A Study Of John 6:35-47
A study of John 6:35-47 reveals the call of God and security of believers, Jesus’ obedience to God’s will, and a consistent message of belief in Jesus for eternal life.
A study of John 6:35-47 reveals the call of God and security of believers
But I said to you that you have seen me and yet do not believe. All that the Father gives me will come to me, and whoever comes to me I will never cast out. (ESV, John 6:36-37)
A crowd of people had been following Jesus, mostly to watch him perform miracles. But he offered much more than that. And reminds them in V.35 that those who believe in him will have their spiritual hunger and thirst satisfied. Then he acknowledges in V.36 that many who saw his miraculous works, still didn’t believe in him. And it raises the question: why do some people believe in Jesus and others don’t? Especially, when everyone has the same opportunity to listen, observe, and respond to him. Jesus answers the question in V.37. People who believe are the ones the Father gives me. And he clarifies it further in V.44. No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws him.
The Greek word for “draw” is helkysē, which means to drag, draw, and pull. It presents the idea of moving against resistance. God’s Spirit doesn’t just invite us to believe in Jesus. But moves us toward him.
When you hear God’s voice
This means the decision to follow Jesus is not solely on human volition. Where we intellectually consider the facts and decide on our own. It is a faith decision that extends beyond the physical realm to the spiritual realm. And involves spiritual intervention. God himself draws us to Jesus through the work of his Spirit. The Apostle Paul put it this way.
And those whom he predestined he also called, and those whom he called he also justified, and those whom he justified he also glorified. (ESV, Romans 8:30)
Some people mistakenly think they can believe in Jesus at any time. Enjoy life on their own terms and decide to follow Jesus near the end of life so they can enter heaven. But scripture suggests otherwise. Therefore, if you sense the Spirit of God calling you to believe in Jesus, make an immediate decision. Don’t assume it’s an open invitation to accept at your convenience. However, when you turn to him, Jesus welcomes you with open arms.
And whoever comes to me I will never cast out. (ESV, John 6:37b)
A study of John 6:35-47 reveals Jesus’ obedience to God’s will
For this is the will of my Father, that everyone who looks on the Son and believes in him should have eternal life, and I will raise him up on the last day. (ESV, John 6:40)
Jesus explains the reason he came from heaven. Not to do his will, but the will of the father. And it is the father’s will that everyone who believes in Jesus receives eternal life and is resurrected on the last day.
Ironically, no one in the crowd argued against the divine source of power in Jesus’ miracles. But they suddenly questioned his claim of coming from heaven. Because they all knew he was the son of Joseph and Mary. And watched him grow up with all the other children in town. Perhaps, there were also lingering rumors and questions around the betrothed pregnancy of his mother. But conception of a virgin by the Holy Spirit was not one of them.
Did the unbelievers reject him because he didn’t offer enough miraculous proof? Maybe he was too human for them to believe he was God? Or was it simply an excuse? And what reasons do people give for rejecting Jesus today? Fortunately, God’s will does not change. He wills that we all believe in Jesus and receive eternal life. And when we follow him, Jesus secures us until the day of resurrection.
A study of John 6:35-47 reveals a consistent message of belief in Jesus for eternal life.
Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever believes has eternal life. (ESV, John 6:47)
Jesus ends the passage where he began. Telling the crowd to believe in him for eternal life. And his consistent message is proclaimed throughout the New Testament. The Greek word for “believes” is pisteuō, which means to believe, to entrust oneself, rely upon, and have faith in. It’s more than intellectual assent. But means personally trusting and relying on the one you believe in. And it is not one and done but ongoing belief.
However, the repetition didn’t drive home the message. Instead, it made the people grumble. Why? Because they didn’t believe he came down from heaven or they finally realized all his talk about bread was symbolic. It represented spiritual belief in him rather than actual bread. And meant they weren’t getting a lifelong food supply.
In V.45 Jesus’ words “And they will all be taught by God” refers to Isaiah 54:13. All your children shall be taught by the Lord, and great shall be the peace of your children. It supports and further elaborates on V.44. God draws people to believe in Jesus, not just through the voice of his Spirit. But also, the illuminated truth of God’s word.
About Chip Tudor:
Chip Tudor is an author, blogger and professional writer. He publishes books, humorous Christian drama, and thought provoking blogs from a Christian worldview. This blog is originally published here.
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