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This website articulates powerful, profound interpretations of New Testament teachings about eternal life, unraveling major false interpretations. Click the “play button above” to listen to the audio version of this website or enjoy the quick read. See multilingual settings below. God bless!

Let’s begin…

Did you know, the New Testament from the Holy Bible is considered the most attested ancient work ever? There are more than “20 thousand” preserved New Testament manuscripts that were written throughout ancient history. The proven reliability of these ancient manuscript copies have been studied by archaeologists and biblical scholars throughout the centuries.

The high level of accuracy from the New Testament versions we have today have been validated many times through an academic discipline known as textual criticism. The results of these textual analysis are supported by hundreds of early Church Father writings (e.g., Ignatius of Antioch, Polycarp).

When comparing other important historical ancient works to the New Testament, nothing comes close. For example, a former Roman Senator by the name of Tacitus (c.56 – c.120 A.D.) is considered “the greatest” Roman historian by most modern scholars has only “two” preserved ancient manuscripts for his writings called the “Annals.”

These writings from Tacitus are considered by many historians the most “reliable” sources for the history of Ancient Rome. The two copies of ancient manuscripts are dated “substantially newer” (c.850 A.D., c.1000 A.D.) than their original writings, when compared to many New Testament manuscript copies.

The preservation of the New Testament has allowed the teachings from Jesus Christ to be learned and applied today in our advanced modern societies. With more than two billion Christians throughout the world, these ancient teachings from the New Testament have changed the lives of many people.

This free educational website is focused on two very important ancient events documented in the New Testament. Correct interpretations of these two major events are absolutely vital for Christians.

The “Bread of Life Discourse” and the “Last Supper” provide crucial eternal life teachings from Jesus Christ, that many people misinterpret. According to the New Testament, the Bread of Life Discourse in the Gospel of John recorded the very first Christian apostasy.

Jesus taught some very difficult and disturbing new teachings that caused many of his disciples to leave him. After we thoroughly review the cause of this apostasy based on facts, we then provide a comprehensive analysis of how these new teachings along with the Last Supper are directly connected to the Crucifixion of the Lord.

After reading this website, you will have the following:

Undeniable facts from Holy Scripture that Jesus was “not” speaking metaphorically during the Bread of Life Discourse.

Powerful, profound biblical evidence that a “Bread of Life” metaphor contradicts and completely disproves itself.

Clear and proven facts based on Holy Scripture of why many disciples left Jesus during the Bread of Life Discourse and returned to their former way of life. John 6:66

Irrefutable biblical evidence that the Crucifixion of Jesus Christ would only be considered an execution and “not” a sacrifice, if “symbolic” bread and drink were offered at the Last Supper.

TABLE OF CONTENTS – QUICK 60 MINUTE READ

Each topic below has a “jump link” which will take you directly to that specific topic. Key topics are highlighted with 💥

Difficult and disturbing new teachings from Jesus

The truth about John 6:63 💥

The Apostasy

Forbidden Jewish Law
- Everything that passes through the stomach cannot defile
- The Council of Jerusalem – Acts Chapter 15

Last Supper + Crucifixion = Sacrifice of Jesus Christ 💥

New Passover

DIFFICULT AND DISTURBING NEW TEACHINGS FROM JESUS

Now, what I’m about to present to you may make you feel a bit, uncomfortable.

I will be revealing some major “false interpretations” very soon that will become “extremely obvious.”

Please understand that this website does “not” condemn or judge any religious beliefs.

My goal here is to “not” undermine your faith in Jesus. My goal out of love and respect is to strengthen and advance your faith in Jesus Christ.

Let’s start off with a brief background before we dive into these teachings from the Bread of Life Discourse.

Background

According to the Gospel of John chapter 6, Jesus performed unbelievable miracles in front of a massive crowd. The Lord “multiplied” five loaves of bread and two fish to feed more than “five thousand” people. John 6:1-15

After the people witnessed this supernatural event, they believed Jesus was the New Prophet that Moses predicted in the Book of Deuteronomy and wanted to make him king.

Moses: “A prophet like me will the LORD, your God, raise up for you from among your own kindred; that is the one to whom you shall listen…” Deut 18:15-18; Acts 3:22

When the people saw the sign he had done, they said, “This is truly the Prophet, the one who is to come into the world.” John 6:14

“Since Jesus knew that they were going to come and carry him off to make him king, he withdrew again to the mountain alone.” 15

The next day, this massive crowd of people followed the Lord and his disciples across the Sea of Galilee to the Synagogue in Capernaum, where the Bread of Life Discourse took place.

Who attended the Bread of Life Discourse?

There were three groups of people that attended the Bread of Life Discourse:

A massive crowd of Jewish people.

The twelve apostles, who were the primary disciples of Jesus.

Many other disciples, who are rarely mentioned in the Gospels.

Who were the crowd?

This massive crowd of people were Jewish (John 6:41,52). The crowd and Jesus confirmed this by referring to their Jewish ancestors. 31,49,58

St. John made clear distinctions between the “crowd of Jews” and the “other disciples.” 41,52,60,61,66

Before any difficult and disturbing new teachings were taught, this crowd of Jews did not believe in Jesus. 26,30,36

However, the Jews believed the “New Moses,” the prophet and king, would satisfy their physical hunger forever, but Jesus had different plans. 26,27,34

Jesus had many other disciples

The other disciples are rarely mentioned in the Gospels. The main focus is on the twelve disciples and their mission with the Lord.

However, Jesus had “many” other disciples that followed him. John 6:60

In fact, the Lord had other “faithful” disciples that accompanied and followed him throughout his “entire” earthly ministry. Acts 1:21-23

After the discourse, Jesus assigned missionary work to 72 disciples. He gave them full power over demons and the ability to perform many miracles. Luke 10:1-24

The Lord “guaranteed Heaven” to these 72 faithful disciples. 20

Difficult and disturbing new teachings

Now that we have a brief background, let’s dive into these difficult and disturbing teachings Jesus taught during the Bread of Life Discourse.

