Truth Campaign | The Truth Will Set You Free!

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 society. 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 symbolically at the Bread of Life Discourse and the Last Supper.

A proven understanding 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 “without” the Last Supper, the Crucifixion of Jesus Christ would only be considered an execution and not a sacrifice.

TABLE OF CONTENT – QUICK 45 MINUTE READ

Difficult and disturbing new teachings from Jesus
- Introduction
- Bread is his flesh
- Angry arguments broke out at the Bread of Life Discourse
- Jesus gave a forbidden ultimatum
- Hard to believe for many disciples
- Does this shock you?
- What if you see me fly to Heaven?
- From “Prophet” and “King” to arguments and disbelief

The truth about John 6:63
- Does verse 63 support a symbolic interpretation?
- “The spirit” vs. “the flesh” are defined by Holy Scripture
- What do his words say?
- What does Jesus feed since our physical mortal bodies die?

The Apostasy
- Many disciples left Jesus and returned to their former way of life
- No compromise
- Mental struggles vs. faith
- Have faith like St. Peter

Forbidden Jewish Law
- Jesus superseded many old Jewish laws
- Everything that passes through the stomach cannot defile
- Back-to-back teachings
- The Council of Jerusalem – Acts Chapter 15

Last Supper + Crucifixion = Sacrifice of Jesus Christ
- Last Supper Remembrance
- Holy Scripture condemns repeated sin offerings
- God is not only eternally present, he is the victim on the cross
- The New Passover
- Eternal life is in the food and drink of the Lamb of God

DIFFICULT AND DISTURBING NEW TEACHINGS FROM JESUS

Introduction

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

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, from the “very beginning” of his earthly ministry, Jesus had other “faithful” disciples that accompanied and followed him. 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

It makes sense that Jesus had many disciples because of the miracles he performed and the promise of eternal life…

Whoever “believes” in the Son has eternal life. John 3:15,16,36; 5:24; etc.

At the Bread of Life Discourse, Jesus challenged the faith of his disciples.

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.

New difficult and disturbing teachings…

Bread is his flesh

“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

He “will give” bread – future tense.

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

Hard 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? Without a doubt!

Does this shock you?

From Verse 61: Jesus had another 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.”

What if you see me fly to Heaven. 62

Is flying to Heaven supernatural? Jesus clearly makes the point that these new teachings are based on the supernatural; the miraculous.

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

THE TRUTH ABOUT VERSE 63

Let’s analyze John 6:63…

“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.”

Some people claim that verse 63 supports a symbolic 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.

Some believe Jesus was referring to “his own physical flesh” when he said, “the flesh profits nothing.”

They also believe the word “spirit” in verse 63 proves that Jesus was speaking symbolically; based on a spiritual immaterial meaning.

By analyzing each sentence of this verse, we will clearly show you why a symbolic interpretation is “not” correct.

Analysis of the first sentence from verse 63…

Does the physical flesh of Jesus profit nothing? Let’s review the facts…

Jesus was conceived by the Power of the Holy Spirit. No other human flesh has “ever” been created this way.

Was the Resurrection of no help or benefit for humanity? The physical flesh of Jesus rose from the dead.

The flesh of Jesus profits eternal life in Heaven. Not only did his flesh rise from the dead, his flesh ascended to Heaven.

The physical suffering, death of his flesh, Resurrection and Ascension profits eternal life for so many people.

The flesh of Jesus profits immensely! So then, what “flesh” was the Lord referring to?

According to Holy Scripture, “the spirit” vs. “the flesh” are two biblical terms that are based on how a person lives according to their faith and desires. These two comparison terms are complete opposite of each other.

A person living in “the spirit” is someone who is united with God in faith and abstains from partaking in their sinful desires.

A person living in “the flesh” is someone who lacks faith in God and is obedient to their sinful desires.

Jesus applied these two terms in the Gospel of Matthew.

