God’s Word of Life
Introduction
John 6:60-71: Today’s reading concludes the discourse that began with verse 25 (see yesterday’s reading). Jesus is aware that there are those in the crowd who will choose to turn away. Jesus says that the words he speaks bring God’s life-giving Spirit, and Simon Peter affirms that Jesus is the Holy One who has come from God.
Scripture Reading
The Words of Eternal Life
60Many of his followers heard this and said, “This teaching is too hard. Who can listen to it?”
61Without being told, Jesus knew that they were grumbling about this, so he said to them, “Does this make you want to give up? 62Suppose, then, that you should see the Son of Man go back up to the place where he was before? 63 What gives life is God’s Spirit; human power is of no use at all. The words I have spoken to you bring God’s life-giving Spirit. 64Yet some of you do not believe.” (Jesus knew from the very beginning who were the ones that would not believe and which one would betray him.) 65And he added, “This is the very reason I told you that no people can come to me unless the Father makes it possible for them to do so.”
66Because of this, many of Jesus’ followers turned back and would not go with him any more. 67So he asked the twelve disciples, “And you—would you also like to leave?”
68 Simon Peter answered him, “Lord, to whom would we go? You have the words that give eternal life. 69And now we believe and know that you are the Holy One who has come from God.”
70Jesus replied, “I chose the twelve of you, didn’t I? Yet one of you is a devil!” 71He was talking about Judas, the son of Simon Iscariot. For Judas, even though he was one of the twelve disciples, was going to betray him.
Today’s Key Verse: John 6:68b
“Lord, to whom would we go? You have the words that give eternal life.”
Reflect
Why did some of Jesus’s followers turn away (verse 60)? What did Simon Peter say (verse 68)? What is your understanding of “the words that give eternal life”?
Pray
Lord Jesus, I believe and know that you are the Holy One who has come from God. I trust in you, knowing that you have the words that give eternal life. Amen.
Tomorrow’s Reading
Luke 7:1-17: Jesus heals a Roman officer’s servant and restores a widow’s son to life.