English Standard Version
Between friends, we can all admit that, at face value, this is a peculiar passage. People were asking questions, and Jesus is doubling down, telling them about eating flesh and drinking blood. We can all admit that if a good friend told you this, you'd look at them askance.
But Jesus isn't literally speaking about this -- it's a way of telling us that we need to take his teachings into our lives, into our bodies. The teaching of Jesus Christ should become a part of us the same way a good meal does. It stays with us, it transforms us. Just as if we choose to eat a terrible diet, that will change our bodies and our lives, the same way, if we choose to take in the words and teachings of Jesus Christ, then that will transform our bodies and our lives. How we treat ourselves and one another will be changed.
And when Jesus talks about drinking the blood, he's pointing to the atoning sacrifice that he will be for us. His blood will save our lives, and when we immerse ourselves in Jesus Christ, we'll live forever with him. Thanks be to God!
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