Reflection on John 6:60–71
Scripture to Hold On To
“Simon Peter answered Him, ‘Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life. We have come to believe and to know that You are the Holy One of God.’”
— John 6:68–69
When the Teachings Feel Too Hard
Have you ever reached a point in your walk with God when His Word felt overwhelming? Was it too confusing? Did it feel too demanding? Many of Jesus’ disciples faced the same struggle in John 6. Some walked away. Others stayed. This passage challenges us. We need to reflect on whether we truly believe that Jesus alone has the words of eternal life. Do we still believe this even when following Him costs us something?
“Salvation is free, but discipleship will cost you your life.” — Dietrich Bonhoeffer (The Cost of Discipleship)
Truth That Cuts to the Heart
- Many of Jesus’ followers grumbled when He revealed Himself as the Bread of Life.
- They were offended, confused, and unwilling to accept His teaching.
- Jesus reminded them: “The Spirit gives life; the flesh counts for nothing. The words I have spoken to you—they are full of the Spirit and life.”
- Some did not believe, and many walked away.
- Jesus asked the Twelve if they wanted to leave, too. Peter declared that there was no other way, for Jesus is the Holy One of God.
- Even among the chosen Twelve, one would betray Him.
Why Some Walked Away
This passage reminds me that faith is not simply about hearing Jesus’ words. It is about the Father enabling us to truly come to Him (John 6:65). The crowd left because their hearts were not prepared to believe. The Twelve stayed because they recognized the truth, even when they did not fully understand.
I see myself in both groups. At times, I was like the crowd—distant, stubborn, and offended by God’s ways. In His perfect timing, the Father enabled me to understand something profound about Jesus. He is not just someone to call upon in times of need. He is the very Bread of Life who sustains my soul.
My Turning Point Story
As a child, I was taught to fear and respect God. However, I treated Him more like a genie. He was someone I turned to only when I needed something. As I grew older, I fell into compromises and drifted with the current of sin. Eventually, God allowed painful wake-up calls to pull me back.
In 2006, I reached one of my lowest points. I felt lost, restless, and even considered seeking professional help because I couldn’t understand what was happening within me. But God had a different plan. Through a cousin, He led me to a church where worship pierced my heart. I wept, feeling like the prodigal child welcomed home. The preacher’s message felt like it was spoken directly to me. That day, I realized: God was not calling me to religion—He was calling me to a relationship.
Since then, I joined a discipleship group and committed to walking with Him. There has been no turning back.
Lessons We Can Take Today
When following Jesus feels hard, here’s what we can remember and practice:
- Anchor your faith in Jesus’ words. Like Peter, hold on to the truth that only He has eternal life.
- Ask God to enable your heart. We cannot come to Jesus on our own strength; it is the Father who draws us near.
- Embrace relationship, not religion. Don’t treat God like a genie—seek an intimate walk with Him daily.
- Persevere through the hard teachings. Growth often happens when we wrestle with the Word and choose to stay.
- Stay connected in the community. Joining a discipleship group or fellowship strengthens us when we feel like giving up.
A Prayer for Endurance
Heavenly Father, thank You for enabling me to come to Jesus. Thank You for rescuing me from drifting with the flow of the world. Thank You for giving me new life in Christ. Help me to stay anchored in Your truth, even when it feels difficult. Teach me to follow Jesus with full devotion and to help others walk with Him, too. In Jesus’ name, amen.
Pause and Journal
Think about a moment when obeying Jesus felt hard or confusing. What kept you from walking away? Write about how God sustained you during that season.
Your Story Matters Too
Have you ever faced a time when Jesus’ words felt difficult, yet you chose to stay? How did God reveal Himself to you in that season? Share your story—it may inspire someone else not to give up.
“The words of Christ are not only true, they are life itself. When you cannot understand, trust. When you cannot see, believe.” — Charles Spurgeon
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