What does John 6:62 mean, and how does it relate to the Ascension?
Robert Sungenis answers that in John 6:62 Jesus is challenging the unbelief of his listeners rather than explaining how the Eucharist works. He holds that the point is faith rather than visibility, and that the Ascension confirms the authority of the same Lord who gives his flesh and blood sacramentally, not a symbolic reading of his teaching.
What does John 6:62 mean, and how does it relate to the Ascension?
Answer
When Jesus says, “What if you were to see the Son of Man ascend to where He was before?” He is challenging the unbelief of His listeners, not explaining the mechanics of the Eucharist. Many disciples stumbled at His teaching that His flesh is true food. Christ responds that even if they saw Him ascend into heaven, they would still refuse to believe. The point is about faith, not visibility. The Ascension confirms His divine origin and the truth of His earlier words. The same Lord who ascended is the one who gives His flesh and blood sacramentally. The verse underlines His authority, not a symbolic reinterpretation of His teaching.