A Call to Endurance

John 6:60–71 (ESV)

When many of his disciples heard it, they said, “This is a hard saying; who can listen to it?”

But Jesus, knowing in himself that his disciples were grumbling about this, said to them, “Do you take offense at this? Then what if you were to see the Son of Man ascending to where he was before? It is the Spirit who gives life; the flesh is no help at all.

The words that I have spoken to you are spirit and life. But there are some of you who do not believe.” (For Jesus knew from the beginning who those were who did not believe, and who it was who would betray him.)

And he said, “This is why I told you that no one can come to me unless it is granted him by the Father.”

After this many of his disciples turned back and no longer walked with him. So Jesus said to the twelve, “Do you want to go away as well?”

Simon Peter answered him, “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.”

Jesus answered them, “Did I not choose you, the twelve? And yet one of you is a devil.” He spoke of Judas the son of Simon Iscariot, for he, one of the twelve, was going to betray him.

As if the previous discourse of Jesus wasnt hard enough, The drinking of the blood and eating of His flesh was going to far.

The OT spoke harshly of NEVER drink blood- Either from animal or human and the eating of others flesh was considered to be a hostile act against them- Not a sacrificial one.

Although not named, many of His followers were repelled by this new teaching and could not bring themselves to acceptance of it.

It brings to mind in Mark 8, Jesus questioning the 12 Disciples as to who the people were saying Jesus was.

After several options were offered, Jesus asks them, “But who do you say that I am?”

As in Marks Gospel, Peter, again has the answer.

In Mark 8, Peter declares, “You are the Christ!”

Here Jesus gives them an out… As the multitude of followers dwindles...

“Do you want to go away as well?”

Peter, in V-61, “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.”

Perseverance in our Faith is easy to talk about, far more difficult to walk it out daily.

In C.S. Lewis' 'The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe', the character Aslan represents Christ, returning to defeat the White Witch.

After enduring pain and sacrifice, Aslan rises again, symbolizing hope and redemption.

This powerful narrative reflects our own journey with Christ, as we may face trials, but through Him, we can rise anew. Just like the children in the story, our faith can lead us from darkness into the light of His love.

Belief and Faith should not waver based on circumstances or conditions.

Holding to the Truth can and will be difficult as the world does not like to be reminded of its willful rebellion towards God.

We must always trust in His ways, His Identity, His mission.- Its not about us.

In the face of difficult doctrines- Spiritual Discernment and Clarity of mind is of utmost importance.

Let’s look at this in three parts:

1- Struggling yet Standing Firm

Jesus’ teachings often challenge us and provoke a response

2- Strength through the Spirit

We will explore the important role the Holy Spirit plays in understanding Christ’s difficult words

3- Grounded in Salvation

The importance of Peters confession that only Jesus has the words of Eternal Life

Vvs 60-62- Struggling yet Standing Firm

Jesus’ mode of teaching was to often challenge the current thinking of His listeners and then provoke a response from them.

The idea of Drinking His blood and eating His flesh was more than just a culture shock- It cut against everything they had been taught in the OT Law.

The restrictions on drinking of blood were strict and according to Lev 3, Binding FOREVER, WHEREVER they pitched their tents and made their dwelling places.

Knowing their hearts, Jesus Challenges the Disciples that if this concept is offensive to them, how much more an affront will Christs Ascension back to Heaven be?

John, once again, uses the illustration of Jesus’ coming Ascension as a metaphor for His being lifted up on the Cross. Something else the Disciples are not prepared for.

This discourse now completes Johns connecting the dots between the Cross, Resurrection and ascension as the Full and Complete Glorification of Jesus’ finished work of salvation for all.

Trusting God fully, means pushing through the tough times,even when we dont understand, having Faith that He knows what is best for us and will never lead us astray.

If distractions of daily life are an issue, make it a point to set aside a specific time for prayer, Bible study and family devotions.

It is a simple fact that the more you know the Word, the more it will impact your life for the better.

In the early 1900s, a young man named Robert Moffat, a missionary in Africa, aimed to bring the gospel to the tribal people.

He faced overwhelming challenges and dangers, but he remained steadfast in love and belief. Eventually, his efforts bore fruit as entire communities came to faith.

