Expositor's Bible Commentary Commentary John 6:56

"He that eateth my flesh and drinketh my blood abideth in me, and I in him." — John 6:56 (ASV)

Jesus now explains what he means by his flesh and blood. First of all, what he is talking about is as real to him as are the physical counterparts that his opponents had in mind. It is a real food and a real drink that produces a real life. To partake of the elements that Christ offers brings one into an abiding relationship with him. The reality of the Christ-imparted life has been attested to by the myriads of Christians throughout the age who have partaken of Christ’s body and blood, in sweet communion with him. Jesus then likened the intimate relationship that believers sustain with him to the intimacy existing between the Father and himself.