John 6:60-71


"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." (John 6:60-71 ESV)


The Words of Eternal Life

In John 6:60-71, Jesus speaks words that challenge His disciples. After teaching about being the bread of life and the necessity of partaking in Him for eternal life, many of His followers found His words hard to accept. The teaching about eating His flesh and drinking His blood was symbolic of a deeper spiritual reality—fully embracing Christ and relying on Him for spiritual sustenance. This moment reveals that true discipleship often means wrestling with hard truths, yet trusting in the life-giving words of Christ.

In response to Jesus’ teaching, some of His disciples turned away, unable to accept His words. However, Peter, speaking for the twelve, declares, “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life” (John 6:68). This statement of faith highlights that despite the difficulty in understanding, there is no one else who can offer what Christ offers—eternal life. Following Jesus may lead us through moments of confusion or difficulty, but it is only by remaining with Him that we find true life.

Scriptures to Study:

John 6:60-71, Matthew 16:24-25, John 14:6, Colossians 2:6-7, Philippians 3:8-9


Embracing Hard Truths

Jesus does not shy away from difficult teachings. He invites His disciples to embrace the hard truths that lead to spiritual maturity. Part of discipleship is accepting that not all of God’s ways will be easy to understand or follow. Sometimes, our human minds struggle to grasp the depth of His wisdom. Yet, the Spirit gives us understanding as we grow in faith. It is in moments of wrestling with difficult truths that our faith is refined and deepened.

Scriptures to Study:

Isaiah 55:8-9, Proverbs 3:5-6, 1 Corinthians 2:14, James 1:5


Trusting in Jesus Alone

Peter’s response in John 6:68 is a powerful declaration of faith. When faced with the decision to walk away like the others, Peter affirms that Jesus alone has the words of eternal life. This is the heart of true discipleship—recognizing that there is no alternative to Christ. In the face of life’s challenges, doubts, or difficulties, we are called to trust in Jesus, knowing that He alone can provide eternal life. To follow Him is to place our ultimate hope in His saving grace.

Scriptures to Study:

Acts 4:12, John 10:27-28, Hebrews 12:2, Psalm 62:5-8


The Role of the Holy Spirit in Understanding

When some disciples turned away from Jesus' difficult teachings, it was clear that they were relying on their own understanding. However, Jesus says in John 6:63, “The Spirit gives life; the flesh counts for nothing. The words I have spoken to you—they are full of the Spirit and life.” The Holy Spirit plays a crucial role in revealing the truth of God’s Word to us. As disciples, we must seek the Spirit’s guidance in understanding the depths of Christ’s teaching, knowing that spiritual truths require spiritual discernment.

Scriptures to Study:

John 16:13, 1 Corinthians 2:9-12, Romans 8:14, Galatians 5:16-17


Conclusion

Following Jesus means staying with Him through the hard teachings and challenges. As Peter declared, there is no other source of eternal life but Jesus. His words may be difficult at times, but they lead to life. Trust the Holy Spirit to guide you into deeper understanding and allow God’s Word to shape your life, even in the moments of challenge.


Life Application Questions