Jesus told Peter to be vigilant and pray so that he does not enter into “temptation.” He then said the following, “the spirit” is willing, but “the flesh” is weak. 26:41

Jesus referred to “the flesh” as being weak against temptations. According to its definition, only “desires” lead us into temptation. Not our physical flesh.

A desire may motivate our physical body to do something. We may also use our physical body when giving into temptations.

Shortly after this verse, Peter followed his sinful desire to save himself and deny Jesus three times. If you live according to “the flesh,” you are weak against temptations.

St. Paul applied these two terms in multiple letters.

According to facts, more than “15 times” St. Paul referred to these two biblical comparison terms.

For example, he described those living in “the flesh” as living according to their sinful desires of lust, hatred, immorality, impurity, idolatry, etc. Gal 5:19-21

Those living in “the spirit” do the complete opposite, according to St Paul. They live according to righteousness, love, faithfulness, kindness, obedience, etc. Rom 8:4, Gal 5:22

St. Paul also described the “rewards” for living in “the spirit” vs. living in “the flesh.” By living in “the spirit” you reap eternal life, by living according to “the flesh,” you die. Rom 8:13

Does this sound familiar? Jesus also referred to the rewards…

Life or Nothing

Similar to St.Paul’s description, Jesus described the rewards between living in “the spirit” vs. living in “the flesh.”

Those who live in “the spirit” are given life

Those who live in the sins of “the flesh” profit nothing

Analysis of the second sentence from verse 63…

The Lord referred to eternal life “13 times” in the Bread of Life Discourse, more than any other chapter in the New Testament.

From verse 63: “The words I have spoken to you are spirit and life.”

The context of the “words” Jesus spoke at the Bread of Life Discourse are about how a “person” can obtain eternal life in Heaven.

According to facts, the definition of the word “spirit” refers to the non-physical or immaterial part of a “person.” In context, the word “life” means eternal life in Heaven.

What part of a person can obtain eternal life in Heaven?

In order to accurately verify the meanings of spirit and life, we have to analyze the words the Lord just spoke…

From his own words:

“This is the bread that comes down from Heaven so that 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 person does not die and can enter eternal life in Heaven? What could Jesus be referring to since our physical mortal bodies die?

He can “only” be referring to our spirit.

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

According to facts, Jesus feeds your “spirit” which gives “life.”

These new difficult supernatural teachings are for your spirit. Though our physical bodies will later rise from the dead, only our spirit can escape death and not die.

It is only by living in “the spirit” that you can have faith in God and these teachings. And it is only your spirit that is fed – Spirit & Life

THE APOSTASY

They left him

“As a result of this, many of his disciples returned to their former way of life and no longer accompanied him.” John 6:66

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

As a disciple 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.

Jesus commanded his disciples to renounce their possessions, deny themselves, pick up their cross daily and follow him. Matt 10:38-39, Luke 9:23; Luke 14:25-33

Many of these disciples had given up their “way of life” to follow Jesus.

For Jesus to allow many disciples that accompanied and followed him, that ate and drank with him, that traveled day and night with him, to leave him, shows you how important these teachings are to the Lord. John 6:60,64,66

And there was no compromise.

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? No!

But he had “faith” in Jesus:

Simon Peter answered him, “Master, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life. We have come to believe and are convinced that you are the Holy One of God.” 68,69

Mental Struggles vs. Faith

You apply human understanding and reasoning when possible, but supernatural teachings from God are beyond our mental capacity. Faith is the “bridge” that connects us to the supernatural. Faith connects us to God, who is supernatural.

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.

Though Jesus did state, “bread” is his “flesh” (51) and he referred to himself as bread “10 times” during this discourse, the mental struggle for many are clear and obvious.

Jesus challenged his disciples to “go with him” beyond their “limited” human understanding. Beyond the barriers of human comprehension, like flying to Heaven. 62

These supernatural teachings were “hard” for many disciples to believe, as Holy Scripture states (60). They were struggling mentally with his difficult and disturbing words. They could not listen to or accept them (60). The words that Jesus spoke offended and shocked many disciples. 61

The Jews mentally struggled as well. “How” can this man give us his flesh to eat? (52) They questioned the supernatural. How can this happen? They argued among themselves. How can he “give us” his flesh?