Roughly two years into his earthly ministry, Jesus taught some very difficult and disturbing new teachings that shook the faith of many disciples.

The Lord surprised his disciples with new strange teachings that were not only disturbing, but forbidden, like drinking blood.

The Jews and disciples believed Jesus was speaking literally. 52,60,66

However, some people believe the Lord allowed a “misunderstanding” to take place. They believe Jesus was only speaking metaphorically.

They believe bread, eating and drinking are metaphors used to describe their belief in the sacrifice of Jesus Christ.

Though there are other metaphorical variations (e.g., spiritual nourishment) that differ slightly, their core teachings are identical.

Bread is his flesh 💥

Let’s analyze verse 49 through 51, in John chapter 6.

Verse 51 will be the main focus over the next few minutes. Some people use this verse to try and show that Jesus was speaking metaphorically.

“Your ancestors ate the manna in the desert, but they died; this is the bread that comes down from Heaven so that one may eat it and not die.” John 6:49-50

“I am the living bread that came down from Heaven; whoever eats this bread will live forever; and the bread that I will give is my flesh for the life of the world.” 51

Jesus referred to eternal life “13 times” during this discourse, more than any other chapter in the New Testament.

The context here is “not” about the creation of life. The context here is about eternal life.

When did God allow humanity to partake in this gracious gift of eternal life?

According to Holy Scripture, this gift could only be given “after” sin and death were conquered by Jesus Christ.

The physical Sacrifice that conquered sin and the Resurrection that conquered death took place roughly one year “after” the Bread of Life Discourse.

This bread however “already” gives eternal life.

To speak about future events as if they are already accomplished, is called “proleptic language.”

The Lord spoke frequently about his redemption as if the Sacrifice, Resurrection, and Ascension were already completed.

This was a normal way of speaking for Jesus since his divine nature viewed all redemptive work, as already accomplished.

The Lord spoke in proleptic language more than “25 different times,” in the Gospel of John.

Resurrected flesh is “not” flesh nailed to the cross 💥

Now, let’s dive deep into this analysis. What we are about to reveal are some major “false interpretations” with this one bible verse. And this is just the beginning.

According to John 6:51, the bread that Jesus “will give” is his flesh for the life of the world. What flesh will Jesus give that allows a human person to “live forever?”

His “resurrected flesh” from Heaven or the “flesh from the cross?”

A literal interpretation believes the bread that Jesus will give is his “resurrected flesh” that comes down from Heaven.

A metaphorical interpretation believes the flesh that he will give, is Jesus Christ on the cross.

They do not believe their metaphor is attached to symbolic flesh or a symbolic Jesus.

To worship a symbolic Jesus, would be considered idolatry.

So they attached their metaphors to Jesus Christ and his real flesh.

They also believe the eating of bread means to believe in Jesus.

But here is the “big question” for those that believe the Bread of Life is a metaphor.

If eating to you means to believe and the Bread of Life is only bread from the cross, isn’t this bread that you believe in, “lacking” something?

If it was flesh from the cross, how can this flesh give life without the Resurrection? Can there be eternal life for humanity without the Resurrection?

Did his physical “flesh alone” from the cross “profit” eternal life? Didn’t the Spirit get involved?

Think about it. If you are to consume the “Bread of Life” by faith alone, shouldn’t you be consuming the resurrected bread?

From the “start” of these difficult teachings until the “end,” this same physical flesh “gives” eternal life. 50,51,53,54,57,58

Since this bread “already” gives eternal life, doesn’t this bread that Jesus will give have to be his transformed, glorified, immortal, resurrected flesh?

How can the Spirit profit nothing?

The sacrifice conquered sin, but the resurrection conquered death.

Only flesh buried in the “tomb,” was resurrected, transformed and given eternal life, according to Holy Scripture.

Eternal life “without” glorified immortal flesh, is not biblical.

Eternal life “without” the tomb, is not biblical.

Eternal life “without” the Resurrection, is not biblical.

Jesus used metaphors to “enhance” and “support” biblical teachings. He never used metaphors to change and distort biblical teachings.

The flesh of Jesus Christ and his Sacrifice are crucial, but we cannot disregard the Resurrection and the Ascension.

Now, think about this…

These very same people “however,” believe the physical flesh of Jesus “profits nothing” twelve bible verses later with John 6:63.

His flesh profits life, here.

But then, a couple minutes later, his flesh profits nothing.

How can the physical flesh of Jesus “profit life” here but then “profit nothing” twelve bible verses later?

According to Holy Scripture, both sin and “death” had to be conquered by the “Bread of Life” in order for eternal life to exist for humanity.

The word “Life” in the “Bread of Life” signifies both the Sacrifice and Resurrection.

This bread that Jesus will give “cannot” be the flesh he gave on the cross. Flesh from the cross is not risen bread. There is absolutely “no” life for humanity without the Resurrection.

This “eternal life” bread that he “will give” can only be his bodily resurrected glorified flesh that ascended to Heaven, which is not subject to death and corruption.

Here’s another “big” question…

According to Jesus, this bread “comes down” from “Heaven.”

Since this can only be resurrected bread, why is resurrected bread that he “will give” coming down from Heaven, giving eternal life.

We will come back to this interpretation of verse 51, a little later.

Anger erupted

Angry arguments broke out at the Bread of Life Discourse.

The Jews quarreled (heated arguments) among themselves, saying, “How can this man give us his flesh to eat?” 52

This was not a casual argument. Many people were upset and disturbed at the Lord’s surprising language.

