Cannibalism and Blood Rituals

John chapter 6 must certainly be the most incredible chapter in all of the New Testament. When Jesus starts speaking of eating his flesh and drinking his blood (v.54) he undoubtedly set the hearers back on their heels. How could anyone say such things and be sane? It was a certain case of pushing the edge of the envelope both for what Jesus said and what he meant.

Segments such as this make me wonder why we send new believers to the Gospel of John to get their feet wet in reading scripture. What we read here is nothing short of amazing. In fact, it causes many who were "disciples" of Christ to turn away. They just could not fathom his words or come to terms with their meaning (v.66).

What is equally amazing about these verses is they clearly outline what is involved in coming to a saving faith in Jesus Christ. Pare away the talk of eating flesh and drinking blood and it becomes evident that saving faith in Christ involves at least three things.

1) A specific invitation of the Father. "No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws him" (v.44a).

2) A hearing and understanding of scripture (v. 45). In the context it was the writings of the Old Testament, but today it also involves the good news proclaimed in the New Testament. As Paul said, How then will they call on him in whom they have not believed? And how are they to believe in him of whom they have never heard? And how are they to hear without someone preaching (a.k.a. telling them)?   (Romans 10:14)

3) A commitment or conscious decision to trust in Jesus Christ. "Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life and we have believed AND come to know that you are the Holy One of God" (John 6:69).

There is no question that Jesus was not speaking of cannibalism and blood rituals when he was referring to "feeds on my flesh and drinks my blood."  There is more to it than that. In the same manner, hearing,  even knowing certain scripture or walking down an isle or praying a specific prayer does not make one a Christian. There, by necessity, is more.