John 6:52
The Jews therefore strove among themselves, saying, How can this man give us his flesh to eat?
Original Language Analysis
Cross References
Historical Context
Levitical law strictly prohibited consuming blood (Leviticus 17:10-14), making Jesus's language especially shocking to Jewish hearers. Cannibalism was among the most serious taboos in both Jewish and Greco-Roman cultures. Jesus's metaphorical language about eating flesh and drinking blood would trigger visceral revulsion. Yet this is precisely the point—the gospel offends natural human sensibilities. The incarnation itself is offensive (God becoming flesh), as is the atonement (God dying for sinners). The early church faced accusations of cannibalism from Romans who misunderstood communion. John's audience would understand Jesus's words as metaphor for complete appropriation of Christ through faith, yet the offensive language remained deliberate.
Questions for Reflection
- Why does Jesus use offensive language rather than clarifying His metaphor immediately?
- What aspects of the gospel still offend natural human reasoning today?
- How does this passage demonstrate that spiritual understanding requires divine illumination, not just intellectual effort?
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Analysis & Commentary
The Jews therefore strove among themselves, saying, How can this man give us his flesh to eat? The verb 'emachonto' (strove/contended) indicates intense, hostile debate. Their question 'pōs' (how) reveals they're taking Jesus literally, missing the spiritual reality. This interpretive blindness is typical of unregenerate thinking—spiritual truths seem foolish (1 Corinthians 2:14). Their offense at cannibalistic imagery exposes their carnal understanding. Jesus doesn't soften the offense but intensifies it (verses 53-58), because the offense is necessary. The cross itself is offensive to natural human reasoning. Reformed theology emphasizes that only the Spirit's regenerating work opens blind eyes to understand spiritual realities. Human wisdom cannot penetrate divine mystery; faith is required.