But still it may be asked, why did Jesus make expressions so
extraordinary and emphatic as these -- "This is my body which is
broken for you. Take; eat. This is my blood which is shed for you.
Drink it." -- I reply they are not extraordinary expressions from
him. They were familiar in his mouth. He always taught by parables
and symbols. It was the national way of teaching and was largely
used by him. Remember the readiness which he always showed to
spiritualize every occurrence. He stooped and wrote on the sand. He
admonished his disciples respecting the leaven of the Pharisees. He
instructed the woman of Samaria respecting living water. He
permitted himself to be anointed, declaring that it was for his
interment. He washed the feet of his disciples. These are admitted
to be symbolical actions and expressions. Here, in like manner, he
calls the bread his body, and bids the disciples eat. He had used
the same expression repeatedly before. The reason why St. John does
not repeat his words on this occasion, seems to be that he had
reported a similar discourse of Jesus to the people of Capernaum more
at length already (John VI.
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