John 6:60–71 - 60 Therefore many of His disciples, when they heard this said, “This is a difficult statement; who can listen to it?” 61 But Jesus, conscious that His disciples grumbled at this, said to them, “Does this cause you to stumble? 62 “What then if you 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 have spoken to you are spirit and are life. 64 “But there are some of you who do not believe.” For Jesus knew from the beginning who they were who did not believe, and who it was that would betray Him. 65 And He was saying, “For this reason I have said to you, that no one can come to Me unless it has been granted him from the Father.” 66 As a result of this many of His disciples withdrew and were not walking with Him anymore. 67 So Jesus said to the twelve, “You do not want to go away also, do you?” 68 Simon Peter answered Him, “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have words of eternal life. 69 “We have believed and have come to know that You are the Holy One of God.” 70 Jesus answered them, “Did I Myself not choose you, the twelve, and yet one of you is a devil?” 71 Now He meant Judas the son of Simon Iscariot, for he, one of the twelve, was going to betray Him.
What does today’s passage say?
In today's passage, many of Jesus' followers complained about His hard teachings, saying no one could accept such difficult ideas (vv. 60-62). Jesus explained that His words brought spiritual life, but human effort alone could not grasp them. He knew some among them did not believe, including one who would betray Him (vv. 63-64). Jesus told them that faith comes as a gift from God the Father. After this, many of His followers left and stopped going with Him (vv. 65-66). Jesus asked the twelve disciples if they would leave too. Peter answered for the group, saying they had no reason to go elsewhere because Jesus had the message of eternal life. They believed Jesus was God's Holy One. But even then, Jesus knew that one of those twelve, Judas Iscariot, was going to betray Him (vv. 67-71).
How can I apply John 6:60-71 to my life?
Jesus often spoke hard truths that tested His followers' commitment. In John chapter 6, many disciples turned away when His teaching became difficult to accept. They could not grasp His words about being the bread of life or drinking His blood. Their struggle shows a common problem that many Christians today face: what happens when God's truth makes us uncomfortable? The Bible contains teachings that often go against popular opinions and natural human desires. Sometimes these teachings appear too strict or old-fashioned for modern life. Other times they demand changes we do not want to make. In this passage, we see two different responses to Jesus' difficult words. Most people walked away, unwilling to accept what they could not understand. But Peter and the other apostles stayed, knowing Jesus had the words of eternal life. Their choice presents a powerful example for believers today who face similar tests of faith. God wants us to learn from both groups - those who left and those who stayed. Their responses teach us about real faith and what it takes to follow Jesus for the long journey ahead. Here are some basic principles from this passage that we should apply to our lives:
1. Following Jesus Requires Faith Even Through Difficult Teachings (vv. 60-62): When Jesus spoke of eating His flesh and drinking His blood, many followers abandoned Him, struggling to accept such jarring words. Today, God may challenge our faith with Biblical truths that upset popular thinking. Teachings on sexuality, money, forgiveness, or integrity can strike an angry chord with cultural trends. Human logic screams against principles that go against personal cravings or self-defined "truth." In these moments, the Spirit invites us to deeper trust. True disciples thrust out into waters of obedience, not waiting until each command makes sense. Like other spiritual disciplines, this leap of faith builds spiritual muscle. As attractions of the world slowly lose their glittering pull, the believer gains strength to stay steady. With eyes fixed on Jesus, we move past what feels comfortable to what God says blesses. This long view takes perpetual retraining as our flesh cries for compromise, comfort, and convenience. When we falter or doubt, hope waits in God's Word, prayer, and the counsel of the righteous. Faith is a journey, not an arrival. Following Jesus means surrendering to His wisdom over and over, especially when truth seems offensive or strange. As yielding to His ways becomes habit, believers gain freedom to work out their salvation in awe and confidence (1 Peter 1:6-7, James 1:2-4, Hebrews 5:14).
Food for Thought: What teachings of Jesus currently challenge your faith or obedience? How can you apply His difficult words in your daily choices and relationships?
