I think perhaps the most significant and most overlooked verse from John 6 in terms of understanding what Jesus is saying is John 6:57:
"As the living Father sent me, and I live because of the Father, so whoever eats me will live because of me."
The meaning of this verse is worth fleshing out (pun intended) and should be understood within the broader Eucharistic discourse found in John 6:22-66, where Jesus presents Himself as the "living bread" from heaven, giving His flesh for the life of the world.
Understanding John 6:57 involves recognizing Jesus' intimate statement about the source of life and the indwelling union with Him that comes through receiving His flesh and blood. In verse 57 Jesus contrasts two modes of life: the life He receives from the Father ("I live because of the Father") and the life given to those who partake of Him ("whoever eats me will live because of me"). This implies a life-giving exchange and union, pointing to more than mere physical life; it is eternal life rooted in divine relationship and communion with God.
The "eating" of Jesus' flesh therefore is not merely symbolic but is a real participation in Christ's very self. The Greek word for "body" in the Last Supper accounts (soma) refers not only to flesh (sarx) but to the whole person, encompassing body, mind, soul, and will. So Jesus is giving His whole self, His unrestricted love, to those who receive Him in the Eucharist, promising them eternal life.
Jesus' giving of His flesh and blood is also a blood covenant with His followers, echoing ancient Israelite customs where the blood sealed unbreakable family bonds, forgiveness, and liberation from sin and death. This covenant is eternal, provided the recipients do not reject Him, thereby becoming members of His divine family and receiving freedom from darkness and evil (Exodus 24:38; John 6:39-40, 44, 47, 50, 51, 54, 58).
The power of this promise to "live because of me" is further emphasized by the scandal it caused among Jesus' disciples, many of whom found this teaching difficult and left Him. This reaction supports the understanding that the claim was understood literally, not symbolically.
