The Radical Words of Jesus - Uncovering Hermeneutical Layers  in John 6,53 Cover Image

Jézus radikális szavai – Hermeneutikai rétegek kitapintása a János 6,53-ban
The Radical Words of Jesus - Uncovering Hermeneutical Layers in John 6,53

Author(s): Emese Jasper-Makay
Subject(s): Biblical studies
Published by: Sárospataki Református Hittudományi Egyetem
Keywords: midrash; homily; wisdom literature; manna; blood and body of Christ

Summary/Abstract: “Jesus said to them, ’Very truly I tell you, unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink his blood, you have no life in you.’” (John 6:53). These words of Jesus caused deep consternation among his listeners, leading even some of his disciples to turn their backs on him. In this paper, we will try to unravel the hermeneutical layers of Jesus’s quoted statement through an exegetical investigation. Why, then, on the shores of the Sea of Galilee, did those around Jesus stumble at his words? Why did Jesus choose these images to express his message? How does the topos of bread coming down from heaven relate to the drinking of blood and life? What did those being present understand, and what did they not? What guides and escapes the attention of today’s reader when he encounters this passage? In this study, we will seek answers to these questions, while we may feel challenged too: do we experience the same stumbling block of understanding or disbelief when we hear Jesus’s radical words today?

  • Issue Year: 28/2024
  • Issue No: 2
  • Page Range: 17-29
  • Page Count: 13
  • Language: Hungarian
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