesus is making it clear—eternal life is only possible through faith in Him and His sacrifice.

Questions for Reflection and Discussion

1. What does it mean that Jesus’ flesh is real food and His blood is real drink?
2. How does this verse emphasize the necessity of faith in Jesus for salvation?
3. Why do you think many people struggle with the idea that Jesus is the only way to eternal life?
4. How does this verse deepen your understanding of Jesus’ sacrifice?
5. How can you explain this teaching to someone who finds it confusing?