Today's readings are Song of Solomon 7.6-8.14 ( http://www.gnpcb.org/esv/search/?q=Song+7.6-8.14 ) and John 6.41-59 ( http://www.gnpcb.org/esv/search/?q=John+6.41-59 ).
Today we move into Jesus' explanation of his "bread of life" statements. We see that the Jews were offended by the claims he was making. Watch carefully how Jesus defends his statements. In fact, he does not defend his statements. The Greek style of Jesus' explanation about being the true bread and the true drink use words that might suggest a gory cannibalistic feast. He uses eating words which bring to mind dogs gnawing on bones or starving rustic people gobbling their food, slobbering and grunting. He uses drinking words which are more akin to the English usage "guzzle" than "sip." This is not a refined feast Jesus calls his people to. And worst of all, he pictures himself as the food and drink!
Jesus' offensive statements here reflect the offense we take when we are confronted with reality, reality such as God's provision being our only hope in this world and for eternity, reality such as our inability to make ourselves pleasing to God, reality such as our sinfulness which defines us. What is the cure for our lostness? We do that which is repugnant to us and to our world. We depend not on ourselves but on Christ. We find sustenance in God's provision which is utterly unlike anything we would dream up on our own.
Believe on Christ! Hunger for him! Thirst for him! It is the craziest and most offensive thing you will ever do. And it is the wisdom of God.
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