YOU HAVE THE WORDS OF ETERNAL LIFE

John 6:41-71 Lesson #17

Key Verse: 6:68

This Jewish crowd tasted the grace of God when they ate the bread Jesus provided. But instead of joyfully and gratefully seeking the Giver, they greedily and grumbly sought more gifts. Because they allowed materialism to come in and control their minds, they could not think about spiritual things. In verse 41-66 there is a progressive turning away from Jesus. In verse 41 the Jews grumble because Jesus said, "I am the bread that came down from heaven." They saw him only from a human point of view. "He is the son of Joseph." In verse 52, after listening to his explanation, they began to argue angrily. In verse 60, his disciples (not including the 12) did not accept his words. They said, "His teaching is too hard." In verse 66, many made a decision to turn back from following him, and they left.

Just what was he teaching them that was so hard for them to accept? In verses 41-51 Jesus points out their problem. They are materialists. They do not accept the fact that there is a spiritual world; they deny spiritual reality. If a man does not believe in spiritually things, then he does not believe in God. Furthermore he does not respond to the gentle leading of God's spirit. He will not learn from God, whom he cannot see or touch. If one takes Jesus' words literally, they are indeed hard to take. "The bread which I will give him is my flesh, which I give so that the world may live." "How can this man give us his flesh to eat?"

In verses 52-59 Jesus' teaching is direct and personal. "Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood live sin me and I live in him." (56) Jesus death becomes effective for me when I receive his body and blood personally. Jesus not only died for the sins of the world, so that all the world may live, but he also died for me. When I receive him personally, I live. I must personally live in Jesus and he in me if I am to possess the life he came to give. I must feed on him--meet him every day and refresh my heart in him.

Jesus' disciples have received his words in their hearts. His word has given them life. They are bound to Jesus. They cannot leave him. "Lord, you have the words of eternal life. ..To whom can we go?" "We believe and know..." (68)

But the disease of materialism is pervasive. Even one of the 12 would betray Jesus for money. This knowledge caused Jesus pain. Materialism continues to be a problem for us. When we allow a money problem to occupy our minds--or a physical or human problem to take root in our hearts, we find that our understanding of spiritual things is dulled.

We must believe God, even though we cannot see him. We must acknowledge and follow the gentle leading of his Spirit. We must plant the word of life deep in our hearts. I must accept Jesus' blood which was shed for me and believe that my sins are cleansed and forgiven. I must live in Jesus and thank him for living in me.