Talk about a "sticky" message!
The Gospel of John: John 6.41-59
Read and meditate on John 6.58, 59.
Jesus brings His teaching to a conclusion by returning to the manna in the wilderness one more time. This is stranger and more powerful teaching than these folks had ever heard in their synagogue.
58“For this
the Bread that comes to you from heaven is,
not as your fathers ate the manna, and
are dead. But eat this Bread, now understand,
and you will live forever.” 59These things He
taught in the synagogue, across the sea,
when He was in Capernaum.
– John 6.58, 59
Reflect
1. Those who write for the Internet do their best to make their messages “sticky” – memorable and thought-provoking. Do you think this message of Jesus was “sticky” for the folks in Capernaum? Why or why not? Complete the following brief prayer: Lord, I need to learn how to talk to others about You, so that my witness…
2. Notice how neat and concise Jesus was in wrapping up His message. He returned to the place where His teaching began, and tied it all together (cf. vv. 26-32). More precisely, He returned to the place where the people had begun this conversation (vv. 31, 32), but which He took over and expanded. How can you see Jesus’ entire teaching in this chapter in verse 58? How important is it that we make the Gospel concise? If I had to summarize the Gospel in one sentence, Lord, I would say…
3. Jesus’ teaching was mysterious, profound, provocative, and divisive. He knew this would be the case. So why did He follow this tact, rather than find something more agreeable to the congregation? Your Word helps me most, Lord, when…
4. Jesus chose bread and flesh because these images were in the background of the people He was teaching. He used these images to communicate what He meant by the verbs hear, understand, believe, come, live, and abide. Can you think of a metaphor or image that might communicate with the people in your Personal Mission Field, to help them understand these verbs in a more concrete and “sticky” manner? I need to work harder at getting to know the people to whom You send me, Lord. Today, I will…
5. This congregation left the meeting confused, quarreling, and a little upset at Jesus (cf. v. 60). Why don’t preachers today preach like this? Bring together your prayers from questions 1-4 into one prayer.
Summary
“All the angels on high marvel at the affairs of earth
For earth-born men dwelling here below
Are exalted in spirit and reach what is on high
As they share in Christ, crucified.
For all together partake of His body,
As they eagerly come to the bread of life,
They hope for eternal salvation from it.” Romanus Melodus (fl. 536-566AD)
Jesus did not shy away from being controversial or confrontational. But He was always clear, never mean-spirited or haughty, never merely frivolous, and always truthful and loving in His teaching. Is this how you experience Jesus, as He speaks to you from His Word? Explain.
Closing Prayer
Those who trust in the LORD
Are like Mount Zion,
Which cannot be moved, but abides forever.
As the mountains surround Jerusalem,
So the LORD surrounds His people
From this time forth and forever.
For the scepter of wickedness shall not rest
On the land allotted to the righteous,
Lest the righteous reach out their hands to iniquity.
Do good, O LORD, to those who are good,
And to those who are upright in their hearts.
Psalm 125.1-4
Psalm 125.1, 2 (St. Gertrude: Onward, Christian Soldiers)
All who trust in Jesus, strong as Zion stand!
Naught shall ever move them from their promised land!
Like the hills surrounding safe Jerusalem,
Christ surrounds His Church and holds her in His mighty Hand!
All who trust in Jesus, strong as Zion stand!
Naught shall ever move them from their promised land!
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.
