Jesus Has the Words of Eternal Life

Thirteenth Sunday of Pentecost

John 6: 56 - 69

Long before the meal at which Jesus instituted Holy Communion, he tells his disciples that only his body and blood will give eternal life. He makes the point that God gave the Israelites manna to save their lives, not to save their souls.

The disciples did not understand him, and some of his followers were truly frightened - they knew nothing of cannibalism, but they were afraid that Jesus was telling them that they would violate their dietary laws and their way of living.

The disciples realized that they misunderstood Jesus a great deal of the time, but the faith they had in him made them totally loyal to him.

Many of us sing the words of Verse 68 in our worship services.

1. Where was Jesus teaching?

[Jesus was teaching in Capernaum.]

2. What does Jesus say about his body and blood?

[Jesus says, "If you eat my flesh and drink my blood, you are one with me, and I am one with you."]

3. What did the disciples say?

[The disciples said, "This is too hard for anyone to understand."]

4. What did Peter reply when Jesus asked them what they would do?

[Peter answered, "Lord, there is no one else that we can go to. Your words have eternal life."]