Eat My Flesh and Drink My Blood

“How can this man give us his flesh to eat?”
Text: John 6:52-58

Something so unique had happened in Christ that there were no words for it!

Who am I?
We've all asked ourselves that question at some point in our life. We may focus our identity on our accomplishments, bank account balance, school alma mater, job performance, social connections, among other options.

At the end of the sermon yesterday, the hand's application was to memorize Colossians 3:1-3. Read this slowly and consider it carefully.

If you have placed your faith in Jesus...

• you have been raised with Christ
• you have died
• your life is hidden with Christ in God.

These statements speak of your core identity as a Christ-follower. When using the metaphor of eating His flesh and drinking His blood, Jesus was speaking of the radical nature of the change that happens to us when we place our faith in Him. And this union with Christ is what Paul is describing also.

But this verse also tells us to do some things...

• seek the things that are above
• set your minds on things that are above
• don't set your minds on things that are on earth.

This isn't encouraging us to escape the world. Paul is challenging us to live out the prayer Jesus taught His disciples to pray: "Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven" (Matthew 6:10). 

• What does this look like in practice for you? What obstacles are there to practicing this "heavenly mindfulness" in your life today?
• How does forgetfulness impact your ability to live out your identity in Christ?
• How do you allow your feelings to impact how you live out your identity in Christ?
• Write down all the “identities” you possess (nationality, political affiliation, relationships, etc.). Honestly, put them in the order they seem most important to you. Where does your identity in Christ sit in the list? Why is that, and how can it be made the highest priority?
• Pray Colossians 3:1-3!