In John 6, we see the first of seven "I AM" statements from Jesus Christ, seen only in the book of John. I did a study on the "I AM's" of Jesus Christ several years ago and found it to be a fascinating study. More so, because of the Old Testament connection to Exodus 3, Jesus was making in each of his statements.
In John 6:35, Jesus states, “I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never be hungry again.” - John 6:35 (NLT). Jesus makes the same claim again later in John 6 -
48 I am the bread of life. 49 Your forefathers ate the manna in the desert, yet they died. 50 But here is the bread that comes down from heaven, which a man may eat and not die. 51 I am the living bread that came down from heaven. If anyone eats of this bread, he will live forever. This bread is my flesh, which I will give for the life of the world." 52 Then the Jews began to argue sharply among themselves, "How can this man give us his flesh to eat?" John 6:48-52 (NIV)
The imagery from Jesus was a bit gruesome, you know, eating his flesh and drinking his blood. Not something your momma would approve of, nor mine. Now, a good juicy steak, with some pink in the middle, no complaints on my part. But when Jesus said "love your neighbor," this seems a bit contradictory.
What Jesus really wanted us to understand through all the muddle was quite simple. Jesus wanted us to understand was that eating his flesh and drinking his blood signified Jesus becoming "REAL" to us. It was Jesus analogy to help us understand what being "Christ-like" is all about. When we eat of his flesh (bread) and drink of his blood (cup) what is being illustrated is our willingness to absorb Christ into our lives. This is not a one-time action that turns us into a Christ-like product. A better understanding might be, as you are absorbing Christ into your life, otherwise known as becoming Christ-like.
Beatle George Harrison once said that the "first really decent guitar" that he owned was the Gretsch Duo Jet. The electric guitar, manufactured by Gretsch Guitars, was known for its trebly tone. In the early '60s, Harrison bought the guitar for 70 pounds (about $200 at the time).
Early in 2011, Gretsch Guitars announced that the company would manufacture a limited run of 60 exact replicas of George Harrison's Duo Jet guitar as a tribute model. USA Today reported that "Gretsch Guitars product manager Joe Carducci says master [craftsman] Stephen Stern re-created the guitar precisely, replicating the nicks and dings of a half-century's use, even using a CAT scan to determine the semi-hollow guitar's body-chambering style." The suggested retail price for the tribute Duo Jets would be $20,000. This is an expensive guitar because it replicates a valuable original so closely. In the same way, you and I find our highest value in becoming an amazing replica of Someone whose worth is infinite: the Lord Jesus Christ.
As you continually absorb the worth of the Savior, you will find yourself becoming a replica of Him carried out in your life.
(For the first person who responds to this blog there is a gas card waiting. Please comment.)
We will never be willing to replicate Christ until we see his worth.
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