Jesus’ teaching was often misunderstood and rejected.
In verses 60-62, we read that
On hearing this many of his disciples said, this is a hard teaching, who can accept it? (John 6:60-62)
They were referring back to Jesus’ earlier statement about eating his flesh and drinking his blood but also his whole teaching that we have been following in Chapter 6. What can Jesus be referring to in this graphic language?
For one, eating his flesh and drinking his blood are absolutely necessary for eternal life. Vs 40 Jesus was speaking about being in Him,
“having union with Him,”
which would be made possible by trusting in Him for salvation.
One author put it this way: the unchanging truth set forth here in this language is—the believer’s union with Jesus, his complete dependence upon him for life, his continual appropriation by faith of his very self, his feeding on him, living on him, his experience that Jesus in giving Himself satisfies every want of the soul.
The people were not confused in understanding what Jesus said; they were unwilling to believe the implications of what He said.
Verse 61 describes the people as, grumbling, a repeated description in this chapter and one that reveals a heart attitude of unbelief and therefore, rejection.
Jesus clarifies His words which result in a reaction and rejection. Jesus states the contrast between spirit and flesh. In this context, Jesus is talking about spiritual matters and the work of the Spirit.
“The Spirit produces eternal life in a person based on that person’s faith in Jesus. ”
When Jesus spoke of “flesh,” he was referring to man’s human efforts. They count for nothing, they can produce no spiritual benefits.
“We can never earn salvation through our human efforts. ”
Down through history, people have found it difficult to accept the claims of Jesus about Himself.
Yes, he was an interesting and encouraging teacher who talked about love.
Yes, he did miracles that no one else did or could do.
Yes, he showed compassion and mercy to the poor, sinners, outcasts, and rejected.
But Jesus claimed to be one with God the Father, to be the Son of God, to be the Messiah promised by God, to offer eternal life to those who believed in Him. Were these claims true? Many people rejected Jesus’ claims.
63 The Spirit gives life; the flesh counts for nothing. The words I have spoken to you—they are full of the Spirit and life. 64 Yet there are some of you who do not believe.” For Jesus had known from the beginning which of them did not believe and who would betray him. 65 He went on to say, “This is why I told you that no one can come to me unless the Father has enabled them.”
66 From this time many of his disciples turned back and no longer followed him (John 6:63-66)
Jesus repeats a theme or emphasis
Mankind’s relationship with God is determined by a step of faith as demonstrated by belief, not in any actions done by man, ie, flesh.
Remember earlier in verse 28-29 the people asked,
28 Then they asked him, “What must we do to do the works God requires?”
29 Jesus answered, “The work of God is this: to believe in the one he has sent.”
Belief in Jesus and what He says about Himself, is one of the major themes in this book, John finished his book by saying in John 20:31,
But these are written that you may believe that Jesus was the Messiah, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name (John 20:31).
In this section, we read that many of his disciples turned away and no longer followed him. Here, the term “disciples” refers to followers, or interested ones. These turned away, they no longer followed, no longer wanted to be associated with him and to be taught by Him.
The label in this specific section is just describing those who are interested for a while but who are not necessarily committed to Jesus.
It is clear from John’s writing
“the issue of belief is the main challenge”
for these disciples and that many chose not to believe the words of Jesus at this point in time and as a result they walked away and no longer were interested in Him or his teachings.
Jesus calls for a commitment from His followers.
66 From this time many of his disciples turned back and no longer followed him.
67 “You do not want to leave too, do you?” Jesus asked the Twelve.
68 Simon Peter answered him, “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life. 69 We have come to believe and to know that you are the Holy One of God.”
70 Then Jesus replied, “Have I not chosen you, the Twelve? Yet one of you is a devil!” (John 6:66-70)
Jesus now turns to ask his closest disciples, the 12, what decision they will make about Him.
As we have seen so often in past readings in the Gospel accounts, it is Peter who speaks for the 12.
Peter says,
““Lord to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life.””
Eternal life is what Jesus has repeatedly been saying that belief in Him will lead to or result in. What Peter affirms is:
No one else is offering what you are offering.
We desire it.
We believe we can receive it from you and you alone.
There is no one else to turn to if we turn away from you.
The second part of Peter’s confession says, we believe and know that you are the Holy One of God.
In his answer, it is important to note the tense of the verbs Peter uses. The verbs, believe and know are in the perfect tense.
The perfect tense here conveys this idea “We have come to a state of belief and continue to believe who you are and what you say. We have accepted as true the knowledge about you and continue to do so until this present time.”
Have you turned away from Jesus at some points in your life, due to doubt or uncertainty? Remember the words of Peter, “Lord to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life.”
Have you found real, full, sustaining satisfaction or fulfilment apart from Jesus? Do you have a firm confidence in who He is?
Jesus reassured his followers that “if someone comes to me, I will never, ever cast him out, drive him/her away, reject him or her, discard him or her.”
“All we have to do is come to Him. ”
