The Eucharist. The Real Deal. Part 2

The Gospel's of Matthew, Mark and Luke give testimony of Jesus instituting the Eucharist. But the Gospel of John does not. In chapter six of John's Gospel, John does give the theology behind the Eucharist.

In John chapter six there was "a multitude following him" (Jn 6:2) him being Jesus. Jesus feeds five thousand men with five barley loaves and two fish. Note that the five thousand is not counting women or children. What was leftover filled twelve baskets. Does it strike you that five loaves of bread and two fish can't fill even twelve baskets? It's as if there was an endless supply of food their on the hill. This miracle prefigures the gift of Christ's own flesh. It is capable of being received by millions without being divided or diminished. "When the people saw the sign which he had done, they said 'this is indeed the prophet who is to come into the world.' " (Jn 6:14) Next the Jews were about to try and take Jesus and make him there king. Jesus withdrew from the crowd since he knew what they wanted to do. Following this is Jesus walking on the water. The next day the multitude of people cross the sea to be with Jesus.

The Jews ask Jesus "When did you come here"(Jn 6:25) Notice that they did not ask how. I wonder if more of his disciples would have stayed with him if they saw him walking on water. "Jesus answered them 'Truly, truly, I say to you, you seek me, not because you saw signs, but because you ate your fill of the loaves. Do not labor for the food which perishes, but for the food which endures to eternal life; which the Son of man will give to you; for on him has God the Father set his seal. Then they said to him 'What must we do, to be doing the work of God?' Jesus answered them, 'This is the work of God, that you believe in him whom he sent." (Jn 6:26-29) They didn't follow Jesus because they did believe he was a prophet. He filled their bellies. Just a few verses before they wanted to make Jesus their king. Many of the Jews had selfish, worldly motivations for following Jesus. Christ doesn't want them following him for those reasons. Jesus wants them to believe in him. Jesus wanted the people to follow him not follow after him. So the Jews ask, What they have to do. Christ answerer's them "believe in him whom he has sent." (Jn 6:29) Believe in Jesus, is what they have to do.
Faith is needed to understand the Eucharist, just as faith is needed to believe in God.
Talk at ya later