As the Jews argued, the disciples were listening. 60

While many were upset, Jesus “upped the ante” and gave a forbidden ultimatum…

Forbidden ultimatum

While many were “upset” during the discourse, instead of rectifying a “misunderstanding,” Jesus “raised the bar” even higher by giving a forbidden ultimatum that included drinking his blood:

Jesus said to them, “Amen, amen, I say to you, unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink his blood, you do not have life within you.” 53

Consumption of blood is strictly prohibited by Jews. Lev 17

Jesus then intensified his difficult and disturbing teachings

“Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood has eternal life, and I will raise him on the last day.” John 6:54

“For my flesh is true food, and my blood is true drink.” 55

“Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood remains in me and I in him.” 56

“Just as the living Father sent me and I have life because of the Father, so also the one who feeds on me will have life because of me.” 57

“This is the bread that came down from Heaven. Unlike your ancestors who ate and still died, whoever eats this bread will live forever.” 58

After the Jews argued, Jesus intensified the word “eat” from phago (to eat, consume; verse 51) to trogo – gnaw on, crunch, etc. 54,56,58

Hard to believe

Before we see how the disciples reacted to these teachings, let’s define the word believe. This is not an empty word to throw around.

To “believe” means to accept as “truth.” To believe in these new difficult teachings is to accept the instructions, the commands and consequences Jesus gave to his disciples as truth. These teachings however were hard for many, to believe…

From verse 60: “Then many disciples that were listening said, This saying is hard; who can accept it?” The Greek word for accept means “hear.”

Who can listen to this?

Just hours ago, the disciples witnessed Jesus perform an unbelievable supernatural miracle of multiplying bread and fish to feed thousands of people! Many people wanted to carry him off and make him king!

Do you think these disciples were listening then?

These difficult and disturbing teachings caused a quick and complete reversal of faith in Jesus.

In less than 24 hours, from Prophet and King to arguments and disbelief.

Does this shock you?

From verse 61: Jesus had a second opportunity to correct a “misunderstanding.” Instead Jesus said to his disciples, does this shock you?

The Greek word for shock means “make you stumble” and “offend.”

There is a clear indication that these disciples were mentally stumbling over these difficult and disturbing teachings.

Jesus confirmed these “mental struggles” by asking the question, does this make you stumble?

With a third opportunity to correct a misunderstanding, instead of referring to a “metaphor,” Jesus referred to the “supernatural:”

What if you see me fly to Heaven?

From verse 62: “What if you were to see the Son of Man ascending to where he was before?”

Right before these difficult teachings, Jesus performed the supernatural. After these teachings, Jesus referred to the supernatural.

How can Jesus multiply bread and fish? How can he walk on water? How can his “physical” flesh and blood fly to Heaven? Impossible, right?

Why did Jesus refer to the supernatural while these disciples were mentally stumbling over these difficult teachings?

At the “exact time” these disciples mentally struggled to comprehend, Jesus referred to the supernatural.

Why did Jesus refer to the supernatural?

The answer to that question, is in the next bible verse…

THE TRUTH ABOUT VERSE 63 💥

Verse 63 is the one bible verse from the Bread of Life Discourse that many people “rely on” to try and prove that Jesus was speaking metaphorically.

Let’s analyze this important bible verse…

It is the spirit that gives life, while the flesh is of no avail (profits nothing). The words I have spoken to you are spirit and life. John 6:63

The term “profits nothing” means of no help or benefit, accomplishes nothing, etc.

Some people claim that verse 63 supports a metaphorical interpretation of the Bread of Life Discourse.

It is obvious the crowd and disciples believed Jesus was speaking literally. However, some people believe verse 63 “eliminates” a literal interpretation.

They believe the “Spirit alone” gives eternal life while the physical flesh of Jesus is of no help or benefit.

Notice “now,” with this verse there is a complete “switch.”

They “now” believe the physical “flesh” of Jesus profits “nothing.” Here, they believe Jesus was referring to his own physical flesh.

These very same people believe the physical “flesh alone” of Jesus “profits life” when interpreting John 6:51 – See section above.

Twelve bible verses “earlier,” these very same people believe the physical flesh of Jesus from the cross “gives life to the world.”

What happens to metaphors that are attached to teachings that contradict themselves?

If a metaphor is applied to a contradiction, the metaphor will “magnify” that contradiction.

The contradiction within these teachings cause, major problems.

Notice what “happens” to their metaphorical interpretations after the “switch.”

What are the “eating” and “drinking” connected to?

Their metaphors are tied to real flesh on the cross, while the Spirit profits nothing.

How can the Spirit give life while they eat and drink from flesh, that excludes the Spirit?

According to Jesus, the flesh he will give, gives a human being eternal life.

Jesus said:

And the bread that I will give, is my flesh, for the life of the world. From verse 51.

Unless you eat my flesh and drink my blood, you do “not” have life within you. From verse 53.

Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood, has eternal life. From verse 54.

Jesus specifically said, if you do not consume the bread that he will give, there is no life within you.

Eternal life comes from bread, that he will give.

A metaphorical interpretation “stops” the giving of bread at the “cross.”

They believe the bread he will give started at the incarnation and ended with the death of Jesus, on the cross.

Why stop the giving of bread that gives eternal life, before the Resurrection?

They stop the giving of bread for a very, big, “reason.”

If they don’t stop the giving of bread at the cross, their metaphorical interpretation “falls apart.”

The giving of bread, that is real bodily flesh, would ascend to Heaven.

So they stop the giving of bread that gives eternal life, at the cross.

At what point on the timeline of God’s redemption, can the real flesh and blood of Jesus give humanity, eternal life?

After his Sacrifice?

Or after the Resurrection?

Eternal life from dead flesh, is not biblical.

There is absolutely no life, without the Resurrection.

Only flesh buried in the tomb was resurrected, transformed, and given eternal life, according to Holy Scripture.

Flesh that can transcend human limitations, of space and time.

Bread that can walk through walls, of the upper room.

Bread that can appear, and disappear, at will.

Bread that cannot suffer, or die.

The resurrected flesh of Jesus Christ that ascended to Heaven and cannot suffer or die, does not fit their “metaphorical narrative.”

So they metaphorically eat and drink, from the cross.

A metaphorical interpretation should present, “spiritual truth.”

