Arguing

Scripture: John 6:52-59  (Click link for scripture in Bible Gateway)

52 Then the people began arguing with each other about what he meant. “How can this man give us his flesh to eat?” they asked. 53 So Jesus said again, “I tell you the truth, unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink his blood, you cannot have eternal life within you. 54 But anyone who eats my flesh and drinks my blood has eternal life, and I will raise that person at the last day. 55 For my flesh is true food, and my blood is true drink. 56 Anyone who eats my flesh and drinks my blood remains in me, and I in him. 57 I live because of the living Father who sent me; in the same way, anyone who feeds on me will live because of me. 58 I am the true bread that came down from heaven. Anyone who eats this bread will not die as your ancestors did (even though they ate the manna) but will live forever.” 59 He said these things while he was teaching in the synagogue in Capernaum. (John 6:52–59 NLT)

Seems like Jesus could have benefitted from reading Dale Carnegie’s classic 1936 book, “How to Win Friends and Influence People.” He knew people’s hearts and acted and spoke based on their hearts and not their outward appearance. He spoke these words in the synagogue and these words are intended to challenge their thinking and attitude and to raise serious questions. Jesus spoke differently to the woman he met at the Jacob’s Well outside the village of Sychar. He was patient as he spoke to the Gentiles and Samaritans. But here he’s in Capernaum, he’s in the synagogue, it’s the Sabbath day, and these people ought to know better. But they don’t!

I’m thankful for God’s patience with me! Without his grace, mercy, and seemingly infinite patience I’d be forever lost. I’ll take all the mercy I can get! But I also know there comes a time when I have to wake up, listen up, and pay attention. There’s a time to be concerned about the loaves and fishes, about “Give us this day our daily bread,” and there’s also a time to focus on the challenging stuff like: “Eat my flesh” (the bread of life) and “drink my blood” (the living water of life).”

Let’s remember that now, as then, Jesus’ purpose is to introduce his Kingdom into our lives and to introduce his Kingdom into our world through us. There’ll be some strong and challenging words to us sometimes. That doesn’t mean he’s angry or that he doesn’t love us. It simply means we’re growing! Growing up is good!

Prayer:

Father, Thank you for Bread of Life and Living Water. Thank you for Jesus’ Body and Blood that gives us eternal life. May we live our lives in your service. In Jesus’ Name.