Scripture: John 6:60-69 (WEBBE)
60 Therefore many of his disciples, when they heard this, said, “This is a hard saying. Who can listen to it?”
61 But Jesus knowing in himself that his disciples murmured at this, said to them, “Does this cause you to stumble?
62 Then what if you would see the Son of Man ascending to where he was before?
63 It is the spirit who gives life. The flesh profits nothing. The words that I speak to you are spirit and are life.
64 But there are some of you who don’t believe.” For Jesus knew from the beginning who they were who didn’t believe, and who it was who would betray him.
65 He said, “For this cause I have said to you that no one can come to me, unless it is given to him by my Father.”
66 At this, many of his disciples went back, and walked no more with him.
67 Jesus said therefore to the twelve, “You don’t also want to go away, do you?”
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 know that you are the Christ, the Son of the living God.”
Reflection:
In this passage from the Gospel of John, we encounter a moment of profound decision and revelation. Jesus’ teaching on eating His flesh and drinking His blood (John 6:53-58) leads to a crisis of faith for many of His followers. The passage reveals the depth of Jesus’ call to discipleship and the radical nature of His message.
1. The Challenge of Jesus’ Teaching:
Jesus’ teaching about being the Bread of Life and the necessity of eating His flesh and drinking His blood is challenging and difficult for many to accept (John 6:60). The disciples’ reaction—“This is a hard saying. Who can listen to it?”—reflects their struggle to grasp the spiritual truth behind Jesus’ words.
This moment highlights how Jesus’ teachings often challenge our preconceived notions and demand a deeper understanding of spiritual truths. The challenge for us is to approach difficult teachings with openness and a willingness to seek understanding, even when they confront our comfort zones or traditional beliefs.
2. The Response to Doubt:
Jesus addresses the murmuring of His disciples by questioning whether His teaching causes them to stumble (John 6:61). He then offers a profound perspective on the nature of His message: “It is the spirit who gives life. The flesh profits nothing. The words that I speak to you are spirit and are life” (John 6:63).
Jesus clarifies that His message is spiritual and life-giving, not merely physical or superficial. This distinction helps us understand that the essence of His teaching goes beyond literal interpretation and touches the deeper, spiritual realities of life and faith.
3. The Division Among Followers:
Despite this clarification, many disciples choose to leave Jesus, unable to accept His teaching (John 6:66). This moment of division illustrates the reality that following Jesus requires a willingness to embrace His teachings, even when they are difficult or perplexing.
It challenges us to consider our own commitment to Jesus. Are we willing to follow Him even when His teachings challenge us or require a deeper level of faith? The decision to remain with Jesus or turn away is a significant one, reflecting our willingness to trust Him fully.
4. The Confession of Faith:
In contrast to those who leave, Peter’s confession is a powerful affirmation of faith: “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life” (John 6:68). Peter recognizes that Jesus alone holds the key to eternal life and that there is no alternative to the truth and fulfillment found in Him.
Peter’s declaration reflects a deep conviction and understanding that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of the living God (John 6:69). This confession not only affirms Jesus’ divine identity but also highlights the necessity of personal conviction and faith in recognizing and following Christ.
5. The Invitation to Trust:
Jesus’ question to the twelve disciples, “You don’t also want to go away, do you?” (John 6:67), invites us to examine our own commitment to Him. Like the disciples, we are faced with moments of doubt and difficulty, but our response should be one of trust and loyalty.
Prayer:
Lord Jesus, we acknowledge that Your teachings can be challenging and that following You often requires us to confront difficult truths. Help us to embrace Your words as spirit and life, seeking to understand their deeper meaning and significance. Strengthen our faith and commitment, even when we face doubts or struggles. Like Peter, may we recognize that You alone have the words of eternal life and be willing to follow You wherever You lead. Grant us the courage to remain steadfast in our discipleship and to trust in Your divine wisdom and grace. Amen.
Contemplation:
Reflect on your own journey of faith and how you respond to challenging teachings or moments of doubt. Are there aspects of Jesus’ teachings that you find difficult to accept or understand? Consider how you can seek a deeper understanding of His message and strengthen your commitment to follow Him. Spend time in prayer, asking Jesus to help you remain faithful and to reveal the richness and life found in His words.