The word “believe” is mentioned “nine times” in this discourse. Applying human “limited understanding” to teachings that are “beyond human comprehension” would be impossible to believe. Instead of applying human understanding, the Lord requires “faith” like St. Peter had:

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

Does this sound like “human understanding” or faith? If St. Peter applied human understanding to these new supernatural teachings, he would have made similar comments and asked similar questions… This is hard; how can this happen? Who can accept it? Who can believe it?

Instead, St. Peter chose “faith” over limited human understanding. He was “convinced” (egnōkamen) through faith in Jesus. Instead of applying human mental barriers, he chose the bridge. Lord, I don’t understand, but you can do anything…

You are the Holy One of God! 69

“Mental struggles” among Jewish converts during the early Church

More than 20 years after the Bread of Life Discourse, Holy Scripture provides “numerous” scripture based evidence of similar “mental struggles” among Jewish converts when witnessing the consumption of animal blood.

St. Paul described these issues as stumbling blocks from weak minded Jewish converts that were being “hurt” and “destroyed.” See “Forbidden Jewish Law” section…

FORBIDDEN JEWISH LAW

The forbidden Jewish law of consuming blood was superseded by Jesus with his new commands, like “many” other old laws. The consumption of “fat” for example was condemned in the Old Testament, for it was presented as offerings; oblations to the Lord.

“You shall not eat any fat or any blood.” Lev 3

Jesus superseded these old Jewish laws…

In Mark chapter 7, the Pharisees and Scribes saw the disciples eating with “unclean hands.” They questioned Jesus about this. 5

Jesus responded by quoting Isaiah. He called the Jews hypocrites for worshiping God with their lips in vain, all while clinging to human traditions like the washing of hands. 6-8

He then told the Jews that it is “not” through the stomach but through the “heart” where defilement occurs. 15

He later explained to his disciples, “are even you likewise without understanding? 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 Jewish converts had.

Council of Jerusalem – Acts Chapter 15

Some people believe Acts chapter 15 supports a symbolic 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.

According to Holy Scripture, “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:

Jewish Christian converts were “upsetting” and “disturbing” Gentile Christian converts by telling them they had to be circumcised and to keep the Jewish Law, which would include many prohibitions like forbidding consumption of blood, idol meats, strangled meats, etc. 5,24

According to verse 24, the Church gave “no instructions” to these Jewish Christians 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 “exception mandate” to the Jewish Law already in place.

Many Gentile converts 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 converts consumed idol meats and animal blood while many Jewish converts viewed this as sacrilegious, and struggled mentally when witnessing such acts.

According to St. Paul, consuming these foods in front of weak minded Jewish converts was not appropriate. Rom 14:1-20

“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.” 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

St. Paul described Christians as having 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 was 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 Jewish 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 Jewish converts.

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

Last Supper Remembrance

During the Last Supper, Jesus gave a command to his apostles. “Do this in remembrance of me.” (Luke 22:19) What do we “do” in memory of him?

Some people believe we are to share symbolic bread and symbolic grape juice in memory of him. Was Jesus speaking symbolically at the Last Supper or is there something greater to this command?

What does Holy Scripture say…

Commentary all throughout the New Testament talks about “why” Jesus had to die. However, Jesus himself did not tell his disciples “why” he had to die until the night before his Crucifixion, according to Holy Scripture.

At least three times Jesus predicted his Passion in front of his disciples and every prediction presented, the disciples did not understand why Jesus had to die. Mark 9:32, Luke 18:34

In fact, Peter rebuked the Lord and told him that he would “not” die:

Then Peter took him aside and began to rebuke him, “God forbid, Lord! No such thing shall ever happen to you.” Matt 16:22

What if Jesus died on the cross “without” revealing “why” he had to die? The Crucifixion would not be considered a sacrifice.

