John 6:56 – “Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood remains in me, and I in them.”
Extended Explanation
In this verse, Jesus continues His teaching about being the Bread of Life, and He goes even deeper. He says that those who “eat His flesh and drink His blood” remain in Him, and He remains in them.
Here’s what this means:
- Jesus is speaking spiritually, not literally.
- The phrase “eats my flesh and drinks my blood” does not refer to physical eating but to faith in His sacrifice.
- To “eat” and “drink” means to fully trust in and receive Jesus’ work on the cross.
- To remain in Jesus means to have a close, ongoing relationship with Him.
- When we trust in Jesus, we abide in Him—we stay connected to Him.
- He also lives in us, meaning we experience His presence, guidance, and life within us.
- This is a promise of deep spiritual union with Christ.
- Those who truly believe in Jesus are never separated from Him.
- This is not just a one-time event—it is an ongoing, daily relationship with Christ.
Jesus is teaching that true faith in Him brings lasting, personal connection with Him—one that will never be broken.
Historical Context
To understand this verse, we need to look at the setting and beliefs of the people Jesus was speaking to:
- The Jews were confused and offended by Jesus’ words.
- They took His words literally, thinking He was talking about actual flesh and blood.
- This was especially troubling because Jewish law strictly forbade consuming blood (Leviticus 17:10-12).
- Jesus was pointing to His upcoming death on the cross.
- His “flesh” and “blood” refer to His body being given in sacrifice for the sins of the world.
- Later, at the Last Supper, Jesus would make this clearer:
- “This is my body, given for you” (Luke 22:19).
- “This cup is the new covenant in my blood” (Luke 22:20).
- Jesus was offering something greater than physical blessings.
- The people were looking for temporary miracles—they wanted physical bread, like manna in the wilderness.
- Jesus was offering something far greater—eternal life and a lasting relationship with Him.
Many in the crowd rejected Jesus because they did not understand that He was talking about spiritual realities, not physical ones.
Theological Implications
- Salvation is about union with Christ.
- Faith is not just about believing facts about Jesus—it is about being united with Him.
- Those who trust in Jesus have Him living within them and remain connected to Him.
- Jesus is the source of spiritual life.
- Just as food nourishes the body, Jesus nourishes the soul.
- Without Him, there is no spiritual life.
- True faith is ongoing, not temporary.
- Jesus says that believers “remain” in Him—this is a lasting relationship.
- Genuine faith is not just a one-time decision, but a lifelong walk with Christ.
Jesus is teaching that faith in Him leads to a deep and lasting connection with Him, one that will never end.
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.
- The Theme of “Remaining” in Christ – Jesus uses this language again in John 15:4-5, where He says:
- “Remain in me, as I also remain in you.”
- “Apart from me, you can do nothing.”
Jesus is emphasizing that true believers will stay connected to Him, just as branches stay connected to the vine.
Biblical Cross-References
- Leviticus 17:11 – “The life of a creature is in the blood.” (Why the Jews struggled with Jesus’ words.)
- John 15:4-5 – Jesus calls believers to remain in Him, just as branches remain connected to a vine.
- John 14:20 – “I am in my Father, and you are in me, and I am in you.”
- Galatians 2:20 – “It is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me.”
- Colossians 1:27 – “Christ in you, the hope of glory.”
These verses confirm that believers are spiritually connected to Christ, and He lives in them.
What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian
- Faith in Jesus is not just a belief—it’s a relationship.
- To “remain in Him” means to stay close to Jesus through prayer, Scripture, and obedience.
- Christianity is not just about knowing facts—it’s about walking with Christ daily.
- Jesus lives within every believer.
- When we trust in Jesus, we are never alone.
- He is always present, guiding, strengthening, and comforting us.
- Our connection with Christ is permanent.
- Jesus does not leave those who belong to Him.
- If we have truly put our faith in Him, we remain in Him forever.
Jesus is teaching that believers are united with Him in a deep and lasting way, one that will never be broken.
How This Verse Relates to a Loving God
- God desires a close relationship with us.
- He doesn’t just want us to believe about Him—He wants us to know Him personally.
- His love is shown in how He invites us to remain in Him.
- God’s love is seen in Jesus’ sacrifice.
- Jesus gave His flesh and blood so that we could have eternal life.
- His sacrifice was an act of unmatched love.
- God never abandons those who trust in Him.
- Jesus promises that those who remain in Him will never be separated from Him.
- This is a reminder of God’s faithfulness and steadfast love.
God’s love is seen in how He provides a way for us to be permanently connected to Him through Jesus.
How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ
- Jesus is the only source of true spiritual life.
- Just as food sustains the body, Jesus sustains the soul.
- Jesus’ death on the cross is what unites us with Him.
- His body and blood, given for us, allow us to have a relationship with Him.
- Jesus promises to remain with those who believe in Him.
- This is not just a temporary connection—it is eternal.
Jesus is teaching that faith in Him leads to a deep and lasting connection with Him, one that will never end.
Questions for Reflection and Discussion
- What does it mean to remain in Jesus?
- How does this verse emphasize that faith in Jesus is more than just belief—it’s a relationship?
- How does knowing that Jesus remains in you give you confidence in your daily life?
- Why do you think many people struggle with the idea of being completely dependent on Jesus?
- How can you deepen your relationship with Christ so that you continually “remain in Him”?