The Gospel of John: John 6.60-71

Read and meditate on John 6.63, 64.
Life does not come either with a full belly or a satisfied mind. Life is the work of the Spirit, and the Spirit comes to those who believe.

     ⁶³Life comes from the Holy Spirit, for
the flesh is of no profit. All the words
I speak to you are life and spirit. ⁶⁴Some
of you, I know, do not believe.” For from
the start, He knew those from among them who
did not believe in Him; He also knew
who would betray Him.

- John 6.63, 64

Reflect
1.  These complaining disciples had been following Jesus because they thought He promised a better life. How were they understanding that idea? What was their view of the “good life”? Complete this prayer: Lord, You came to give us life and give it abundantly. Thank You, Lord, for the life of…

2.  Jesus, however, is offering a different understanding of life, a different kind of life altogether. Since that life comes from the Spirit and Word of Jesus, what kind of life is it? What are its defining features, if not a full belly and a completely satisfied mind? I want to know more of this life, Lord, especially…

3.  Jesus said that some of these disciples did not believe (v. 64). How could that be? Can a person be a disciple, or at least, consider himself a disciple, and yet not believe in Jesus? Explain. Show me, Lord, when I am beginning to drift from faith into unbelief. Help me always to…

4.  Jesus knew who were the false disciples, and even who would betray Him. He knew this “from the beginning.” How did He know this? What does Jesus know about you? You know my heart, Lord. Let my heart always be…

5. In this whole situation – John 6.22-71 – we can identify at least three responses to Jesus among those who heard Him. How would you describe these? Should we expect similar responses to the Gospel in our day? Explain. Bring together into one prayer the prayers you wrote for questions 1-4.

Summary
“If he says that ‘the flesh profits nothing,’ then the meaning must take direction from the context of that remark. For seeing that they regarded his speech as hard and unbearable, as though he had really prescribed his flesh for them to eat, since his purpose was to assign the establishment of salvation to the Spirit, he first said, ‘It is the spirit that gives life,’ and only then added, ‘the flesh profits nothing’—toward the giving of life, of course. He also proceeds to state how he wishes ‘the Spirit’ to be understood. ‘The words that I have spoken to you are spirit and life.’ … And so, when establishing his teaching as the Life-giver (because the Word is spirit and life), he also said that it is his flesh, because the Word also was made flesh. We ought therefore to desire him in order that we may have life. We ought to devour him with the ear, and to ruminate on him with the mind and to digest him by faith.” Tertullian (ca. 150-222 AD)

Jesus' words are, indeed, hard for many people to accept. But His offer of life is clear, and life is what we must offer in His Name. How do we do that?

Closing Prayer
I will bless the LORD at all times;
His praise shall continually be in my mouth.
My soul shall make its boast in the LORD;
The humble shall hear of it and be glad.
Oh, magnify the LORD with me,
And let us exalt His name together.
I sought the LORD, and He heard me,
And delivered me from all my fears.
They looked to Him and were radiant,
And their faces were not ashamed.
This poor man cried out, and the LORD heard him,
And saved him out of all his troubles.
The angel of the LORD encamps all around those who fear Him,
And delivers them.
Oh, taste and see that the LORD is good;
Blessed is the man who trusts in Him!

Psalm 34.1-8

Psalm 34.1-9, 3 (Alleluia [Lowe]: Mighty God, While Angels Bless You)
I will bless the Lord at all times; I shall praise Him evermore!
My soul makes its boast in Jesus – Him we gladly all adore!
    Magnify the Name of Jesus!
    Let us lift His Name in praise!

When I sought the Lord, He answered, and from fear delivered me.
Those who look to Him are radiant; shamed their face shall never be.
    Magnify the Name of Jesus!
    Let us lift His Name in praise!

When I cried to God, He heard me, and from trouble rescued me.
‘Round their camp His angel lingers that they may delivered be.
    Magnify the Name of Jesus!
    Let us lift His Name in praise!

Taste and see how good is Jesus; blessed are all who in Him hide.
None shall lack for any blessing who in Christ will e’er confide.
    Magnify the Name of Jesus!
    Let us lift His Name in praise!

T. M. Moore

Jesus is the Centerpiece of all Scripture, as He Himself explained (Jn. 5.39). But how can we learn to see Him there? How do the primary themes of Scripture revolve around Jesus? Our online course, Introduction to Biblical Theology, shows you how best to get at, get into, and get with the Word of God, so that you can grow more consistently in the Lord. It’s free, and you can study at your own pace. For more information or to register, click here.

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Except as indicated, Scripture taken from the New King James Version. © Copyright 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved. All psalms for singing adapted from The Ailbe Psalter. All quotations from Church Fathers from Ancient Christian Commentary Series IV a and b: John, edited by Joel C. Elowsky, General Editor Thomas C. Oden (Downers Grove: InterVarsity Press, 2006. Verse translation of John by T. M. Moore.