In the Old Testament, was there ever a sacrifice that did not have sacrificial intent? If someone had slaughtered a lamb “without” offering sacrificial intent, would that have been considered a sacrifice? Absolutely not.

As part of a sacrifice, an outward offering is required where the person presents the gift along with the intention or purpose for the sacrifice.

Sacrificial intent is a key element to a sacrifice. You cannot separate intent from the sacrifice. Without intent, a sacrifice is not valid.

The “only” time Jesus explained “why” he had to be crucified was at the Last Supper. It is clear his sacrificial intentions were revealed during the Last Supper:

“for this is my blood of the covenant, which will be shed on behalf of many for the forgiveness of sins.” Matt 26:28

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

Without the Last Supper intentions, the death of Jesus would only be considered an execution. Commentary throughout the New Testament would be “much” different.

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

According to Holy Scripture, bread (body) and drink (blood) were consumed at the Last Supper while Jesus presented his sacrificial intentions. Matt 26:26-28

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

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

During the process of revealing his intentions the night before the Crucifixion, Jesus described his sacrifice to the apostles using food and drink. Why?

If just a meal, why did Jesus present to the apostles bread and drink described as a sacrifice, while revealing to the apostles his most holy sacrificial intentions?

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

According to facts, there is not one discrepancy or difference when Jesus described the sacrificial gifts of bread and drink as being truly his body and blood.

A gift along with intent are required for a sacrifice. Sacrificial gifts of bread (body) and drink (blood) were offered, sacrificial intentions were given.

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

Why did the Lord instruct his apostles to “re-present” the offering from the Last Supper?

Was “symbolic blood” offered for sacrificial intentions?

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

One of the gifts that Jesus offered for sacrificial intentions was “substance” in a cup they drank at the Last Supper:

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 26:27-28

There is a “significant” difference between symbolic blood and real blood.

If a gift of symbolic blood was offered to the Father for the forgiveness of sins, how can the sacrificial intentions at the Last Supper be applied to the Crucifixion, where real blood was shed?

Furthermore, if a gift of symbolic blood was offered to the Father for the forgiveness of sins, wouldn’t that be a bit “insulting” to the Father? The most important sacrificial intentions for humanity are applied to symbolic blood?

According to Holy Scripture, only “real gifts” are offered for sacrificial intentions.

Before the Resurrection, the body of Jesus was supernatural

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

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. His body consists 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, raise 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,” including his physical body.

To apply natural limits to God who is supernatural, is impossible.

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

According to Holy Scripture, 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 and everlasting, 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 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 for 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; 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.

God is the eternal victim.

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. Divine nature came down from Heaven, according to Holy Scripture.

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

New Passover

According to Holy Scripture, Jesus was not speaking symbolically at the Bread of Life Discourse and the Last Supper.

Many verses throughout Holy Scripture provide context around these literal teachings by referring to Jesus as the “Lamb of God.”

According to the Book of Exodus, it was real flesh of lamb eaten and real blood of lamb that saved in the Old Testament Passover. Exodus 12

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

Jesus came to fulfill the Old Testament.

Catholic Mass does not re-crucify Jesus

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.

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?

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

The only sacrifice Jesus could want presented would be his “one and only” eternally present sacrifice.

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 as the eternal victim, through his eternal presence makes present the “one and only” sacrifice.

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

Though the “living” resurrected whole and entire “real presence” (Eucharist) of the Lord only lasts a short period of time after consumption (CCC 1377), with faith in his teachings and obedience, our spirits are nourished and blessed with everlasting eternal life.

Sacrifices are offered to God constantly throughout the world, in different ways. For example, as we offer the sacrifice (gift) 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!

Drawn by the Father – John 6:44 & 65

Some believe the Father chose to not “draw” many disciples to his Son and that was the reason why these disciples left Jesus. This is clearly not true and here is why – Click here !

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Catholic Bible

The New American Bible, Revised Edition