by Ricky Doc Sauceda
What was hard for the followers of Jesus Christ to believe? It is something that I embrace word for word. Although many who go to seminary or know the Bible cling to a belief that our Lord was speaking generally of it...not literally.
I believe He was being literal. I do because of what the Old Testament teaches about sacrifices for our atonement. Jesus was teaching that the Son of man must be taken in like a sacrifice offering - that we must eat His flesh and drink His blood...which is done spiritually.
The Bread From Heaven
https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John+6%3A22-71&version=RSVCE
He cannot possibly manifest Himself to all of our churches physically at the time we assemble to do as He instructed about the things we must all do for the purpose of remembrance. We are to eat bread for everlasting life and drink wine for the forgiveness of our sins. The bread represents His body (flesh) and the wine represents His blood. (I believe the bread and wine transforms within us after we have consumed it.)
This is simple enough to understand. He did not beat around the bush about it. He was very specific.
As I see it, who am I to question God about what He desires of me to do? Does He not do much more for me? Has He not always provided and cared for me? Does He not have concern for my well being?
He does. He has done great things just in regard to me as one of His children. As He has always done for all of us.
So if the bread and wine represent His flesh and blood, so-be-it. I accept that. I will continue to do it because when I eat the bread and drink the wine I visualize His sacrificed body - which was mutilated. He died for us so that we who believe will have eternal life with Him.
The achieving of eternal life is my life's ambition. It is my desire to reunite with my parents for eternity. To have everlasting life, love and peace.
I will continue to remember Lord Jesus Christ with bread and wine.
Luke 22:14-22
The Institution of the Lord’s Supper
And when the hour came, he sat at table, and the apostles with him. And he said to them, “I have earnestly desired to eat this passover with you before I suffer; for I tell you I shall not eat it" until it is fulfilled in the kingdom of God.” And he took a cup, and when he had given thanks he said, “Take this, and divide it among yourselves; for I tell you that from now on I shall not drink of the fruit of the vine until the kingdom of God comes.” And he took bread, and when he had given thanks he broke it and gave it to them, saying, “This is my body which is given for you. Do this in remembrance of me.” And likewise the cup after supper, saying, “This cup which is poured out for you is the new covenant in my blood." But behold the hand of him who betrays me is with me on the table. For the Son of man goes as it has been determined; but woe to that man by whom he is betrayed!”
Amen.