Jesus presented many different metaphors, including the “true vine.” John 15:1-8

The true vine metaphor, presents Jesus as the vine that sustains life for the “branches,” that represent his disciples.

Is the vine that sustains life, a living vine?

Or a dead vine?

You cannot apply a metaphor to a “dead vine” just because the “living vine” that ascended to Heaven and cannot suffer or die, does not fit the narrative.

A dead vine that gives eternal life, is “not” a spiritual truth.

Jesus does not give us lifeless water, to metaphorically drink.

He gives living water, which gives everlasting life.

Only the living vine that rose from the tomb, can sustain life.

They can’t pick and choose what fits their interpretation, while discarding what does not fit.

Eternal life only comes from the resurrected life, of the living vine.

Applying eternal life to dead flesh, since “all the characteristics” of resurrected flesh disproves the metaphor, is “not” a spiritual truth.

They can’t stop the living vine in Heaven from descending upon the branches, to sustain life.

The Resurrection from the tomb was the culmination of God’s redemptive work, confirming his victory over sin, conquering death and granting the gift of eternal life.

Why would the “greatest” teacher “ever” to walk the earth, create a faith based metaphor that marginalizes and excludes the most important event, in Christianity?

A metaphorical interpretation excludes the Resurrection and Ascension, from eternal life.

They exclude the Resurrection, that conquered death.

They exclude the Ascension, that unites us with the Father and enables the Holy Spirit to descend upon humanity, and guide us.

They exclude spiritual redemptive work.

They claim these metaphorical teachings are all about the “spiritual,” but they exclude the spiritual, from God’s redemption.

They tied their metaphors to human flesh, human effort, human works, human suffering and human mortality.

While trying to disprove a literal interpretation using verse 63, they “disproved” their own metaphors.

Their “Bread of Life,” profits nothing.

They are now eating and drinking or what they call believing, in flesh that does not give life and profits nothing.

They believe in “flesh” that is “spiritually” of no help or benefit.

They tried to use verse 63 to “eliminate” a literal interpretation, when in fact, it created major “contradictions” and “disproved” their own metaphorical interpretations.

Context is key to understanding verse 63.

This is exactly what happens when you take Holy Scripture out of context. Let’s see what happens when you apply context to these teachings…

In context, Jesus just got done explaining how a faithful disciple, a “human person,” can obtain “eternal life” by eating his flesh and drinking his blood.

Human persons have spirits and we also have physical flesh.

In context, the definition of the word “spirit” refers to the non-physical or immaterial part of a human person.

What part of a human person can receive eternal life? What part gives life? The immaterial part of a human or the physical flesh?

What does Jesus feed, that gives life?

Eternal life is “given” when the food (resurrected flesh) and drink (resurrected blood) of Jesus Christ are “consumed” by the faithful, according to Holy Scripture (53,54). But what does he feed?

What do his words say?

This is the bread that comes down from heaven so one may eat it and “not die” (John 6:50). Whoever eats this bread will live forever. 51,58

Jesus specifically stated with his “own words,” you will not die if you eat this bread. What does not die? What can live forever?

What part of a human person can enter eternal life in Heaven? What can Jesus be referring to since our physical mortal bodies die?

He can only be referring to our “spirit.”

The resurrected food and drink are for the human spirit.

Though our physical bodies will later rise from the dead, only the human spirit can escape death and not die.

In order to feed something that is supernatural like a human spirit, the food and drink must be supernatural.

It is impossible for human intellect to comprehend the supernatural.

While many disciples “mentally struggled” over these “disturbing” words, Jesus made the point that his food and drink are supernatural spiritual food and drink.

“Do not work for food that perishes but for food that endures for eternal life, which the Son of Man will give you.” 27

According to his words that he had spoken, it is only the spirit that is fed, which gives life. The flesh profits nothing – Spirit & Life

Jesus performed the supernatural, Jesus referred to the supernatural, and Jesus “feeds” the supernatural.

THE APOSTASY

They left him

According to Jesus, many disciples did “not believe” in these difficult and disturbing new teachings. Therefore, they no longer accompanied him. John 6:64-66

As disciples back then, they could not just “Uber” or “GPS” it over to Jesus for Sunday church service. And Jesus did not stay in one location.

It is estimated that Jesus traveled over “three thousand miles” during his earthly ministry.

Following the Lord must have been an enormous challenge; a lot of work and sacrifice! But following Jesus as a disciple did “not” result in a compromise.

According to Jesus, “believing” in offensive and shocking teachings that are disturbing and difficult for the human mind are a major requirement.

Mental Struggles

Difficult and disturbing thoughts of eating human flesh and drinking human blood go against the core of human reasoning.

Through human instinct, “mental barriers” are typically created when disturbing and unwanted thoughts go against logical human understanding.

Even though Jesus referred to himself as bread “10 times” during the discourse and described these teachings as supernatural (62,63), the mental struggles were clear and obvious.

The Jews mentally struggled with these teachings. How can this man give us his flesh to eat? (52) They argued among themselves. How can this happen?

Many disciples also struggled mentally with these difficult and disturbing teachings. These teachings were “hard” for many disciples to believe. 60

They could not listen to or accept these teachings. The words that Jesus spoke “offended” and “shocked” many disciples. 61

Consumption of blood was considered sacrilegious to these former Jews.

Faith in Jesus

It can be hard to have faith in God and his plan. Very little detail of how, when and why were given to the disciples at the Bread of Life Discourse.

Do you think St. Peter had all the details and could comprehend how bread can become flesh? Impossible!

Did St. Peter mentally struggle with these teachings? Was his faith shaken? Did he leave Jesus too?

Jesus then said to the Twelve, “Do you also want to leave?” 67

Simon Peter answered him, “Master, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life.” 68

“We have come to believe and are convinced that you are the Holy One of God.” 69

There is a very big difference between the mental struggles many disciples had and St. Peter’s response.

St. Peter witnessed many animal blood sacrifices as a former practicing Jew and understood Jewish Law and the sacredness of blood.

