Read John 6:52-69
In this passage, Jesus addresses the crowds that have gathered as a result of the various “signs” that he has performed. There was a large crowd following Jesus at this point and Jesus knew that there was a mixture of motivations for people who were following him. Some were following Jesus out of curiosity, some were following Jesus because they were hoping to receive an earthly blessing from him, and some were following Jesus because he had words of eternal life.
In order to understand this passage, it is important to place it in the larger context of John writing down the signs that Jesus did during his life so that people might believe that he was the Son of God and have eternal life. This was also Jesus’ aim during his ministry. He was not motivated by creating a buzz or in drawing a large crowd of people who were curious or interested in Jesus. Rather, he was consumed by a desire to speak life to all of the people who had been given to him by the Father. In John 6:37 we see the confidence that Jesus has in the efficacy of his ministry: “All that the Father give me will come to me, and whoever comes to me I will never cast out.” This promise is a precious gem to all who believe in Christ. We are enabled and empowered to come to Jesus because we are first given (from eternity) by the Father, and all who Jesus receives he keeps. There is an eternal certainty in our faith in Christ. It is not dependent on anything we do but only by the perfect and wise will of God, Father, Son, and Spirit.
After Jesus has explained what he means by “eating” and “drinking” of him, there are many “disciples” who fail to understand the radical dependence that they are being called into. Indeed, this becomes a “hard saying, who can listen to it?” These “disciples” clearly thought they had other options. This metaphorical language was too “hard” for them because they didn’t really need Jesus. This is in contrast to Peter’s answer, “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.”
This contrast between true belief and false belief hinges on the will of God, and the perseverance of the believer. False belief falls away and does not follow Jesus. True belief perseveres, and though it might fall and fail, in the end God graciously sustains it and Jesus does not cast them out. This is illustrated beautifully in the life of Peter, who though he makes this confession here, fails as Jesus’ need for him is greatest, and is finally embraced by the resurrected Christ.
Questions
What are some ways that we can discern true belief in Jesus from false belief in Jesus?
How does Jesus’ words about all those who are given by the Father, and only those, comfort you? How does it challenge a man-centered version of salvation?
Meditate on John 6:37. What specific situations in your life does this verse speak to with power and grace?
Why do you think Jesus decided to give this teaching at this point in his ministry?
How does the metaphor of eating Jesus’ flesh and drinking Jesus’ blood help us understand true faith?