Scripture Study for

Israel has finally arrived on the threshold of the Promised Land.  Through the years, they struggled to trust that the God who delivered  them from bondage can take care of them and provide for all their  needs. This has been, and will continue to be, an important challenge,  since distrust leads to the worship of other gods. Moses thus reminds  the people of all God has done for them, providing them with food  and water, and not just any food, but manna, a special food created  by God for them. Through the trials, God has been teaching them  that they can and must rely on God, who provides all they need for  the journey. 

Paul’s rhetorical questions regarding the blood and body of Christ  occur within the context of an admonition to the Corinthians to  avoid buying meat known to have been offered to pagan gods.  Eating meat from such sacrifices, even if one does not believe that  the gods are real, constitutes a “participation” with them. Just as  ancient Israel could have no relationship with any gods but the God  of the covenant, so Christians may not “participate” with anyone  but Christ. They do this in the sharing of the cup of blessing and the  breaking of the bread. This common participation creates a single  body, whose members are responsible for each other and therefore  should show proper concern for each other. 

Jesus’ claim to be “the living bread that came down from heaven”  occurs within a scene that begins with a question about believing  that Jesus has been sent by God. The crowd has asked for a sign  (“What can you do?” [6:30]), like the sign of the manna given in the  desert. Jesus responds that he himself is the true bread from heaven.  Just as the manna nourished the people, Jesus says, so he, who is  the true bread from heaven, will nourish those who can accept it.  When they eat Jesus’ flesh they will be receiving him, establishing or  strengthening a mutual indwelling. Through this mutual “abiding”  Jesus shares his own eternal life with the recipient.