However, this former Jew did not mentally struggle with these difficult and disturbing teachings. How and why?

After a massive crowd of Jews and many disciples left the Lord, what made this former Jew want to stay with Jesus?

It was through prior experiences that St. Peter leaned on…

He was already “convinced” (egnokamen) that Jesus is the “Holy One of God.”

How can someone convince another person that they are the Holy One of God? Would natural human works be convincing?

To help prove you are the “Holy One of God” would absolutely have to involve the “supernatural.”

St. Peter was “obviously” convinced that Jesus is the “Holy One of God” by the many divine miracles he performed.

Jesus multiplied bread and fish to feed thousands of people, he walked on water, he healed the sick and physically disabled, he raised people from the dead, etc.

It was the convincing miracles that this former Jew leaned on to apply faith in these difficult and disturbing new teachings.

Faith from miracles.

Major “mental struggles” among former Jewish converts during the early Church.

More than “20 years after” the Bread of Life Discourse, Holy Scripture provides “numerous” scripture based evidence of “mental struggles” among former Jews when witnessing the consumption of animal meats and animal blood from Gentile converts.

St. Paul described these issues as “stumbling blocks” from weak minded former Jews that were being “hurt” and “destroyed.”

See “Forbidden Jewish Law” section…

FORBIDDEN JEWISH LAW

Now, some people believe Jesus was speaking metaphorically since consumption of blood was forbidden by Jews. Let’s have a look at this forbidden….

In Mark chapter 7, the Pharisees and Scribes saw the disciples eating with “unclean hands,” which they believed was considered an act of defilement.

The Jews questioned Jesus about this and this is what the Lord had to say about defilement…

“Nothing that enters one from outside can defile that person; but the things that come out from within are what defile.” 15

Since the disciples did not fully understand, Jesus elaborated: “Do you not realize that everything that goes into a person from outside cannot defile, since it enters not the heart but the stomach…” Mark’s commentary then adds, “thus he declares all foods clean.” 18-19

Though blood is considered food in many cultures, Jesus was not referring to just foods. The defilement discussion was not about foods. It was about unclean hands or unwashed hands; which includes anything… soil, dirt, etc.

Everything that passes through the stomach “cannot” defile – per Jesus.

When did these teachings take place?

They took place “right after” the Bread of Life Discourse. In fact, these were the “very next teachings” that Jesus taught his disciples.

Back-to-back teachings:

Throughout the earthly ministry of Jesus, the Lord taught several “hundred” new teachings. Did these “back-to-back” teachings happen by coincidence? According to probability, Jesus did this on purpose.

This Jewish law could have provided major support “against” consuming blood. Why supersede this law with your very next teaching?

It is obvious Jesus wanted to “quickly” address the issue of consuming blood that many former Jews had.

Council of Jerusalem – Acts Chapter 15

Some people believe Acts chapter 15 supports a metaphorical interpretation of the Bread of Life Discourse since the early Church restricted consumption of blood.

At the Council of Jerusalem, the early Church made a decision to restrict consumption of blood, idol meats and strangled meats. But why did they do this and for how long?

Letters were written by the Church according to Acts Chapter 15 which included the restrictions and were delivered to “three” specific regions, of “Gentile” origin (23). Gentiles were known for consuming animal blood and idol meats.

However, “before” and “after” the Council of Jerusalem (~50 A.D.), the early Church allowed consumption of blood, idol meats and strangled meats…

Before the Council:

Converts that were former Jews were “upsetting” and “disturbing” Gentile Christian converts by telling them they had to be circumcised and to keep the Jewish Law.

In order to keep the Jewish Law, this would have included many prohibitions like forbidding consumption of blood, idol meats, strangled meats, etc. 5,24

According to verse 24, before this Council, the Church gave “no instructions” to these former Jews to apply such mandates on these Gentile Christians.

Greek to English: (tērein) Keep (ton) the (nomon) law (hois) to whom (ou) “not” (diesteilametha) we had given instructions.

If consumption of blood was a “serious forbidden act” and “condemned by God,” why were there no “proactive” instructions?

Roughly “20 years” after the Church was formed, there would have been an “inclusion mandate” to the Jewish Law already in place.

Many Gentile Christians were “former pagans” that consumed animal blood on a regular basis. If blood consumption was forbidden, this would have been a “top priority” teaching by the Church “before” Gentiles could convert to Christianity.

Before the Council, there were “no” restrictions applied by the early Church

After the Council:

The Church was dealing with mental health struggles.

Many Gentile Christians consumed strangled and idol meats that contained animal blood, while many former Jews viewed this as sacrilegious and struggled mentally when witnessing such acts.

According to St. Paul, consuming these foods in front of weak minded Christian converts was not appropriate.

“I know and am convinced in the Lord Jesus that nothing is unclean in itself; still, it is unclean for someone who thinks it is unclean.” Rom 14:14

“If your brother is being hurt by what you eat, your conduct is no longer in accord with love. Do not because of your food destroy him for whom Christ died.” 15

“For the sake of food, do not destroy the work of God. Everything is indeed clean, but it is wrong for anyone to become a stumbling block by eating.” 20

According to St. Paul, Christians had the freedom to eat anything, but with caution. “Make sure that this liberty of yours in no way becomes a stumbling block to the weak.” 1 Cor 8:9

Eating idol meats were allowed as long as converts had Christian knowledge that pagan sacrifices were “worthless,” and weak minded Christians were not present. 1 Cor 8

Do these mental stumbling blocks sound familiar?

Do these mental stumbling blocks ring a bell?…This saying is hard, who can accept it? Who can listen to it? John 6:60

Jesus said to his disciples, does this make you stumble? 61

St. Paul described these “stumbling blocks” as “hurting” and “destroying” these converts. Rom 14:15,20

More than 20 years after the Bread of Life Discourse, Holy Scripture provides numerous scripture based evidence of similar mental health struggles among former Jews.

