Hard Teachings
HARD TEACHINGS
JOHN 6:60-71
Some disciples now faced up to the real issues of faith and life.
Jesus’ ministry has already for some time been causing controversy with “the Jews.” Now dissension comes to the disciples as well. There were clearly a good number of people who followed Jesus in some way or other during his ministry, for he was able to send out seventy on a mission as his representatives (Luke 10:1). Amongst those associated with him would be some whose commitment was very loose or who had badly mistaken ideas of what sort of ministry the Messiah would have. Possibly we can hardly understand the “cultural shock” on men with the traditional Jewish background of allegiance to the law, religious observances and good works. Instead, Christ claimed their complete loyalty to himself as the repository of spiritual life. The harshness of his statements shocked them because of their materialism and maybe also because of their implication that life came through death. To their objections Jesus makes a two-fold reply. On the one hand, the return of the Son of Man to heaven, after his death and resurrection, will show them the true meaning of what he is talking about. On the other hand, they had left the Spirit out of account. He is not talking about anything merely carnal nor is he offering automatic salvation through mechanical participation in a sacred meal. The Spirit gave life and the word he spoke was the living interpretation of this figure. But because they did not believe it was lost upon them.
We are now faced clearly with the issue of faith and unbelief amongst his disciples. Jesus knew who would be faithful, and true faith was the gift of the Father. Some separated themselves from him at this stage. But disloyalty and unbelief have gone further. The Twelve are now challenged about their position. Simon confesses him on their behalf as the Holy One of God, but even then Jesus must describe one of them as “a devil.”
Notice the great place that testimony is given in John’s Gospel (6:68f., cf. 1:29-36,41,45; 4:29). Has this any significance for us? Observe, too, that opposition often serves to clarify truth and sharpen our awareness that Christ is what he claims to be, the one Source of true satisfaction.
Notes 6:60: the NEB paraphrases: “This is more than we can stomach! Why listen to such words?” There are many truths which we find it no easier to receive. 6:67: this is the first mention of “the Twelve” as such. Jesus uses the expression in 6:70 to emphasize the fact of their being the chosen inner circle. The evangelist repeats the phrase in 6:71 to show the tragedy of the betrayal (cf. Mark 14:10,20,43). In the Greek these words come with vivid dramatic effect at the very end of the sentence. The problems of predestination and moral responsibility and their relationship are found in as acute form in the case of Judas as anywhere in the Bible.