60 When many of his disciples heard it, they said, “This is a hard saying; who can listen to it?” 61 But Jesus, knowing in himself that his disciples were grumbling about this, said to them, “Do you take offense at this? 62 Then what if you were to see the Son of Man ascending to where he was before?

63 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. 64 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.) 65 And he said, “This is why I told you that no one can come to me unless it is granted him by the Father.”

John 6:60-65 (ESV)

Final thoughts

We’ve been looking the past few days at the topic of partaking in Jesus’ body and blood and whether it’s literal or figurative. This passage further clarifies that it’s figurative eating and drinking, not literal. Flesh counts for nothing; His words are spiritual.

When we believe and abide in Jesus, we partake of him. As noted yesterday, his disciples were repulsed (offended) at this teaching – so much so verse 66 records that “After this many of his disciples turned back and no longer walked with him.”

Jesus says that if they get offended at this teaching, what will they do when they see Him return to heaven? (Acts 1:9-12) Thankfully, a few years transpired before then so their faith could be developed and matured to receive the event. 

The Father grants

Let’s focus our attention on verse 65. Jesus already shared this truth in verse 44: “No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws him”. He repeats this truth to make sure we understand. When we discussed verse 44, I shared this quote from (Clarke’s commentary): “Unless God thus draw, no man will ever come to Christ; because none could, without this drawing, ever feel the need of a Saviour.”  God initiates with a gift. We respond, in faith, followed by works.

Jesus knows

One fact that might get lost in the shuffle is, Jesus knows. You see in vers 61 that Jesus knew the disciples were grumbling. It wasn’t just from their outward appearance but Jesus “knew in himself” which likely means he had special spiritual insight. Then in verse 64 we see that Jesus knew, prophetically, who did not believe and even who would betray him. 

<- Reflection ->

• Have you believed in Jesus? Is God drawing you? Has He granted you to believe? Consider believing  in Jesus.