Why does John omit the institution narrative if John 6 teaches the Eucharist?
Robert Sungenis answers that John wrote later and presumed the Synoptics' historical account, expanding the theology rather than repeating the narrative. He holds that John 6 supplies the doctrinal depth, so the absence of repetition reflects John's purpose rather than any denial of the institution.
If transubstantiation rests on John 6, why doesn’t John include the Last Supper institution like the Synoptics?
Answer
John writes later, presuming the Synoptics’ historical account. He expands the theology rather than repeat narrative details. John 6 provides the doctrinal depth. The absence of repetition does not negate the institution; it reflects Johannine purpose. See extended commentary on John for parallels where John presumes Synoptic material and develops the theology.