It took a year to read the Bible, then almost 9 months to read the Apocrypha. Now, I'm going to try to offer reflections on the Narrative Lectionary. But, I won't be posting daily--at least, for a while.

Monday, August 20, 2012

Difficult Saying, a Reflection on John 6:56-65

Jesus reminded them of their ancestors' trek through the wilderness--between slavery and promise. They would have starved without the manna. Eating the freely provided manna made it possible for them to live and to continue their journey. 

Jesus tells them that he is the manna for them, that their consumption of him will make it possible for them to live and to continue on their journey.

They didn't buy into the concept right away. Just hearing an assertion was not convincing enough for them. 

And some were offended. Jesus recognized that his teachings were difficult to understand and to accept, and he responded to their complaints. John tells us that Jesus always knew that not everyone would believe his words. 

Remember, those who believed him and those who didn't were all together that day at a place of worship. It still happens. People go to church, listen to the sermon. Some get really offended. They can't bring themselves to believe.

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