2. Only the Spirit Can Give Understanding and Life (vv. 63-64): Jesus makes clear that spiritual understanding comes through the Holy Spirit, not human wisdom. God's truth often baffles our natural minds. We stare at Bible pages, scratching our heads at passages that seem impossible to grasp. Life change begins at this point of surrender - when we finally admit we cannot unlock spiritual truth through brain power alone. The Spirit works in unexpected ways. Sometimes He speaks through a quiet prompting during prayer. Other times He jolts us awake through a friend's words or a Sunday sermon. The world tells us to trust our instincts, follow our hearts, and believe in ourselves. Such advice leads nowhere. Real wisdom flows only from the Spirit's work in us. He takes God's Word and burns it into our hearts. He shows us our blind spots and stubborn sins. When we face big decisions, He guides us - not with dramatic signs, but through careful study of Scripture and wise counsel from mature believers. Pride fights against this dependence on the Spirit. We want to stay in control, to figure things out ourselves. Yet spiritual growth demands daily surrender to His leading. The Spirit gives us power when temptation hits hard. He provides insight when we need direction. He produces genuine change that no amount of self-improvement could match. The key is staying connected through consistent time in God's Word and prayer. As we practice listening to His voice day by day, we learn to recognize when He speaks. True transformation happens from the inside out as we yield to His work in our lives (Romans 8:5-6, 1 Corinthians 2:12-14, Galatians 5:16-18).
Food for Thought: How do you distinguish between the Spirit's leading and your own desires? What specific areas of your life need more surrender to the Holy Spirit's guidance?
3. True Disciples Stay When Others Walk Away (vv. 65-71): As many followers turned away from Jesus, Peter stood firm and declared Jesus had the words of eternal life. Staying faithful to Jesus in a world full of options takes boldness and determination. Our culture gives us countless paths that look easier than following Jesus. Friends and even family members might drift from their faith, making choices that pull them away from God's truth. Social pressure tells us to accept every belief as equally valid. In these moments, we need Peter's rock-solid conviction that Jesus alone gives eternal life. Walking away might look appealing when Christian values clash with popular opinion, or when God's standards feel too strict. The path of least resistance beckons with false promises of happiness. Yet true disciples know that no other teaching, no other philosophy, and no other way of life can give what Jesus offers. Following Him means standing alone sometimes. It means choosing the narrow road when others take shortcuts. God gives His children strength to stay steady when doubts creep in or when the cost of discipleship feels too high. Every believer faces moments of decision - will we keep following Jesus when others drift away? Will we stay faithful when our culture mocks Christian beliefs? When life gets hard, we often want an easier path. But deep inside, we know what Peter knew - nothing else satisfies like Jesus. The temporary comfort of fitting in cannot match the lasting peace of walking with Him. Through daily struggles and spiritual battles, His presence proves worth every sacrifice (Matthew 7:13-14, Philippians 3:7-8, 1 John 2:19).
Food for Thought: What pressures in your life tempt you to compromise your faith or walk away from following Jesus? How does Peter's bold declaration about Jesus having the words of eternal life help you stay faithful?
The choice to follow Jesus comes with both profound blessings and real challenges. When crowds of followers turned away, Jesus did not water down His message or chase after them. Instead, He asked the twelve disciples if they also wanted to leave. This pivotal moment reveals a vital truth about authentic faith - Jesus wants followers who stay because they truly believe, not because the path is easy. Today's passage speaks directly to believers facing similar tests of faith. The Holy Spirit works in our hearts, moving us past surface understanding to deep conviction. Unlike those who left Jesus that day, we can choose to anchor ourselves in truth that lasts. Each time we submit to difficult Biblical teachings, trust the Spirit's guidance, or stand firm while others walk away, our faith grows stronger.
Peter's declaration, "Lord, to whom shall we go? You have words of eternal life," cuts through confusion and doubt. These words still ring true. Jesus offers what no other teacher, philosophy, or lifestyle can provide - the way to eternal life with God. This truth makes every challenge worth facing and every sacrifice worth making.
Prayer
Dear Heavenly Father,
I pray that You would strengthen my faith when Your teachings challenge my natural thinking. When Your Word goes against what society says is right, I pray that You would give me courage to trust Your wisdom above human opinions. Thank You for speaking truth through Your Son Jesus Christ.
I pray that You would help me depend more on Your Holy Spirit for understanding. Break down my pride when I try to figure everything out on my own. Open my spiritual eyes to see Your truth clearly. Give me a teachable heart that responds to Your Spirit's leading in every decision.
I pray that You would build in me the same conviction Peter had - that Jesus alone has the words of eternal life. When others walk away from faith, keep my feet planted firmly on Your path. Give me boldness to stand for truth even when I stand alone. Help me remember the eternal value of following Jesus when temporary pleasures try to pull me away.
I pray that you would help me to guard my heart against doubts that would make me question Your ways. Show me that the cost of discipleship, though sometimes high, brings rewards that last forever.
I pray these things in the most precious name of Jesus, Amen.
John 6:68 - Simon Peter answered Him, “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have words of eternal life.”
With His Blessings,
Pastor Corby
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