John 6:60-71
Find a place and time free of distractions for the next 7-10 minutes. Sit comfortably and breathe deeply for a few seconds before you begin. If you haven’t read the Introduction to John’s Gospel, read it here.
Today’s passage occurs in the aftermath of Jesus’ miraculous feeding of a huge crowd of fellow Jews. Jesus has just exposed the lack of true belief in the people, and now, in today’s passage, he has to deal with the lack of belief among his own disciples.
Read John 6:60-71 keeping in mind that Jesus has far more than twelve disciples following him at this point.
It is the moment of truth for many of Jesus’ followers. He has just declared openly that he came from heaven and has the power to grant eternal life to anyone who believes in him. Now a number of his own disciples are deeply offended. It was fine when they saw him heal people, and it was even fine when he multiplied food for the crowd, but the belief of these disciples stops there. They simply cannot accept that this person, powerful as he is, is God in the flesh.
What about you? Do you fully believe that Jesus is from God and is God? And do you believe that you have been given eternal life – life that begins now and will continue even after your physical death?
If your answer is “yes” to these questions stop for a moment to thank the Holy Spirit for giving you the faith to believe. After all, Jesus says that faith and eternal life are gifts that we could never obtain by our own efforts.
If you are not quite ready to answer definitively, consider asking the Holy Spirit for the gifts of faith and eternal life. You can do that at any time and in any place.
Read John 6:60-71 again paying special attention to what Jesus says about his words. Notice also what Peter’s response is near the end of the passage.
The words of Jesus are not like any other words. Because Jesus is God, his words contain the same creative energy that formed the earth and breathed breath into human beings. If we open ourselves up to the words of Jesus, no matter how challenging they are, and if we believe him and act on his words, Jesus re-creates us shaping us into the people God intended us to be.
Read the following words of Jesus over a few times slowly: “…the very words I have spoken to you are spirit and life.”
Talk to Jesus about anything you are thinking or feeling, and notice if Jesus is directing you toward an action.
Peter’s response to Jesus at the end of this passage is entirely appropriate. There are many times in our lives when we will be disappointed, or hurt, or worse, and at times like that we can wonder if following Jesus is worth the effort. The response of Peter can be very helpful when we feel discouraged.
Take a moment to imagine you are in a spiritually discouraging place right now. Imagine Jesus asking you the question, “Are you also going to leave?” Then pray the words of Peter back to Jesus, “Lord, to whom would [I] go? You have the words that give eternal life. [I] believe, and [I] know you are the Holy One of God.”
You might want to memorize these words to use the next time you face discouragement.
Subscribe here to receive these guided meditations free by email Monday-Friday each week. If you find these meditations helpful, please forward them to a couple of friends.
The Everyday Jesus Follower’s Guide ebook can help you learn how to recognize God's voice, how to read and understand the Bible, how to develop deep spiritual friendships, and how to become the person you were meant to be. Use it alone, with a friend or in a small group.
