Jesus as God
Eternal Life Depends upon Jesus
The discourse uses shocking eating-and-drinking imagery to express complete dependence upon Jesus and his sacrificial life.
How this passage contributes to the case:
The labels below identify the kinds of evidence for Jesus' divinity found in this passage.
Select a label for an explanation.
Divine Identity
Authority over Life and Death
Divine Authority
Gives Life
Grants Salvation
Raises the Dead
Strength of evidence: Strong.
This passage provides substantial evidence relevant to Jesus' divine identity when read in its literary and historical context.
Scripture
What Was Said or Done
Jesus says that participation in him is necessary for life, that those who feed on him have eternal life, and that he will raise them at the last day.
Historical and Cultural Context
Passover, manna, sacrificial blood, and wisdom-banquet traditions contribute to the imagery without reducing it to a single background.
Old Testament Background
Exodus 12; Exodus 16; Proverbs 9:1-6 are useful backgrounds.
Exposition
The theological point for this database is not a particular sacramental interpretation but Jesus' claim that eternal life depends upon receiving him.
Why This Points to His Divinity
Jesus places himself personally at the center of eternal life and future resurrection.
Response of the Hearers
Many disciples find the teaching hard and later withdraw.