St. Paul’s teaching on consuming the Blood of Christ, after the Council

In the same way also the cup, after supper, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood. Do this, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of me.”1 Cor 11:26

“For as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the death of the Lord until he comes.” 27

“Therefore whoever eats the bread or drinks the cup of the Lord unworthily will have to answer for the body and blood of the Lord.” 28

“A person should examine himself, and so eat the bread and drink the cup.” 29

“For anyone who eats and drinks without discerning the body, eats and drinks judgment on himself.” 30

LAST SUPPER + CRUCIFIXION = SACRIFICE OF JESUS CHRIST 💥

Was the Crucifixion of Jesus Christ the “only requirement” to complete the Sacrifice on Calvary Hill?

Some people believe the Crucifixion alone completed the Sacrifice of Jesus Christ. They believe no other sacrificial elements were required.

Does this comply with the Old Testament sacrificial system and Jewish Law?

How do we know this was not just an execution?

A crucifixion by “itself” is not considered a sacrifice.

If it was considered a sacrifice, then there were hundreds of thousands of human sacrifices, over the centuries.

And we would have to consider the other two crucifixions on Calvary Hill, were sacrifices.

What made the Crucifixion of Jesus Christ, a sacrifice?

How do we know the Crucifixion was for the forgiveness of sins?

Throughout the earthly ministry of Jesus, the disciples had “no clue” that Jesus was going to be sacrificed for their sins. Mark 9:32, Luke 18:34

At that time, it is estimated that the “Roman Empire” ruled and occupied 50 different countries, including the region of Israel.

The Jews of that time believed the Messiah to come would be a “Warrior King” similar to “King David” that would lead Israel out of Roman occupation and oppression.

When Jesus predicted his own Roman execution, Peter “rebuked” the Lord and told him he would “not” die. Matt 16:22

Historical commentary written decades later, all throughout the New Testament talks about the “forgiveness of sins,” but when did Jesus offer these intentions?

The Lord predicted his death several times but “never” revealed “why” he had to die until the night before his Crucifixion, during the Last Supper.

It is “100% impossible” to offer a sacrifice without intent, according to Jewish Law.

Without the Last Supper intentions, the Crucifixion of Jesus Christ would not be considered a sacrifice, according to Jewish Law.

Sacrificial intent is a “key” element to a sacrifice. You cannot “separate” intent from the sacrifice. Without intent, you have “no” sacrifice.

To fulfill the Old Testament and the Jewish Law is to bring it to completion; to finish.

Did Jesus come to “fulfill” the Old Testament and the Jewish Law?

Let’s answer that question with a quote from Jesus…

“Do not think that I have come to abolish the law or the prophets. I have come not to abolish but to fulfill.” Matt 5:17

In order to “fulfill” the Jewish Law and the Old Testament sacrificial system, Jesus had to follow the Law.

According to the Mosaic Law, the “innocent victim” and “sacrificial intent” were only accepted by God when presented together before a sacrifice, during the “laying of hands.”

Without “sacrificial intent” and the “laying of hands,” an offering would not have been “accepted” by God.

The “laying of hands” (semikah) on the animal to be sacrificed was a Jewish ceremony obligatory; required by Jewish Law.

The innocent animal was then presented as a “substitute” on behalf of sinners and was sacrificed for those sins.

According to Holy Scripture, there was “no” completion of a “forgiveness of sin” sacrifice, without fulfillment of these requirements.

This Jewish Law is presented in many chapters from the Book of Leviticus. Lev 1:4, Lev 3, Lev 4, Lev 16

Sacrificial intentions from the Last Supper

Now, let’s have a look at how these intentions were presented by Jesus during the Last Supper.

While they were eating, Jesus took bread, said the blessing, broke it, and giving it to his disciples said, “Take and eat; this is my body”…

Then he took a cup, gave thanks, and gave it to them, saying, “Drink from it, all of you, for this is my blood of the covenant, which will be shed on behalf of many for the forgiveness of sins.” Matt 26:26-28

During the Last Supper, the innocent “Lamb of God” was presented as the “substitute” on behalf of many sinners.

The Lamb was led to the slaughter after the Last Supper as the Passion of the Lord intensified, with the betrayal by Judas Iscariot.

Here’s another big question…

Why did Jesus present himself as “food” and “drink” when offering his sacrificial intentions during the Last Supper?

When revealing the “most important” intentions for humanity, the body and blood of Jesus was presented as food and drink. Matt 26:26-28

Do you think Jesus, the “High Priest,” knew about the “laying of hands” Mosaic sacrificial requirement when offering bread and drink?

Why lay hands on food and drink as you reveal your “one and only” holy sacrificial intentions for the forgiveness of sins?

Not only did he lay hands on and apply sacrificial intentions to bread and drink, he described how this bread and drink will be sacrificed…

Bread “will be given for you.” Drink “will be shed for you” (Luke 22:19-20), for the forgiveness of sins. Matt 26:28

Why did the “High Priest” present bread and drink as the “sacrificial gifts” for the “forgiveness of sins?” Matt 26:26-28

The High Priest not only followed the Mosaic Law, he then instructed his apostles to “re-present” the offering from the Last Supper, when he told them the following…

“Do this in remembrance of me.” Luke 22:19; 1 Cor 11:23-25

Why did Jesus command his apostles to give bread, after the Sacrifice?

Are we to apply faith or memory to the gifts Jesus offered, for the forgiveness of sins?

If the bread and drink are truly Jesus Christ, then you can apply faith directly onto the gifts offered.

If the bread and drink are a symbolic Jesus, then you can only apply “memory” onto the gifts offered.

Of course, they can try to replace the symbolic gifts offered with Jesus himself.

But here is the big question.

Why during one of the most important events in Christianity, would Jesus institute a “memory ritual,” with bread that excludes faith?

Would Jesus offer gifts that you can only apply memory to?

Or, would he offer gifts that require absolute faith?

Having faith beyond human comprehension, is called absolute faith.

