The Epochal Sermon 

An epoch is a memorable event, normally marking the beginning of a new period or development. This change culminated in Capernaum on a beautiful Sabbath afternoon when Jesus went to the synagogue to preach.

During this memorable event in Capernaum, Jesus delivered a sermon at the synagogue amid a congregation filled with emotional fluctuations. Previously, his followers had experienced a series of highs and lows, from witnessing the miraculous feeding of five thousand to envisioning a kingdom under their rule and the destruction of their enemies. However, Jesus negated these notions, emphasizing a different understanding.

The abrupt shift in perspective left the multitude stunned, leading some to depart disheartened. Reflecting on the situation, Jesus contemplated the impact of his message and the likelihood of it being misunderstood. His disciples, similarly disheartened, sensed an approaching period of turmoil, anticipating a crucial moment that would delineate true followers from those wavering in their commitment.

Understanding the necessity of individuals making definitive choices during times of crisis, Jesus guided his followers through trials and defeats, imparting valuable lessons that strengthened their faith. Despite the disciples' initial misconception regarding his identity as the prophesied king, they remained resolute in their commitment to follow Jesus, regardless of the eventual outcome.

In the synagogue, as Jesus confronted the Pharisees, Sadducees, and the agents of Herod Antipas, he employed a metaphorical "sword of truth" to challenge their understanding of the anticipated Jewish Messiah. Reiterating the limitations of material methods in facilitating spiritual transformation, he emphasized his identity as the "bread from heaven," distinct from the temporal sustenance provided in the desert.

This pivotal moment marked a critical phase in Jesus' life, initiating a journey characterized by continuous trials and spiritual revelations for his devoted disciples.

Jesus began with poignant readings from the law. From Deuteronomy, the consequences of people who will not hearken to the voice of truth, and the long list of travail that followed. He then turned to the Prophets and read from Jeremiah, whom the priests and teachers sought to kill for speaking the message of God. Jesus, having cited these exact precedents, addressed the current chief priests and religious leaders, asking if they too will seek the death of one who proclaims the words of God and fearlessly point out leaders who refuse to let in the light that aids those seeking the way to heaven.

He then addressed the crowd, asking them what more evidence they needed from him. He urged them to make a decision, comparing their situation to the choice presented to their ancestors by Joshua. Jesus rebuked some for seeking him out not for spiritual enlightenment but for material gain, emphasizing that his mission was to bring spiritual freedom, eternal truth, and nourishing faith. He warned against seeking material wealth and encouraged them to seek sustenance for the spirit. Jesus proclaimed himself as the bread of life, assuring that belief in him would fulfill their spiritual hunger and thirst. He emphasized that he was on earth to do the will of the Father and to offer eternal life to all who believed in him.

As Jesus paused, a member of the Sanhedrin restated the words of Jesus as a question. “Do I understand you to say that you are the bread which comes down from heaven, and that the manna which Moses gave to our fathers in the wilderness did not?” Jesus answered that he understood correctly. Perplexed, the Pharisee retorted, “But are you not Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph, the carpenter? Are not your father and mother, as well as your brothers and sisters, well known to many of us? How then is it that you appear here in God’s house and declare that you have come down from heaven?” Before an uproar ensued, Jesus encouraged patience, pointing out that the truth never suffers from honest examination. “I am all that you say, but more.”

Jesus spelled out that God the Father and he, the Son, are one. He again referenced the Prophets: You shall all be taught by God. Those whom God the Father teaches will hear also his Son. He then elucidated that the Father’s spirit comes down from heaven and lives within each of us as an indwelling spirit. The Son who comes down from heaven has surely seen the Father. He said, “I am this bread of life. Your fathers ate manna in the wilderness and are dead. But this bread which comes down from God, if a man eats thereof, he shall never die in spirit.” His combined nature was his life-giving revelation to the world and his saving gift to all nations.

When the ruler of the synagogue dismissed the congregation, no one wanted to leave. It was like a professor working on an advanced project and explaining it to an overwhelmed college class. Many questions came to mind, desiring answers. Some huddled and disputed among themselves. Jesus remained to discuss these topics for three more hours.

Jesus had used the comparison of Moses giving material bread to eat, to himself as one who now bestows spiritual food, as he came to earth in the flesh to lead men to God. No one expected, nor particularly wanted, a spiritual leader. So between his perplexed disciples and constantly fault-finding unbelievers, the first question on their minds was a literal one: “How can we eat your flesh and drink your blood?” If Jesus’ answer had been recorded exactly, and we were less material-minded, we would better understand the comparison Jesus made to Moses, both providing what the people needed. Jesus affirmed, “You cannot eat my flesh nor can you drink my blood, but you can become one in spirit with me even as I am one in spirit with the Father.”

One of the Jerusalem spies then stated that Jesus and his apostles did not wash their hands before eating, thereby transgressing the law. Jesus noted that they used these same laws to circumvent the commandment to take care of one’s mother and father. They set up their own laws to supersede God’s laws. Jesus went on to expose the folly of the Rabbinic system of rules and regulations, which was held more sacred than the Scriptures. Jesus perceived that he could do nothing to prevent a breakdown in his relationship with the religious leaders. These Pharisees were now reassured that Jesus must be apprehended and charged for speaking against their laws and traditions.

During another discussion after the meeting, a Pharisee brought a troubled youth to Jesus, asking if he could cast out devils. Jesus, moved with compassion, took the youth by the hand, commanded the evil spirit to leave, and instructed one of his loyal followers to ensure it did not return. This was the first instance of Jesus casting out an evil spirit from a human, distinguishing it from previous cases of supposed possession.

Following this miracle, a Pharisee stood up, accusing him of collaborating with devils. He claimed that Jesus and the evil spirits were in cahoots, warning the crowd to stay away from him. In response, Jesus challenged the Pharisee's logic, questioning how Satan could cast out Satan without causing his own kingdom to collapse. He emphasized that his ability to cast out devils was a manifestation of the kingdom of God.

Jesus then issued a stern warning to those who attributed God's works to devils, declaring that such deliberate blasphemy would never be forgiven. He called on the people to choose between the will of the Father and the ways of darkness, highlighting the importance of one's actions reflecting their true nature. Another Pharisee asked for a sign to establish Jesus' authority, but he refused, stating that no sign would be given except for his departure from among them.

The apostles, taken aback by Jesus' sudden change in teaching style, silently escorted him back to Bethsaida, feeling both amazed and somewhat terrified by the turn of events.