why did jesus want us to eat his flesh and drink his blood?

Question

John 6:53-54
53Jesus said to them, "I tell you the truth, unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink his blood, you have no life in you. 54Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood has eternal life, and I will raise him up at the last day.

why was this important to him?

Answer 1

he was a cannibal. hahahahaha

Answer 2

Your answer is in the quotation. Eternal life. Understand, that these are emblems, symbols. It is a figure of speech, called a synecdoche`, accent over the 'e'. A partial explanation, a figure of speech by which a part is put for the whole.

Jesus lived and died under the Mosaic covenant. Which forbids the eating of flesh with blood in it, or drinking it. Jesus did not slice off pieces of His skin and give it to His disciples. Nor did He cut His veins and let blood drip into a cup. Such a thing is barbaric. He gave each item a blessing. With the bread, " this do in remembrance of me." After the cup, " This cup is the new testament in my blood, which is shed for you." Luke 22:19,20.

Also in 1 Corinthians 11:26; "For as often as ye eat this bread, and drink this cup, ye do shew the Lord's death till he come."
We do not drink the cup, but what is in it.

This event took place during the Passover, eating and drinking from the cup was always observed. He made it an eternal celebration and His death, using everyday symbols. To be celebrated until He comes again.

Recall, that Jesus called the contents of the cup, fruit of the vine.
It more than likely was not wine.

Answer 3

it somewhat relies upon on what church you're taking communion in. The Roman Catholics have self belief that the bread and wine actually and somewhat advance into flesh and blood, and that's what you're eating. Prots often take weaker perspectives, ranging everywhere from metaphorical to symbolic to in basic terms easy custom. and a few Prots do no longer even use wine, believing that Jesus used Welch's Grape Juice.

Answer 4

In the old testament covenants were confirmed / re-confirmed by cutting rituals like circumcision, animal sacrafice, et cetera. The eating of the bread and eating of the vine is a fulfillment of that tradition for the Christian.

It actually means many things, it honors his work, it looks forward to his promise, it is an action that proves our faith, et cetera. AND of course, the above.

Answer 5

Sharing a meal is an act of intense intimacy. The cultic act of sharing a meal w/ God is a part of most ancient religions. Jesus invited us to return to our roots, the foundational element of life, and share in an intimacy that would sustain us and our faith.
I have just been diagnosed w/ a brain tumor and have called for a pastor to come and share the eucharist w/ my wife and it. It is the ultimate "soul" food.

Answer 6

read this verse john 6:63 is the answer of your question,its not literal blood and flesh

Answer 7

It is meant to signify a partaking in the life of God. The level of symbolism/realism varies with the sect.

Answer 8

He also said "eat this bread and drink this wine in remembrance of me", so clarify for people who misunderstood and seemed to think it was promoting cannibalism. Taking communion is accepting the fact that He suffered and died for us, it was the ultimate sacrifice. It's important because its the main point.

Answer 9

The whole cannibalism thing is one of the problems the roman's had with christianity. And, speaking for meself, they werne't the only ones.

Answer 10

This obviously refers to the taking of communion. God wants us to remember how His body( represented by the bread) was broken on the cross for you & me. Likewise, Hw wants us to remember His blood that was shed for us all on the cross. He said one day He would return, and until that day, we are to " Remember Him 'til He comes" by observing communion regularly.

Answer 11

It always ends in cannibalism. How do you like your Jesus?complimentary bread sticks included?