What a Discussion

⁵¹ I am the living bread that came down from heaven. Whoever eats of this bread will live forever; and the bread that I will give for the life of the world is my flesh.” ⁵² The Jews then disputed among themselves, saying, “How can this man give us his flesh to eat?”

John 6:51-52 got me thinking. What kind of discussion could have taken place here?

First, they DISPUTED what he said. They actually argued and quarreled! Did they dispute the method? Fried? Boiled? Baked? Raw? I wonder if they prefer mild or spicy? Would it be kosher? Exactly what is there to dispute? Did some want to actually eat him? Were they arguing that Jesus was speaking literally or figuratively?

Second, they not only argued, but they argued with EACH OTHER and not Jesus. I have said a lot of controversial things in my life, but I have never said anything that started an argument among other people. Especially while I was still talking and standing there. They just started arguing amongst themselves over eating his flesh. I really don't know what to say but to laugh at the absurdity of it all.

Is there anything significant we can learn from this? Not sure. It does, however, point to the fact that the Jews would argue over anything. They were so concerned over control and power that they would fight about the Law and its nuances. They were so focused on arguing that they missed the way to Heaven standing in front of and talking to them.