On hearing it, many of his disciples said, “This is a hard teaching. Who can accept it?”61 Aware that his disciples were grumbling about this, Jesus said to them, “Does this offend you? 62 Then what if you see the Son of Man ascend to where he was before! 63 The Spirit gives life; the flesh counts for nothing. The words I have spoken to you—they are full of the Spirit[e] and life. 64 Yet there are some of you who do not believe.” For Jesus had known from the beginning which of them did not believe and who would betray him.
John 6:60-64 ESV
“This is a hard teaching. Who can accept it?”. (v60) People could accept the miracle of the feeding of five thousand with five loaves and two fish, but they couldn’t accept that the same miracle maker is the one from heaven and gives eternal life to those who believe. They wanted to make Jesus king (John 6:15), but they refused to fully submit to the words of the King. It is true that the words of God are sweeter than honey (Psalm 119:103), but it’s also true that His words are sharper than the double-edge sword (Hebrews 4:12). There are hard truths in God’s words that must be submitted to, even if we don’t understand or like them. People were following Jesus when they were filled by the bread, but they turned away when the words were hard to take. Am I going to Jesus for His bread and honey-like words only? Do I only live on the easy truths and ignore the hard ones? Am I willing to acknowledge God’s sovereignty and receive His words with a humbling heart even at times when I don’t understand or agree? “The words I have spoken to you—they are full of the Spirit and life.” (v63) When we receive His words, we receive the Spirit and life, and that’s the promise from the miracle maker, the promise keeper, and our King. “All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work. (2 Tim 3:16-17). One last note – healthy foods are not always tasty 🤪. Likewise, hard truths are needed for our spiritual growth. May the Holy Spirit continue to teach us His words, grow our faith, so that we can trust, receive, and treasure His word with a humble and obedient heart!
Dear Lord, thank you for giving us your words, they are full of the Spirit and life. Help me to learn and submit to all of your words with a humble and obedient heart.
Raisins & Apples Bible Devotional & more 