A study of John 6:60-71 reveals a hard teaching, Jesus’ response to the spiritually offended, and the twelve disciples’ belief in Jesus as the Holy One of God.

A study of John 6:60-71 reveals a hard teaching

When many of his disciples heard it, they said, “This is a hard saying; who can listen to it?” (ESV, John 6:60)

Jesus uses the recent miracle of feeding 5,000 people in John 6:1-14 to teach on the topic of bread in V.26-58. Several times he calls himself the bread of life. And goes on to say that believing in him requires “eating his flesh” and “drinking his blood.”

We should note that “disciples” in this context appears to extend to a wider group than just the twelve Jesus called. And while Jesus is clearly speaking symbolically, many of the disciples called it a “hard saying.” The Greek word for “hard” is skleros, which means harsh or offensive. In other words, Jesus’ teaching was not hard to understand but hard for them to accept. Was the level of commitment too much or were they repulsed by the literal idea of cannibalism?

Regardless, It illustrates a reality still true today. People will enthusiastically follow Jesus when he satisifies their fleshly appetites, but bail when things get personally challenging or difficult. However, Jesus warns us this is part of discipleship.

Then Jesus told his disciples, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. (ESV, Matthew 16:24)

Jesus carried the cross he was crucified on for our sins. Therefore, as his disciples, we should accept suffering in his name too. Yes, he is the bread of life. And following him leads us to an abundant and eternal life. But it may also include difficulties, persecutions, and sacrifices along the way. So we should count the cost.

A study of John 6:60-71 reveals Jesus’ response to the spiritually offended.

Do you take offense at this? Then what if you were to see the Son of Man ascending to where he was before? (ESV, John 6:61-62)

Jesus responds to their objection about his hard teaching. And there are several ways to interpret it. First, what if in a similar manner that the father sent Jesus from heaven they saw him ascend back to heaven? Would that be easier or even harder to accept than a discussion about bread? Second, in keeping with a more consistent context in the Gospel of John, Jesus means his ascension to the cross. Mentioned in other passages as “lifted up” on the cross. A third interpretation presents another twist. His ascension to the cross and sacrificial death is the path to his ascension back to heaven.

Of course, it’s easier for us to study the scripture and consider its meaning thoughtfully today. This was all new teaching to those Jesus addressed. Especially considering he was a different Messiah than what they expected. Jesus came as a suffering servant to sacrifice his life for our sins. The Jews expected a victorious king to rule over an earthly kingdom. To think God would come to earth as a human and suffer a disgraceful death like crucifixion was hard for them to accept.

And yet, here’s the irony. That moment of complete humiliation. When Jesus accepted the derision, mocking, and tortue beyond physical recognition as God in human flesh. It was his finest moment of complete submission. To the glory of God and for the redemption of humanity.

Today, many scriptural teachings are offensive to our culture. And our job as disciples is not to make the message more culturally palatable. But to proclaim and teach it faithfully. The greater offense is to let people die in their sins because we failed to speak Biblical truth.

A study of John 6:60-71 reveals the twelve disciples’ belief in Jesus as the Holy One of God.

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.” (ESV, John 6:68-69)

Then Jesus explains why his teaching is so hard for them. And it’s because they refused to move from the physical to the spiritual. Similar to his conversation with Nicodemus, Jesus distinguishes between the physical and spiritual life. Spiritual truth can not be understood through intellectual reasoning but only by the illuminiation of the Holy Spirit within the arena of faith.

 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. (ESV, John 6:63)

Furthermore, since Jesus was without sin, he possessed the Spirit without limit. So his words were the words of God and represented spirit and life. Therefore, believing in and following Jesus begins with believing his words as God’s truth. Furthermore, this spiritual transaction is initiated by God’s Spirit calling us to him.

Having the eyes of your hearts enlightened, that you may know what is the hope to which he has called you, what are the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints. (ESV, Ephesians 1:18)

At this teaching, many of the disciples turned away from following Jesus. And it was probably disheartening for Jesus to watch. To know that rejecting him meant eternal separation from God. So he asked the twelve disciples if they wanted to leave too. Peter answers with a question and a confession.

Having kept company with Jesus, observed his actions, witnessed his miracles, and absorbed his teaching they knew that Jesus alone spoke the words of eternal life. He was the holy one of God. And the same is true today for all who choose to believe and follow Jesus.

About Chip Tudor:

Chip Tudor is an author, blogger and professional writer. He publishes books, humorous Christian drama, and thought provoking blogs from a Christian worldview. This blog is originally published here.

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