Why spend your entire earthly ministry teaching about faith, but then offer symbolic gifts?

Why apply the forgiveness of sins onto a symbolic “Bread of Life” that you cannot have faith in?

Why even offer bread and drink, during the Last Supper?

Isn’t Jesus sitting at the table, good enough?

If the “Bread of Life” teachings are “all about faith,” why introduce symbolic bread that represents Jesus?

Why describe a symbolic Jesus as your own body and blood and then apply the most Holy and Sacred intentions for humanity, onto this symbolic Jesus?

The Lord did not prepare his disciples to apply memory, with bread and drink.

He prepared his disciples, to apply faith!

The preparation was so intense, that Jesus even threatened his disciples with a serious ultimatum:

If you don’t consume this bread and drink through faith, you have “no” life, within you
(From a metaphorical interpretation – John 6:53).

He then described the bread and drink, as “true food” and “true drink.”

Why present a symbolic Jesus of true food and true drink that you applied sacrificial intentions onto, described them as your body and blood, and presented them as the offering?

Why go to such drastic measures and allow many disciples to leave you over a bread metaphor that requires faith, but then introduce symbolic bread?

Why prepare your disciples with such serious teachings, but then expect them to “not” apply faith through bread presented, as Jesus Christ?

Does Holy Scripture support symbolic gifts?

As described above, the Bread of Life Discourse does not support symbolic gifts. With no compromise to his teachings, Jesus prepared his disciples for “real gifts” to be offered.

There is a significant difference between “real blood” and “symbolic blood.” One is “real” blood while the other is “not real” blood.

Wouldn’t offering blood that was “not real” as the gift for the forgiveness of sins be a bit insulting to the Father?

The greatest sacrificial offering and New Covenant promise from the Son of God were applied to gifts that were not real?

According to the Old Testament, what type of blood were offered for sacrificial intentions? Symbolic blood or real blood?

Holy Scripture makes reference to over “200 sacrifices.” Not one sacrifice described in the Holy Bible applied sacrificial intentions to symbolic gifts.

It would have been impossible for the “Lamb of God” to “fulfill” the Old Testament sacrificial system and Mosaic Law with symbolic gifts.

According to the Book of Leviticus, sacrificial intent and animal substitution were only “accepted” by God together during a “laying of hands” ceremony.

The innocent animal accepted by God as the substitution was then sacrificed for intent applied onto that animal. The substitution was “never” replaced.

Animal substitutions were always “real gifts” offered to the Father that were always “sacrificed,” according to Holy Scripture.

A transfer of sin onto the animal to be sacrificed was a Jewish belief (semikah) and a foreshadow of the perfect and complete Sacrifice of Jesus Christ.

Applying intent onto symbolic gifts and then replacing those gifts is not biblical and defeats the purpose of this Mosaic Law that Jesus came to fulfill.

Holy Scripture does not support symbolic gifts. Symbolic gifts cannot be the victim, would not be sacrificed and are not biblical.

According to the Mosaic Law that Jesus fulfilled (Matt 5:17), there is no sacrifice without the Last Supper and there is no sacrifice with symbolic gifts.

His supernatural body

You are now probably thinking, there is no way this could have happened. If these were real gifts, how could Jesus do this?

How can “Jesus” do the impossible?

The “Bread of Life” demonstrated his abilities to multiply, by multiplying bread. Jesus not only called himself bread, he multiplied bread. John 6:1-15

Jesus also demonstrated his abilities to transform substance. He transformed water into wine. John 2:1-11

But how can Jesus literally “multiply himself” into bread and transform the “fruit of the vine” into his blood while sitting at the table with his apostles?

How can “God” do the impossible?

With the earthly ministry of Jesus, many people studying scripture recognize the Lord’s supernatural abilities, but apply “natural limits” when they see fit (e.g., Last Supper).

Jesus was conceived by the Power of the Holy Spirit and was born from a virgin birth. No other human body has “ever” been created this way.

The Lord is fully human but also fully divine. From birth his body consist of flesh, blood, soul and “divinity.”

The divinity of Jesus was responsible for “all” his miracles. His divine nature allowed him to walk on water, transformed his body during the Transfiguration, multiplied bread and fish, raised people from the dead, etc.

God has revealed himself as three persons, but only as “one” divine nature. Therefore, one God in three persons. Our one God created everything “out of nothing.”

How did God create everything out of nothing?

According to the Book of Genesis chapter 1, “God spoke:”

God spoke, let there be light, and there was light.

God spoke, let there be a dome with water and land. And so it happened.

God spoke, let there be an abundance of living creatures on the land, in the sea and in the air. And so it happened.

God spoke, let us create human beings in our image and likeness. And so it happened.

Our one God “spoke” while sitting at the table with his apostles, take and eat this bread for this is “my body.” Take and drink this cup, for this is “my blood.”

And so it happened.

God spoke, “do this” in remembrance of me.

And so it happens… Amen.

NEW PASSOVER

Old Passover vs. New Passover

All Old Testament sacrifices were fulfilled by Jesus Christ, including the Old Testament Passover. Exodus 11,12

Many verses throughout Holy Scripture provide additional context around the Bread of Life Discourse and Last Supper teachings by referring to Jesus as the “Lamb of God.”

The New Testament makes reference to the “Lamb” 32 times.

According to the Book of Exodus, it was “real flesh” of lambs eaten and “real blood” of lambs that saved in the Old Testament Passover.

With the Old Passover, the firstborn were saved and the Israelites were set free from slavery in Egypt.

God warned the Israelites that the “tenth plague” would kill every firstborn in Egypt. However, if the Israelites followed specific instructions from God, their firstborn would be saved and the Israelites would be set free from slavery.

How were the Israelites’ firstborn saved during Passover? If they “only” sacrificed lambs, the firstborn would have died. Death would have entered their homes.

We are not saved by the Sacrifice and Resurrection of Jesus Christ alone. Faith and obedience to the teachings of Christ are a “must.”

