A Hard Saying: Choosing to Follow Jesus (John 6:60-71)
Scripture: John 6:60-71 (ESV)
“When many of his disciples heard it, they said, ‘This is a hard saying; who can listen to it?’ But Jesus, knowing in himself that his disciples were grumbling about this, said to them, ‘Do you take offense at this? Then what if you were to see the Son of Man ascending to where he was before? It is the Spirit who gives life; the flesh is no help at all. The words that I have spoken to you are spirit and life. But there are some of you who do not believe.’ (For Jesus knew from the beginning who those were who did not believe, and who it was who would betray him.) And he said, ‘This is why I told you that no one can come to me unless it is granted him by the Father.’
After this many of his disciples turned back and no longer walked with him. So Jesus said to the Twelve, ‘Do you want to go away as well?’ Simon Peter answered him, ‘Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life, and we have believed, and have come to know, that you are the Holy One of God.’ Jesus answered them, ‘Did I not choose you, the Twelve? And yet one of you is a devil.’ He spoke of Judas the son of Simon Iscariot, for he, one of the Twelve, was going to betray him.”
In this passage, Jesus concludes His teaching on being the Bread of Life, a teaching that has proven difficult for many of His followers to accept. The phrase “This is a hard saying; who can listen to it?” reflects the disciples’ struggle to comprehend or accept Jesus' earlier statements about eating His flesh and drinking His blood. For many, these words are too challenging and too demanding, and they start to grumble and doubt.
Jesus responds to their discomfort by challenging their understanding further, suggesting that if they are offended by His words now, how much more will they be when they see the Son of Man ascending to where He was before? This reference to His eventual return to heaven emphasizes that His words are spiritual truths, not merely physical or literal statements. He points out that the Spirit gives life, while the flesh is of no benefit in grasping these deeper truths. Jesus is calling His followers to move beyond a literal or superficial understanding and to grasp the spiritual reality He is revealing.
Recognizing the doubt among His followers, Jesus underscores that true belief and the ability to follow Him are gifts granted by the Father. This teaching separates those who are willing to accept His words and continue with Him from those who find them too difficult and choose to turn away. The passage reveals a moment of decision and division among Jesus’ disciples.
As many turn away, Jesus turns to the Twelve and asks, “Do you want to go away as well?” Peter's response is a profound declaration of faith: “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life, and we have believed and have come to know, that you are the Holy One of God.” Peter’s confession reflects a deep understanding and commitment, recognizing that Jesus alone offers the truth and life they seek. Despite the difficulty of Jesus’ teachings, the Twelve acknowledge that there is nowhere else to find the life Jesus offers.
However, even among the Twelve, Jesus points out that there is one who will betray Him—Judas Iscariot. This foreshadows the betrayal that is to come and serves as a reminder that not all who follow Jesus truly believe in Him or are committed to His path.
Key Lessons for Our Daily Lives:
Facing Hard Teachings with Faith: Jesus’ teachings often challenge us and may not always be easy to understand or accept. Reflect on how you respond to difficult teachings of Jesus. Are there truths in Scripture that you find challenging or uncomfortable? How can you approach these with a heart open to the Spirit’s guidance and revelation?
Understanding the Role of the Spirit: Jesus emphasizes that “It is the Spirit who gives life; the flesh is no help at all.” This reminds us that understanding and accepting spiritual truths require the work of the Holy Spirit in our lives. Reflect on your dependence on the Holy Spirit for understanding and living out God’s Word. Are you seeking the Spirit’s help daily to grow in your faith?
Recognizing the Choice to Follow Jesus: When many disciples turn away, Jesus asks the Twelve if they also want to leave. This question is a call to decision for all believers. Consider your commitment to following Jesus. Are you willing to stay with Him, even when His teachings are difficult or when following Him requires sacrifice? Reflect on the reasons you choose to follow Jesus and renew your commitment to Him today.
Acknowledging Jesus as the Source of Life: Peter’s response to Jesus highlights the reality that there is nowhere else to find eternal life but in Jesus. Reflect on areas in your life where you may be seeking fulfillment or answers outside of Jesus. How can you align your life more fully with the truth that Jesus is the ultimate source of life and satisfaction?
Understanding the Reality of Unbelief: Jesus acknowledges that not all who appear to follow Him truly believe, as seen in His reference to Judas. This serves as a sober reminder that genuine faith goes beyond outward appearances. I would encourage you to reflect on the authenticity of your own faith. Are you truly following Jesus with a sincere heart, or are there areas where you need to deepen your trust and commitment to Him?
A Prayer for Today:
Heavenly Father, thank You for the words of eternal life that You offer through Your Son, Jesus Christ. Help us to accept the hard teachings of Jesus with faith and trust, relying on the Holy Spirit to guide us into all truth. Strengthen our commitment to follow Jesus, even when the path is challenging or difficult to understand. Remind us that Jesus is the only source of true life and satisfaction. Guard our hearts against unbelief and deepen our faith in You each day. In Jesus’ name, Amen.