John 6:63 – Hard Truth

“The Spirit alone gives eternal life. Human effort accomplishes nothing. And the very words I have spoken to you are spirit and life.” (John 6:63)

This verse isn’t giving us the okay to be lazy. Far from it! Jesus is really challenging us here to accept the hard truths he spoke about while he walked this earth. Jesus knew we humans would try to impress him, doing great things, thinking we could earn our way into heaven. That’s not how it works.

Context (John 6): A lot happens in Chapter 6 of John’s gospel. We find the accounts of the feeding of the 5,000, of Jesus walking on water, and of Jesus explaining he is the bread of life. This is significant because Jesus explains some really hard concepts difficult for most to accept. If he is the bread of life coming down from heaven, how can he also be from Nazareth? Jesus began to lose followers whose faith was not ready to believe all that he had to say. That’s where our verse comes in as Jesus further clarifies in verse 66 that “people can’t come to me unless the Father gives them to me.”

Do you tend to give up when the going gets rough? Or do you tough it out, seeking an explanation or solution to make it understandable? The disciples were questioning and leaving Jesus because they either didn’t understand what Jesus was talking about or thought he was talking nonsense. Sometimes we read the Bible and scratch our heads, wondering about what we just read, what does it mean, or why is it included in the Bible? Does that mean we discount it when it’s hard truth?

Jesus calls out the reality of human weakness and limitation. I think God made us that way on purpose so that we would need to depend on him for our lives. Yet, these limits often hold us back from living the life God intends. Too many people get caught up in the unfairness of the world, even as wee children wanting all the toys. God looks at the big picture and has offered us so many clues in his Word, if only we pay attention.

Jesus’ teachings are spirit and life. His words have the power to transform and create a new life in each of us. That’s how Paul describes it to the Corinthians when he wrote, “This means that anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. The old life is gone; a new life has begun!” (2 Corinthians 5:17). I like that verse a lot and the promise it holds. Our new life begins when we accept Jesus, his hard truths and all. The world will rebel, but we don’t have to.

Our human effort or attempts to figure it out will fail. We need only rely on the Holy Spirit to guide and reveal the real truth, even when it’s not “popular.” Shouldn’t we be more concerned with tapping into the Spirit’s truth and stop trying to figure it out alone?

Let’s pray. Lord, King of the Universe, thank you for being my example to follow. I want to live my life in a manner that brings glory to you. Help me not cling to all the troubles and challenges in my life. Just as those times may be difficult, help me to understand your Word and always apply your teachings to my life. Forgive me for if I am slow to respond in the way you see as best for me. Thank you for being patient with me and loving me in my mess. In Jesus’ name. Amen.