Special Saturday Edition
Ethan Barton, Pastoral Resident, Tallowood Baptist Church
In the beginning was the Word—and the Word became flesh. That’s how John described the incarnation of Jesus, and it’s perhaps the most worship-worthy event of all time. In fact, what is worship if not celebrating the Word becoming flesh? Oh, and eating it. Jesus told us to do that too. That may make us a little uncomfortable.
Is Jesus saying we actually have to eat his literal flesh? Contrary to what our Catholic friends might say, no—he is not. John’s gospel has a compelling theme of Jesus explaining the salvation he brings in a spiritual way, and people hearing a worldly meaning and misunderstanding. This is one of those instances—for some reason, the idea of cannibalism freaked people out. But that was not Jesus’ meaning. He was referring to taking him into ourselves in a different way. He was referring to believing in him and being transformed.
About a millennium and a half earlier, God had provided for the Israelites with manna. It was all they needed; it was a reminder that God was all they needed. But it was only a temporary fix. The funny thing about physical bread is that it doesn’t last long; whatever energy it gives us eventually dissipates. Like all things of this world, it eventually fades. But Jesus does not. And neither do those who are partaking of him, and inviting him to nourish them internally. All that this world offers is the bread of today; but Jesus is the bread of life, and to partake of him is to partake of eternity.
All of us, still living in a world destined to fade, are desperately hungry. We yearn for something to fill us, and what the world offers is never enough. Only Jesus is enough. He, the sovereign and mighty Lord in Heaven, humbled himself and took on flesh that would eventually die, so that we may have his life. Why not believe in him? Why not embrace his teachings and his love and his sacrificed life so wholeheartedly that he fills us with nourishment that lasts eternally and transforms us into renewed sons and daughters of God? Jesus, and only Jesus, is the bread of life. And that life is everlasting and glorious.