His story echoes the timeless call for us to act in faith, reminding us that love and perseverance can change lives, no matter the odds.

Vvs 63-65 Strength through the Spirit

As Peter had confirmed to Jesus, “ You have the words of eternal life, and we have believed, and have come to know, that you are the Holy One of God.”

It was the Spirit of God that revealed this and opened Peters heart and Soul to the Truth.

It is the Spirit, and living in the Spirit that gives life, living in the flesh and for the flesh profits nothing.

It takes Divine Revelation to understand the challenging parts of Scripture.

And many times, full disclosure and comprehension will not happen this side of Heaven.

This is a constant frustration for humanity, who wants to know and understand everything.

Our Strength lies not in our knowing or understanding, but rather in Gods empowering Spirit and His guidance in our lives.

Some in the Orthodox church would try to make literal point of the importance of the Eucharist or Holy Communion.

Jesus clarifies that taking His words literally is not the point.

Communion is not some mystical conjuring of the Flesh and Blood of the Messiah.

It is the Holy Spirit that is the life giving gift.

Just as with Nicodemus and the Samaritan Woman, what they sought after could not be found in the physical world.

They knew they were thirsty and hungry, what they did not realize was their need was for a Spiritual New Birth and the thirst quenching taste of Living Water.

This teaching does cause many of Jesus’ followers to turn away and leave the presence of God.

Humanity is still doing the same thing today. Seeking and searching for anything and everything for self-gratification and self indulgence without finding real Truth, Rest or Peace.

Vvs 66-71 Grounded in Salvation

In another turning point of Jesus ministry, as they crowd breaks up and goes their separate ways, Peter stands firm with a profound declaration.

“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.”

The title used by Peter in the original Greek means “Holy One” and is used elsewhere in the Gospels only as the Demons Identify Jesus (Mark 1, and Luke 4) as “The Holy One of God”

It is, however, used over 30 times in Isaiah as “The Holy One of Israel”, the Defender and Redeemer of His people.

In Matt 16, Jesus commends Peter for this acknowledgement, “Blessed are you, Simon, son of Jonah, for this was not revealed to you by man, but by my Father in Heaven.”

Peter, despite his future failings, is already embracing the the authority of Christ and accepting His teachings. Regardless of how tough they may be.

This is the beginnings of all discipleship.

The deeper things of Christ and the totality of Scripture cannot be accepted by anyone outside of those called by God.

This is a central focus of the Apostle John and will come up numerous times across the this Gospel.

Consider the biblical story of Lazarus, who was raised from the dead after being in the tomb for four days.

Martha's initial hesitation illustrates our human doubts. Yet, Jesus' command transformed despair into belief, showcasing His authority over death.

This powerful moment serves as a reminder that no situation is beyond God's reach and that He calls us to trust in His plan, even when our circumstances appear hopeless.

We cannot hold to the eternal truths of God or the certainty of Jesus’ teachings without submitting to the power of God, embrace it and allow God to empower us through the Holy Spirit.

Upon hear hard teachings,

Some run away- Attempting to avoid the conflict that comes from such challenges,

Some will stay and argue- Trying to prove a point or score some type of intellectual points.

Other become like Judas, who seeing his plans of a rebellion against the Roman Empire not coming together in Jesus- He plots to destroy the one thing that threatens him the most- A God of Love and Grace.

Much like Jonah, Judas did not like God’s plan of redemption as much as Judas liked his plan of rebellion.

Whether it be in the workplace or the public square, if anyone struggles with being inconsistent in your faith commitment, or in facing challenges that test your Christian values...

By actively working in servant serving outreaches, either through your local church or other community resources, Keep yourself engaged in ministry and sharing by helping others that are in need.

This allows each of us to demonstrate to others, the Love, Grace and Mercy of God.

While reinforcing those very things in our own hearts.

Closing Prayer:

Lord, thank you for your words of eternal life.

Help us to persevere in our faith, even when faced with difficult teachings or challenging circumstances.

May your Holy Spirit guide us, strengthen us, and reveal your truths to us.

Give us the courage to stand firm in our faith and to serve others in your name. Amen.