The Israelites did not believe the instructions from the Father were metaphorical language. The Israelites were obedient and followed specific instructions from God, after the lambs were sacrificed.

“Real lamb flesh” were eaten to be in covenant with God and “real lamb blood“ were applied to physical homes in order for the angel of death to “pass over.”

The firstborn were saved from “physical death” during the Old Passover and the Israelites were then set free from slavery.

The New Passover saves the faithful and sets them free from slavery; sin and death.

Jesus himself chose the time of when to present the “Bread of Life Discourse” and the “Last Supper” teachings. What are the odds that both events would fall so close to annual celebrations of Passover?

According to probability, Jesus did this on purpose. He could have chosen any other weeks, months and years during his earthly ministry to present these teachings.

The New Passover saves the faithful from “spiritual death.”

This is done by following the instructions from Jesus Christ. Real lamb flesh is eaten and real lamb blood is applied to our human spirits.

God commanded the Passover Statute to be celebrated by every generation, “forever.” Exodus 12

Repeated Sacrifices vs. Eternally Present Sacrifice

According to Holy Scripture, Jesus “commanded” his apostles to re-present his Sacrifice for the forgiveness of sins in “memory” of him. Not with a symbolic body or symbolic blood, but with his real body and blood.

On the surface, this looks like “repeated sacrifices” since his real body would be “given up” for you and his real blood “shed” for you. Sacrificial gifts would be offered to God along with sacrificial intentions.

Sin offerings should “not” be repeated since the Sacrifice of Jesus was the “perfect” Sacrifice for the forgiveness of sins. Heb 7&9

So, how do we follow the Lord’s commands without repeating the Sacrifice?

Eternally Present Sacrifice

Let’s see how God makes this happen…

According to Holy Scripture, God created a wonderful creation called, “time.” God however does “not” require something he created.

God through his divine nature is completely “outside of time.” He exists in the “eternal present.”

This means, there is “no” past or future. All time is considered eternally present, according to his divine nature.

Divine nature has unlimited or infinite time. For example, for “all” time on earth by each individual person, God is present.

Since God is eternally present with “no past” and “no future,” God is present right now in all past time, present time and all future time.

God exists in the present moments of the days of Moses, just as he exists in the present moment of the Crucifixion, just as he exists in the present moment of the Second Coming.

Divine nature “is” eternally present during the Sacrifice of Jesus Christ that happened roughly two thousand years ago.

God is not only eternally present, “he is the victim” of the Sacrifice. God came down from Heaven and became incarnated, taking on human flesh in order to suffer greatly and save us from our sins. God is the victim on the cross…

Before time, Jesus exists. John 1:1-18; 8:58; 17:5,24; Heb 7:3; 2 Tim 1:9; etc…

Jesus came down from Heaven. John 3:13,31-36; 6:33,38

“The Father and I are one.” 10:30

“Whoever has seen me has seen the Father.” 14:9

“Believe me that I am in the Father and the Father is in me…” 14:11

During the Sacrifice, Jesus was inside of time (fully human), but also eternally present outside of time (fully divine).

How can God “separate” his eternal presence “from the Sacrifice” where he is the victim?

Since God is eternally present and the victim on the cross, the Sacrifice itself is eternally present.

Did Jesus understand his divine nature?

Did Jesus know his Sacrifice is eternally present?

Do you think Jesus understood his “divine nature” when telling his apostles to re-present his Sacrifice?

How could he “not” understand? He is God.

This is my body (bread) given up for you, this is my blood (drink) shed for you. “Do this” in remembrance of me.

Catholic Mass does not re-crucify Jesus

Now, there are a lot of false interpretations about Catholic Mass.

The New Passover (Catholic Mass) Memorial Sacrifice does “not” re-crucify Jesus on the cross. The suffering and death of Jesus happened “once and for all.”

The Sacrifice at Calvary roughly two thousand years ago was the one and only “perfect” sacrifice for the forgiveness of sins.

A sacrifice is a gift to God and does not always involve a killing. For example, Psalm 50:14 God commanded a sacrifice of thanksgiving.

The Greek word for Eucharist is “Eucharistein” which means thanksgiving.

Intentions and Sacrifice re-presented at the Lord’s request

Jesus instructed his apostles to re-present his intentions and Sacrifice, using bread (body) and drink (blood) in “memory” of him.

Now, here is a question for you…

Does divine nature have memory?

When God intervenes and reveals his presence at Catholic Mass through the creation of miracles, does he use memory to re-present the Sacrifice?

The answer to that question is, no.

Divine nature has no past or future. God created memory. He “always” exists, even before memory. To God, the Sacrifice exists “eternally now.”

At Catholic Mass, a sin offering is never repeated. The “one and only” perfect sin offering is made “present” by the presence of God.

The Eucharist is a memorial of the “one and only” Sacrifice and Resurrection. A memorial is repeated; “not” the sacrifice from the cross.

As human beings through memory remember and re-present his Sacrifice as a memorial, God through his eternal presence makes present the “one and only” Sacrifice.

At the Lord’s request, the living Eucharist is offered as a memorial “thanksgiving.” We give thanks and praise to God for all he has done!

Sacrifices are offered to God constantly throughout the world, in different ways.

For example, as we offer the sacrifice of thanksgiving at Mass, we also offer our own individual sacrifices to God (e.g., daily work, raising children, first responders).

Eternal life is in the food and drink of the “Lamb of God”

“This is the bread that comes down from Heaven so that one may eat it and not die.” John 6:50

“I am the living bread that came down from heaven; whoever eats this bread will live forever; and the bread that I will give is my flesh for the life of the world.” 51

“Amen, amen, I say to you, unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink his blood, you do not have life within you.” 53

“Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood has eternal life, and I will raise him on the last day.” 54

“For my flesh is true food, and my blood is true drink.” 55

“This is the bread that came down from heaven. Unlike your ancestors who ate and still died, whoever eats this bread will live forever.” 58

GOD BLESS!

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The New American Bible, Revised Edition